Star Penelope Keith launches new Cromarty to Nigg ferry boat
Penelope Keith
THERE was a glittering launch for a new Ross ferry boat today when Penelope Keith, star of stage and screen, performed the honours.
Ms Keith, who has homes on the Black Isle, launched the new Cromarty to Nigg ferry boat at a ceremony in Cromarty.
The purpose-built vessel, the Cromarty Queen, replaces the Cromarty Rose, and will be able to carry four cars instead of just two, and up to 50 passengers.
The vessel was built in a yard at Southampton.
The ferry is operated by father and son John and Tom Henderson from Udale on the Black Isle, who took over the Cromarty Ferry Company in 2002.
Tom Henderson hopes to build on the 13,000 passengers carried in 2009, when the ferry last operated.
He also believes there is great potential for the ferry with the proposed reopening of the Nigg fabrication yard as a base for manufacturing for the renewable energy industry.
Ms Keith owns a home in Fortrose and also property in the Black Isle village of Avoch which she is currently developing into a tearoom.
The crossing is only half a mile and takes 10 minutes, but saves a journey of 45 miles by road.
It is known as the Route of Kings as the monarchs of ancient times used it as the highway of the seas while on pilgrimage to visit the shrine of St Duthac at Tain.
The route has been favoured by modern monarchs as well. Prince Charles travelled on the ferry during a royal visit to Cromarty a few years ago.
