Inverness city centre likely to feel impact as Port of Cromarty Firth to close to cruise ships for one month

The Port of Cromarty Firth has said it plans to close all access to cruise ships in April and will review the situation for May and beyond.

Inverness city centre businesses are likely to be hit because many cruiseliner tourists visit the Highland capital by bus after leaving the ships.

The port was due to start welcoming cruise ships from early April to the Invergordon port.

Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “As a result of the ongoing developments of the Covid-19 (coronavirus), I can confirm there will be no cruise ships coming into Invergordon in April this year.

"The Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and the Port Health Authority are taking proactive measures to mitigate against the impact of Covid-19 and are providing instructions for the port to follow.

"As the Covid-19 developments remain fluid, the cruise calls scheduled into Invergordon for May and beyond are under constant review. The port will follow the instructions, advice and guidance from the governing authorities and experts as it becomes available.”

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