Hebridean Times Cycling Over Year of Coast
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Hebridean Times Cycling Over Year of Coast What’s New The Minch and Waters 2020 for 2021
The heBRIDeAN TIMeS
Contents
View from the Bridge 4
Kirk blacker, Chief Officer
Year of Coast and 5
Waters 2020
What’s New for 2021 6
News in Brief 7
2020 Wave awards
Life is For Living show
Crew News 8-9
david indge, Chief Purser
2020 European
River Cruises
10-11
5
Cycling Over The Minch 12-13
with Chris Boardman
Meet the Team 14
Captain david Kirkwood
Sea-Changers 15
Word Search Competition 16
14 Captain Kirkwood
4 Dry Dock
When you have finished reading
this newsletter, please recycle.
12-13 " #!"#"
2 01756 704704
SPRING 2020
Welcome to the
Spring 2020 edition of
The hebridean Times
in a few days, Hebridean Princess will emerge from her
winter re-fit and set sail from Greenock on the Clyde to
commence her 32nd season. Over the winter, our
engineers and deck crew have been busy undertaking
essential maintenance and ensuring all is in full working
order, whilst our housekeepers and hotel staff have
been hard at work cleaning and polishing the front of
house areas in readiness to welcome our first guests of
the year.
although our 2020 season is about to commence, we
are already looking forward to next year and our 2021
Cruise Collection on board both Hebridean Princess
Luskentyre Beach, Harris
and Royal Crown. We always strive to keep our
itineraries fresh and exciting to tempt new guests to
experience the delights of a Hebridean cruise, whilst
also introducing new destinations and themed cruises
for the many loyal guests who cruise with us regularly.
a sneak preview of what’s new is included on page 12.
Our crew news focuses on the retirement of david
indge as Chief Purser on board Hebridean Princess, but
for those who would love the opportunity to sail with
dave one last time, don’t worry, as he will accompany
all the european river cruises on Royal Crown which are
featured on pages 10 and 11.
i do hope you enjoy this edition of The Hebridean
Times and that we have the opportunity to welcome
you on board Hebridean Princess or Royal Crown for a
memorable and relaxing holiday very soon.
Louise Pratt
Hebridean Times editor
8-9
David Indge
www.hebridean.co.uk 3
The heBRIDeAN TIMeS
View from the Bridge by Kirk blacker, Chief Officer
Kirk Blacker, Chief Officer
R
efit is once again upon us and the ship’s
Deck and Engine Officers, Maintenance
supervisors, Able Bodied Seamen and
external contractors are working towards the
common goal of preparing the ship in readiness
for surveys, inspections and sea trials prior to
the start of the season.
As I write this, we are currently lying alongside the James
Watt Dock, having completed our annual dry dock. During
this dry dock, planned maintenance works were
completed on the bow, propellers, anchors and void
spaces. The ship’s hull and superstructure have been
carefully prepared and painted, including a selection of
her internal tanks. A range of windows have been
removed and re-sealed, with work also undertaken on the
ship’s tenders to ensure they remain fit for the coming
year’s workload.
On the Bridge, the Chadburn telegraphs have also
recently been serviced, so be sure to listen out for a
renewed ringing in the Tiree Lounge during manoeuvres.
All of this, and much more behind the scenes work, takes
place in preparation for sea trials. Sea trials are completed
on the Clyde and are the day on which our Classification
society (Lloyd’s Register) and Flag state (the Maritime
and Coastguard Agency) attend the ship to confirm that
all is as it should be, and that everything conforms with
the high standards which they set.
Once the sea trials are complete, the hard work still
continues as it is time to prepare the ship for guests.
Anyway must dash, lots to do and sea trials have been
booked. We don’t want to be late for Lloyds and the MCA!
