ANGRY islanders have hit out after the Hebridean Princess was moored across from the home of a Millport man who died in a tragedy involving it.

The vessel was anchored over the weekend at Millport Bay - just over a week after it was involved in an accident in which Ian Catterson was killed when the tug he was helping pilot sank..

Neighbours of Mr Catterson contacted the News to express their outrage and distress at seeing the ship berthed in front of his house 'before he is even buried'.

The ship stayed in the bay until Sunday afternoon, before travelling back up the Clyde.

The island is in mourning after it was announced that Mr Catterson, 73, was one of two men who perished when his tugboat vessel capsized near Greenock.

His colleague George Taft, 65, from Greenock, also died when the tug Biter sank as it was assisting the Hebridean Princess off Custom House Quay on February 24.

Mr Catterson's body was recovered around 1.40pm the following day, with an investigating into the circumstances of the incident now ongoing. His international maritime exploits resulted in him travelling the globe including Oslo, Canada, Japan, and Korea as a principal surveyor inspecting ships, boats and oil rigs.

His neighbours have slammed the decision to bring the vessel so close to his home so soon after the tragedy.

One said: "People here were horrified. It was incredibly insensitive and ill-thought out.

"Ian hasn't even been buried yet, so to see this out the front window was very sore and raw for a lot of people around here."

The owners of the Hebridean Princess thanked the News for drawing the matter to their attention.

A spokesperson for the vessel's owner, Hebridean Island Cruises, said: "We were upset to hear that the Hebridean Princess’ recent visit to Millport Bay has caused unease amongst some of the local community.

"In light of the tragic events involving the tugboat in Greenock and the loss of two crew, this is absolutely the last outcome that we would want, and we would like to apologise for any perceived insensitivity.

"Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those who perished."