Port of Cromarty Firth goes quackers with UK-first duck trail for cruise visitors
A Highland town is ruffling a few feathers after launching a trail inspired by a quirky cruise passenger trend.
The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) has launched a brand-new Duck Trail through Invergordon town centre, turning a popular cruise ship craze into what is a UK-first on dry land.
In a move designed to tempt cruise passengers off the ship and into local shops, cafés and attractions, the Port is taking the international cruise duck trend, where passengers hide, swap and photograph rubber ducks onboard, and bringing it ashore.
Colourful duck decals are now on display in shop windows along Invergordon High Street as part of the new trail created with Invergordon Museum and Invergordon Off The Wall, giving people a fun route to follow as they explore the town.
This is not only a fun activity for cruise passengers, it’s also something that families visiting or local to the area can take part in.
Louise Munro, Cruise Development Co-ordinator at the Port, said: “Cruise ducks have become a bit of a phenomenon at sea, so bringing them ashore felt like the perfect way to add a little extra fun in Invergordon. If it gets people smiling, taking photos and discovering somewhere new, that’s a win for everyone, especially our local businesses and community.”
And there’s a twist: each business has its own duck decal, meaning every stop on the trail will have its own personality, from tartan touches to quirky local flair.
Every duck decal features a QR code linking visitors directly to a digital page showing what each business offers and why it’s worth waddling inside.
Among the businesses signed up are Blythswood Care, Bonnie Bhaji, Co-op Food Invergordon, Tanstar Gifts, McRaes of Scotland and several more local favourites.
Alongside the High Street trail, a giant hero duck installation will become a central selfie stop for cruise visitors in year two, after local primary school pupils have the chance to get involved by helping design the duck.
Visitors will also be able to buy branded souvenir ducks, made from a wheat and PVC composite, with around £1 from every duck sold going directly into the Port’s community fund, making every duck purchase a small boost for Invergordon itself.
The ducks are available from three locations just now: Tanstar Gifts, the Invergordon Gallery and the Co-op supermarket, all on the town’s High Street.
The Duck Trail is part of wider cruise season planning by the Port, aimed at helping local businesses make the most of significant visitor numbers while creating a fun activity that can be enjoyed by local families, cruise passengers and other tourists.