4 01756 704704
SPRING 2020
Year of Coast and Waters 2020
2020 has been designated the year to and locals alike, so it's fitting that we have a full-year
celebrate Scotland's remarkable coasts placing them in the spotlight. Scotland's distinctive
and waters. scenery, landscape and our unique history and culture
continue to remain the key motivations that drive visits
From water inspired myths and legends to historic
to the country, so the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020
harbours, sweeping coastlines and the very best in
presents a fantastic opportunity to play to our
seafood, whisky and wildlife - Scotland's enviable
strengths."
reputation for unspoiled beaches, rich natural and
cultural heritage and thrill-seeking adventure activities See Scotland from a different perspective - from the
will be showcased through a year-long programme of deck of Hebridean Princess. exploring some of the
events and activities. magnificent coastline and myriad islands by boat is an
incredible experience that will stay with you for years.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief executive of VisitScotland,
enjoy delicious local seafood and a wee dram made with
said: "From fishing and textiles, to whisky and wave
water from the seas and streams, uncover the secrets of
power, Scotland's waters have shaped our history and
remote islands, relax with a spot of fishing in one of the
influenced our culture, our stories and our way of life."
sea lochs, or simply drink in the ever-changing views as
"Our coasts and waters are host to an amazing array of you cruise through some of the most stunning scenery in
riches and are greatly valued and cherished by visitors the British Isles.
North Beach, Iona
5
The heBRIDeAN TIMeS
What’s New for 2021
For the first time since 2018, our 2021 schedule will see us
exploring the south coast of england, the Channel Islands,
the coast of northern France and Belgium. The voyage
south from our home port of Oban will include Northern
Ireland, Southern Ireland and an extended visit to the Isles
of Scilly en route to Portland, our summer home, for a series
of exciting expeditions around the fringes of the english
Channel. Returning north, via Lundy Island and Wales, we
will arrive back to our home waters off Scotland’s west
coast in the late summer in time to experience the glorious
colours of autumn.
A host of off the beaten track Scottish visits and ports of
call will be incorporated, whilst our ever-popular ‘Footloose’
walking options are available on no less than 4 cruises.
Themed itineraries have been specially devised for those
with an interest in wildlife, gardens, golf or food and drink.
Our 2021 Cruise Collection is due to be released in April,
however it is possible to register your interest in a
particular cruise by calling our experienced reservations
Hebridean Princess, River Thames
team on 01756 704704 to make a no-obligation provisional
reservation on your preferred cabin.
For our 10th season of european river cruises we are
delighted to announce that, for the first time, we will be
offering the opportunity to sail across the continent from
the North Sea to the Black Sea. This magnificent voyage
will encompass three of europe’s most famous waterways
- the Rhine, Main and Danube – and eight countries,
travelling 2,200 miles through europe to the Balkans.
Promising picturesque riverscapes at every bend,
centuries of intriguing history and culture will unfold
before your eyes as you travel in comfort and relaxing
style on board Royal Crown with the convenience of only
unpacking once!
We will also re-visit the scenic and tranquil Moselle valley
with two late summer cruises through the heart of europe
from Bavaria to Luxembourg, and from Luxembourg to
Alsace via the Moselle’s smaller sister, the River Saar. Like
a blue ribbon, the Moselle twists and turns its way
between Trier and Koblenz along one of Germany's most
beautiful river valleys lined with terraced vineyards. A
myriad of castles towering over romantic wine villages
line the banks of the river. Cochem, River Moselle
6 01756 704704
SPRING 2020
News in Brief
Now in its fifth year, the Wave Awards celebrate the very best in the UK
cruise travel industry, as voted by readers of World of Cruising
magazine. The Wave Awards recognise and reward excellence and
innovation in a business that is continuously evolving to deliver an
exceptional experience, both on board and ashore.
For the past year, avid cruisers have been casting their votes for their top ‘favourites’
for each of the seven public Wave Award categories, which include Favourite Ocean
Cruise Line, Favourite River Cruise Line and Favourite Cruise Destination, among
others. We can now reveal that hebridean Island Cruises has been shortlisted as a
finalist in the Best Specialist Cruise Line and Best for Solo Travellers categories.
