A frequent visitor to Largs has celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special visit by HRH The Princess Royal.

Hebridean Island Cruises has celebrated 60 years since the launch of its 48-passenger cruise ship Hebridean Princess, formerly MV Columba.

On March 12 1964, MV Columba was launched at the Hall Russell yard in Aberdeen, and after extensive rebuilding renamed as Hebridean Princess in 1989.

The vessel is the only cruise ship to have received a Royal Warrant. HRH The Princess Royal visited the vessel at Greenock Ocean Terminal to mark the special occasion. 

Ken Charleson, Hebridean Island Cruises‘ managing director, said: “We were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal back on board Hebridean Princess to help us celebrate such a momentous occasion. 

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

"Since 1989, Hebridean Princess has established herself as the epitome of luxury, small-ship Scottish cruising, earning an enviable reputation for her renowned level of service and attention to detail.”

“It is testament to her design and build quality that Hebridean Princess is still sailing the waters for which she was designed and built. 

"After 35 years of luxury cruising, Hebridean Princess has outlived MV Columba.”

Hebridean Princess operates all-inclusive, luxury cruises around the Highland and Islands of Scotland from March to November, departing mainly from Oban. 

To find out more about Hebridean Island Cruises, go to www.hebridean.co.uk.