Real Response Media group editor Colette Doyle said: “The Wave Awards is the highlight of
the cruise calendar and our shortlist demonstrates a wide breadth of success and
innovation across the sector… We wish all those on the list the best of luck.”
Real Response Media publishing director Peter Grant added: “The 2020 event
promises to be our biggest yet, with a first-class venue hosting a wonderful evening
of celebration.
“Winning a Wave Award is a prestigious acknowledgement of hard work, innovation
and teamwork, highlighting all those who strive, every day, to raise awareness of the
industry and entice more and more holidaymakers to book a cruise.
“I would personally like to thank everyone who entered and extend my best wishes to all
those on the shortlist.”
The winners will be announced on 2 April 2020 at an exclusive black-tie event in London.
LIFE IS FOR LIvING SHOw
This year we will be showcasing Hebridean Princess and Hebridean River Cruises at the Life is For
Living Show. Members of our experienced shore-based team will be available to answer any questions
you may have about cruising with Hebridean. We would love to meet you so please come along.
Life Is For Living presents organisations, seminars, workshops, samplings and demonstrations which will ensure you are
making the most of your assets, achieving your optimum lifestyle and inspire you to take advantage of the many and
varied opportunities to enjoy your leisure time.
Life is For Living will be open to visitors on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2020 between
10am - 4pm at Sandown Park, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9AJ.
To attend, please purchase tickets at: lifeisforlivingshow.co.uk/tickets
www.hebridean.co.uk 7
The heBRIDeAN TIMeS
Crew News
“Ladies and Gentlemen!
Dinner is now served in the Columba Restaurant.
And, don’t forget, whatever you choose – ENJOY!”
Just one of the memorable and heart-warming announcements
made by the exuberant Chief Purser, david indge, who, after 14 years
of working on board Hebridean Princess and entertaining guests, has
decided to retire from the role in order to spend more time with his
wife Pat and enjoy time in the garden.
Of his time on board, david said “i have met many wonderful people
and have worked with the most dedicated and committed team you
could ever imagine. i shall miss every one of them dearly.”
He added “although guests will no longer see me on board
Hebridean Princess, both Pat and i shall continue to oversee
Hebridean’s european river cruise programme on board Royal Crown
and i may occasionally find myself back on board “’HP” as relief
Chief Purser”.
david will be so fondly remembered for his after-dinner stories and
jokes, which have had so many people in tears of laughter over the
years, and he recounts his favourite in this article. if you have
travelled on board, you will probably recall this one being told –
numerous times!
not only has david been such a familiar face to so many of
Hebridean’s guests, he also found fame on the more 4 television
programme ‘richard Wilson’s Highland Fling’, when he was
interviewed by the veteran actor, richard Wilson himself, responding
to each question with huge enthusiasm and humour.
Thank you dave, for all you have done with such dedication. We will
all miss you enormously, but please don’t forget to leave your joke
book on board!
8 01756 704704
SPRING 2020
A Fond Farewell - David Indge, Chief Purser
It is easy to say that these last 14 years with Hebridean
Island Cruises have been the most enjoyable part of my
sea career and a great way to finish my life at sea.
i knew from the moment that i stepped on board Hebridean Princess
that this was a special ship which would suit me in all aspects of the
job and role i would perform.
The memories of where i have sailed with crew and guests will be
forever in my thoughts and some of which i should like to share
with you.
One of the most memorable moments i shall cherish, as an
experience and an honour, were the two royal Charters i sailed on.
being able to say i went on holiday with Hm The Queen and her
family is something very special.
The itineraries which Hebridean Princess undertakes have always
appealed to me, with the variety of destinations and visits we have
encountered. i have always loved staffa and the shiant isles with the
great birdlife, especially with the puffins during the months of may
and June.
Cruising the west coast of scotland, with islands of all shapes and
sizes, will always be magical to me, but it is the crew, guests and
guides of past and present who made the cruises so special. i should
like to thank all for what they have done and still do, with the great
support of all at skipton.
The images to the right are of the great team with which i have
worked closest and of one of the many times the Gazebo had a leg
stretch!
i don’t think there will be many who managed to escape one of
my after-dinner stories and i feel it only right to share with you
my favourite.
There were two American farmers
and the first says to the other
“What are them flies that keep buzzing round me”?
Second farmer says “Them flies are fuzzy flies”.
First farmer says “Ain’t they the flies that hang round
a horse’s backside and if so are you calling
me a horse’s backside”?
Second farmer says “I ain’t calling you a horse’s
backside but you can’t fool them fuzzy flies”!!!!!!
i am happy to say that i will be fulfilling my role as Hebridean Host on
board Royal Crown on the rivers of europe this year and may well see
some of you on board Hebridean Princess at some time in the future.
PS I forgot to mention,
“Whatever you do …………. ENJOY” !!!!!
Dave
www.hebridean.co.uk 9
IN
JO
2020 European
Blooming River Cruises
Marvellous!
TULIP TIME IN THE LOW LANDS - Amsterdam to Antwerp
wednesday 1st April to wednesday 8th April 2020
7 nights including 2 Gala Dinners The
Guest speaker – Sandy Primrose Netherlands
experience the glorious colour and scents of over 7 million AMSTERDAM
flowers in bloom at Keukenhof Gardens, the UnesCO World
ROTTERDAM UTRECHT
Heritage site of Kinderijjk, and the fascinating cities amsterdam,
rotterdam, bruges and Ghent. SCHOONHOVEN Germany
Travel Plan – 7 nights
ANTWERP
wednesday 1st April - UK / Amsterdam BRUGES
Rhi
GHENT
accompanied flight from London Heathrow to amsterdam or eurostar
ne
from st. Pancras to brussels and road transfer to amsterdam.
Thursday 2nd April – Amsterdam
U
CL SIV
EX
amsterdam - museum Van Loon visit and private reception.
E
amsterdam - national maritime museum. GEMS
Friday 3rd April – Utrecht / Keukenhof Gardens
Utrecht - Keukenhof Gardens.
Saturday 4th April – Schoonhoven / Kinderdijk
schoonhoven - The UnesCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk.
schoonhoven - Walking tour and dutch silver museum.
Sunday 5th April – Rotterdam
## " !#
rotterdam - City tour and harbour cruise.
Monday 6th April - Ghent / Bruges
! # "#!"#! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""! !#" !# """""
Twin Cabins £3,210
bruges – City tour and canal cruise.
bruges – Free time or chocolate tasting. Deluxe Cabin £3,570
Tuesday 7th April - Ghent Double Cabins Premium Cabin £4,470 £4,020
Ghent - City tour and st. bavo’s Cathedral Royal Suite £5,750 £5,175
Single Cabins Deluxe Cabin £4,460 £4,010
wednesday 8th April – Antwerp / UK
Transfer to brussels airport or brussels midi railway station for the
return journey to the UK.
FLAVOURS OF THE LOW COUNTRIES AT EASTER TIME - Antwerp to Amsterdam
wednesday 8th April to wednesday 15th April 2020
The
7 nights including 2 Gala Dinners
Netherlands
Guest speaker – John Ducker
AMSTERDAM
indulge this easter by tasting belgian chocolate and beer, dutch
wine and cheese and experiencing the glorious colours and SCHOONHOVEN
scents of over 7 million flowers in bloom at Keukenhof Gardens. Germany
This voyage is a true feast for the senses. CUIJK
ANTWERP
Rhi
Travel Plan – 7 nights
ne
wednesday 8th April - UK / Antwerp BRUSSELS MAASTRICHT
accompanied flight from London Heathrow to brussels or eurostar
from st. Pancras to brussels midi and road transfer to antwerp.
Thursday 9th April – Antwerp
antwerp – City tour and belgian beer tasting.
antwerp – Plantin moretus museum.
Friday 10th April – Brussels
brussels – City tour and chocolate demonstration with tasting.
Saturday 11th April – Maastricht
U
maastricht - Walking tour of Old Town. CL SIV
EX
E
maastricht - Hoeve nekum vineyard tour and wine tasting
GEMS
Easter Sunday 12th April – Cuijk / Neunen
neunen - Van Gogh Village experience.
Monday 13th April – Schoonhoven / Gouda
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Twin Cabins Deluxe Cabin £3,570 £3,210
Gouda - Walking tour and cheese museum with tasting.
Tuesday 14th April – Amsterdam / Keukenhof
amsterdam – Keukenhof Gardens. Double Cabins Premium Cabin £4,470 £4,020
wednesday 15th April – Amsterdam / UK Royal Suite £5,750 £5,175
Transfer to amsterdam airport or brussels midi railway station for the Single Cabins Deluxe Cabin £4,460 £4,010
return journey to the UK.
10 01756 704704JO
IN
VOYAGE FROM THE DANUBE DELTA - Bucharest to Budapest
wednesday 7th October to Tuesday 20th October 2020 BUDAPEST Moldova
13 nights including 2 Gala Dinners and 1 night in Bucharest Hungary
Guest speaker – Nick Hammond KALOCSA SULINA
Romania TULCEA
Wonder at the UnesCO protected danube delta, sail the MOHÁCS
BUCHAREST
narrow gorge of the iron Gates and discover some of the NOVI SAD FETESTI
imperial cities and ancient settlements which have been built Croatia
Iron
Gates
along this great river. BELGRADE
RUSE
Bosnia and VELIKO GRADIŠTE Danube
VIDIN
Herzegovina SVISHTOV
Travel Plan – 13 nights Serbia
wednesday 7th October - UK / Bucharest Bulgaria
accompanied flight from London Heathrow to bucharest where we
enjoy dinner and spend the night relaxing in a five star hotel.
Thursday 8th October - Bucharest / Fetesti
bucharest – City tour. Fetesti - embark Royal Crown.
Friday 9th October – Tulcea / Sulina
Tulcea – small boat tour of the danube delta.
sail to sulina where the river danube meets the black sea.
Saturday 10th October – Cruising
Cruising along the border of bulgaria and romania.
Sunday 11th October – Ruse / veliko Turnovo & Arbanassi
ruse - Veliko Turnovo and arbanassi open-air museum of cultural
heritage and architecture. svishtov – re-join Royal Crown.
Monday 12th October – vidin
Vidin - baba Vida fortress, Vidin - Opera house private symphony concert.
Tuesday 13th October - The Iron Gates and Kazan Gorge #"# " #"#
Cruising the iron Gates gorge
wednesday 14th October – veliko Gradiste / viminacium
Viminacium - roman city and legionary fort.
Thursday 15th October – Belgrade
belgrade – City tour and private reception at the royal Palace.
belgrade – skadarlija evening visit, folk music, dancing and dinner.
Friday 16th October – Novi Sad / Sremski Karlovci
sremski Karlovci – Walking tour and local winery with tasting.
Saturday 17th October – Mohacs / Pécs / villany
Pécs – City tour and the necropolis of sopianae.
Villány - Vineyard tour and wine tasting.
Sunday 18th October – Kalocsa
#
Kalocsa – Puszta excursion with folk and paprika museum and display
that showcases the exceptional riding skills of the Puszta horsemen.
Monday 19th October - Budapest ! # "#!"#! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""! !#" !# """""
budapest – City tour including st matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Twin Cabins Deluxe Cabin £6,620 £5,955
Double Cabins Premium Cabin £8,300 £7,470
bastion. LUSI C V
Royal Suite £10,700 £9,630
EX
E
budapest - Private reception and concert at the royal Palace
of Gödöllő.
Single Cabins Deluxe Cabin £8,270 £7,440
GEMS
Tuesday 20th October – Budapest/UK
Transfer to budapest airport for the flight home.
#" #!# "#
www.hebridean.co.uk 11The heBRIDeAN TIMeS
Cycling Over The Minch with Chris Boardman
A linear ride on Barra allows us to observe the white shell
I
sland hopping through the Hebrides by bike
is a magical and varied experience. From the sands and rugged inland scenery en route to eriskay and
white shell sands of Tiree, Eriskay and Harris, the beach where Bonnie Princes Charlie first stepped onto
to the majestic mountains of the Cuillins and the British soil. On our full day tour of The Uists we discover
these islands of contrasts; the soft, undulating landscapes
awe-inspiring scenery of the Trotternish
of South Uist are a world apart from the low-lying bird-
Peninsula on Skye, the islands each have a
haven of North Uist, scattered with green-blue lochans.
unique atmosphere.
Our final ride in the Outer Isles takes us from harris,
The thrill of travelling by bicycle under your own steam
through traditional crofting and weaving communities, to
heightens the physical senses and the spirit of adventure.
its flatter and more fertile neighbour of Lewis. After
The remoteness of these islands, sparsely populated, with
sailing back across The Minch, we arrive at the Isle of Skye
some traffic-free, means that cycling in the hebrides
where we enjoy an invigorating pedal through the
offers tranquillity in the fresh air of unspoilt landscapes.
stunning yet bizarre rock formations of The Quiraing on
On Coll, we use the island’s limited roads for a circular the Trotternish peninsula, before re-joining the ship in the
route which starts and finished in the main village of islands capital, Portree.
Arinagour, whilst its relatively flat and fertile neighbour of
A linear ride on Raasay affords fine views in each
Tiree makes an idyllic island for cycling as you gently roll
direction, including a magnificent panorama of the Cuillins
along the roads, which run behind the many sandy bays
on Skye. Before a relaxing sail of the Small Isles, we set
and take in distant views of other islands in every
out from Armadale to explore the Sleat peninsula, often
direction.
referred to as ‘the garden of Skye’ where heather-clad
mountains drop dramatically to the rocky shorelines and
glittering blue sea, punctuated with lush gardens and
dense forests.
12 01756 704704SPRING 2020
We are delighted that this cruise will not only be
accompanied by an experienced cycling guide, but also by Chris Boardman took Britain's
Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman. You do not need to be opening Gold medal at the
1992 Barcelona Olympics,
an expert to enjoy the thrill of cycling through these Britain's first cycling gold in
stunning islands. The rides are on road and the majority 72 years. he then went on to
are flat, with the exception of one steep incline for lead the R&D team for GB
Cycling in the run up to
approximately a mile. Distances will vary from
Beijing, where they became
approximately 11 miles to a maximum of 42 miles for the the most successful British
full day route on The Uists. Bicycles are provided on board sporting team of all time.
Between Barcelona and
or you are more than welcome to bring your own. each
Beijing, Chris won three
day you will have the option to join the rides or to enjoy a stages of the Tour de France,
less energetic visit, the choice is yours. set numerous world records
(several of which still stand)
Chris Boardman recently wrote an article for The and became arguably
Telegraph on how his previous Hebridean Princess Britain's most successful
cruise changed his focus from road bikes and power cyclist to date.
metres to more relaxing off-road adventures and
photogenic scenery.
Chris wrote "My brand (Boardman Bikes) supplied some CYCLING OVER THE MINCH
bikes to a cruise ship in Scotland, the Hebridean Princess,
and I agreed to go along because it is nice when your Tuesday 30th June to
hotel moves and you can get off and ride around the Tuesday 7th July 2020
hebrides. But the people who were utilising the bikes were
all older and they were stopping and taking photographs.
Prices from £4,590 per person based
They really calmed me down. They stopped me thinking on 2 people sharing an inside
about just going for exercise. They made me slow down double/twin cabin
and look around and by the end of the week I was doing
things quite differently.
That's the beauty of cycling: you can always learn
something new."
www.hebridean.co.uk 13The heBRIDeAN TIMeS
Meet the Team - Captain david Kirkwood
Cruising on board sometimes calls for changes to be made to the published
Hebridean Princess itinerary, which i always find an interesting challenge, but
you will find either we generally visit most of the planned ports of call, if not
myself or Richard always in the right order!
Heaton as Master, my favourite time of year is generally the spring when the
as we work nesting season begins, but each season has its own special
opposite each appeal. i always look forward to the cruises outside of our
other, generally normal cruising area, especially in the summer when we
three weeks on and venture up to Orkney and shetland, down to the south
three weeks off, coast of england, the Channel islands and northern France,
like all the other or across to norway for about five weeks each time during
Officers. our three yearly cycle.
i have been with the ship as permanent master since the during my periods of leave and as often as possible, my
start of the 2018 season, after just over three years, from wife and i try to visit our daughter, who lives and works in
late 2013 through to the end of 2016, as Chief Officer/relief the Highlands, and our son and grandchildren who are out
master. my sea career began with shell Tankers, sailing in Perth, Western australia. To make life more simple, we
worldwide for 10 years, before i moved to rig ships, anchor have tried to persuade our daughter that australia is the
handling and supply, and moved to ferries on the north place to live, but the Highlands wins every time in her
sea and irish sea routes, sailing as master for over 20 book! i like to play golf as often as i can, and paddling a
years. i joined Hebridean Princess as a relief to sample the kayak, sailing and walking also keep us busy when we are
Western isles for a few weeks and stayed longer than i first not off travelling.
planned as i enjoyed it so much!
With the winter refit approaching completion, we
The Western isles is a unique cruising area, with commence the 2020 season on 2nd march so it will be
Hebridean Princess able to visit many places, ports and good to get all the team back together again. There will no
anchorages which other ships cannot. Visiting islands such doubt be a few new faces, but the majority will be familiar
as st Kilda, skye and Harris to name just a few, to and will settle quickly back into their routines. We look
experience amazing sunsets and rainbows, is just as forward to greeting the guests and a successful season to
satisfying for the crew as it is for the guests. The weather come, with plenty of fine weather and calm seas we hope!
Beach landing on Rum
14 01756 704704SPRING 2020
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES FUNDS MARINE
Sea users supporting healthy oceans
CONSERVATION IN CRUCIAL YEAR FOR UK SEAS
Funding support from Hebridean Island Cruises allowed Sea-Changers to sponsor beach
cleans, wildlife sanctuaries and citizen science projects in a year when marine conservation
took centre stage in the UK. The second iteration of David Attenborough’s iconic ‘Blue
Planet’ documentary series and other high-profile investigations helped highlight the
challenges facing the world’s oceans, underscoring the need for all individuals to step up
and curb their impacts.
Hebridean islands Cruises showed an early commitment to play their part in supporting marine conservation.
Their decision to support conservation efforts in the UK through sea-Changers dates back to 2012, when they
acted to offer their customers the chance to contribute towards the marine ventures we back. The fundraising
efforts, aided by Hebridean islands Cruises’ decision to fully match guest donations, have seen £38,000
channelled towards sea-Changers’ grants to date.
The money raised by the business has enabled a vast range of conservation activities, much of it in the
Hebrides themselves and other scottish conservation hotspots, including:
Clean Coast Outer Hebrides (CCOH) – sea-Changers grants have funded the big boat beach Clean. This
collaborative project, led by the COOH in association with the marine Conservation society and surfers
against sewage, will deploy whale-watching vessel mV monadh Liath to access hard-to-reach regions of the
isle of Lewis coastline, and carry out beach cleans in places that have never known one.
Beach watch Bute – Hebridean islands Cruises donations have also supported funding for storage benches
throughout the isle of bute. The enhanced seats, to be installed in key areas affected by marine litter, will
contain handy grabbers, bags, and gloves for those keen to pick up waste.
Hillswick wildlife Sanctuary – sea-Changers funded ‘The Whale
Workshop’ in shetland as they took their life-like inflatable sea
creatures to tour the islands’ schools. Children from all of shetland’s
32 schools were invited to attend and learn about marine wildlife and
the challenges it faces. The scheme encouraged pupils to take part in
beach clean-ups all along shetland’s 1,500-mile coastline, one of the
worst affected in europe.
Rhunahaorine Primary School in Argyll – Through sea-Changers, Hebridean has also enabled litter-picking
equipment for schoolchildren to get involved in beach clean-ups, nurturing leaders at the school who will
teach fellow children about the importance of litter collecting.
On the Killer whale Trail –sea-Changers funded a citizen science project into killer whale foraging behaviour.
The project team visited shetland during predicted periods of high killer whale activity to develop the citizen
data collection protocol in collaboration with local wildlife experts, and foster knowledge exchange with a
network of observers in shetland.
Orkney Sustainable Fisheries – This project aimed to determine the
size at which european lobster in Orkney waters begin to reproduce
and how this information can be used to maintain the populations
effectively at a local level. The project, a partnership with the local
fishing community, also investigated the accumulation of marine
micro plastics within the lobsters to help shed light on marine litter’s
impacts on this important long lived decapod species.
www.hebridean.co.uk 15WORD SEARCH
COMPETITION
Hidden in the grid below are the names of 11 Scottish Islands which are regularly visited by
Hebridean Princess for you to find, together with clues to help you.
The first letter of all the island destinations then need to be re-arranged into the name of a small archipelago
also visited by Hebridean Princess, which is an important breeding ground for seabirds. To enter, email the
name of this small group of islands, together with your name and address to louise.pratt@hebridean.co.uk by
Friday 27th March 2020.
CLUES:
T Y E I O N A G A
1. This island’s highest point is Goatfell.
I S A E W F S G D
2. The largest and most northerly island of the
Outer Hebrides.
S N I R R I L I L
3. The main town on the island is Lochmaddy.
4. This archipelago is scotland’s only double
L K E U R I W E I
UnesCO World Heritage site.
5. This island is home to britain’s longest pitchstone
A U Y R H A T A K
ridge, an sgùrr.
6. The ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ is home to nine
whisky distilleries.
Y O A E S T N U T
7. The largest of the inner Hebrides, this island is
connected to mainland scotland by a bridge.
Z H M N Q W R T S
8. This ‘sunshine isle’ is the most westerly of the
inner isles.
S T A F F A D O W
9. This island has been a centre of Christian worship
since 563 ad.
S I W E L M Q T N
10. Joined to Lewis by an isthmus at Tarbert, this
island produces world-famous tweed.
11. This island was formed volcanically at the same
time as the Giant’s Causeway.
Three lucky winners will be chosen at random from all the correct entries and will receive a voucher
for £250 off their next Hebridean Princess or Hebridean River Cruise.
CAPTION COMPETITION IN ISSUE 33
Our thanks to all who entered the caption competition in
the last issue, we were inundated with witty suggestions!
The judges had a very difficult job to choose a winner.
The winning entry was:
“Good Heavens!
It must be the crew posing for the 2020 calendar”
and our congratulations to Trevor watkins of abergavenny
who has received a luxury scottish hamper from
House of bruar.
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Hebridean island Cruises Ltd.
Kintail House, Carleton new road, skipton bd23 2de
email: reservations@hebridean.co.uk
web: www.hebridean.co.uk tel: 01756 704704You can also read
