A team of local staff will continue welcoming visitors to the Port of Cromarty Firth after Highland business Cobbs was re-appointed to run the sole retail outlet at the Invergordon Service Base.

The quayside gift shop is located next to the Invergordon Tourism Alliance hut on the direct route passengers take to leave the port, giving visitors a convenient opportunity to buy quality Scottish gifts and local produce while being encouraged to explore the town and wider area.

Led by manager Elaine Macleod, the team of six staff all live nearby and enjoy meeting the thousands of cruise passengers that arrive at the port every year from all over the world.

Elaine said: “Cruise passengers want a warm, authentic Highland welcome – and having a local team makes a real difference. We’ve built the shop up over the last few years by listening to what visitors are looking for, and we now stock a wide range of gifts and produce from more than 50 Scottish suppliers, including Highland makers.

“We’ll be open for every ship call, and we always encourage people to head into Invergordon – the town has plenty to offer and we want visitors to make the most of their day here.”

Cobbs’ plans for the gift shop include a comprehensive selection of recognised Scottish brands and Highland-based producers, with a dedicated area promoting Invergordon, the Cromarty Firth and local makers. The shop also holds an alcohol licence to showcase local and regional distilleries and producers including Invergordon Gin, with profits from the gin going to charity.

More than 180,000 cruise passengers visited the Cromarty Firth in 2025 – and 2026 is shaping up to be another busy year, with 95 ships scheduled to visit.

Following a recent comprehensive procurement process the new contract was awarded to cover the 2026 and 2027 cruise seasons, with an option to extend it for a third year in 2028. It continues the working relationship that was established between the trust port and Cobbs in 2019.

Elaine added: “It’s brilliant getting to meet people from all over the world and then saying ‘this is our wee bit of the Highlands’. And because we’re locals, we’re always happy to point visitors towards other shops and places in Invergordon too, so they get the full experience.”

Invergordon has been a key port of call for the cruise industry for almost 50 years. The industry has grown steadily in the area and now contributes millions of pounds to Highland businesses and communities every year.

The first ship of 2026 is scheduled to arrive on April 6.

The Port of Cromarty Firth has confirmed that the SPE (Ex-Stena Spey), an offshore drilling rig, has arrived in Turkey and the regulated decommissioning process is now under way.

Its arrival follows a 36-day tow from Invergordon, coordinated by Rota Shipping with support from local companies. Rig Partner Decom Ltd work closely with Rota Shipping and were responsible for the export licence and obtaining the approval from MCA.

The Spe is the last rig to depart the Port specifically for decommissioning – all other rigs currently in the Cromarty Firth are active and in for repairs, maintenance or between projects.

The rig will be processed at Rota Shipping’s yard, being one of Europe’s most reputable decommissioning facilities, specialising in the dismantling and recycling of complex offshore assets.

Technicians will systematically remove cabling, insulation, electrical systems and other components, assessing each element to maximise reuse and recycling before reducing the structure to the bare steel frame for onward processing.

It is estimated that this programme will take between four and seven months to complete. The project is expected to achieve an overall recycling and recovery rate of approximately 97%.

PoCF General Manager, Calum Slater, said: “Decommissioning is a normal stage in the life cycle of any industrial technology. While there is understandable sentiment attached to assets like the Stena Spey, the reality is that responsible dismantling and high material recovery are what good stewardship looks like.

“Working with experienced, accredited teams ensures the process is safe, transparent and circular, and we’re proud that our support helps partners deliver that standard.”

This is the fourth rig managed through the collaboration between the Port of Cromarty Firth and Rota Shipping– following three former Diamond Offshore units that Rota Shipping acquired earlier – reflecting a professional, repeatable model for compliant, high-quality decommissioning logistics.

Ilker SARI, president, ROTA SHIPPING INC. said: “Sustainable green recycling is an important last stage of a marine asset, we are glad to work with MCA, SEPA, Port of Cromarty Firth, partners and service providers sharing the same vision. It helps us deliver recycling solutions to asset owners with proper legal compliance.”

Dag M. Smørdal, Director, Rig Partner, said: “The Port of Cromarty Firth’s proactive approach and willingness to support our requirements made it significantly easier for Rota Shipping to plan the move and meet every regulatory step on both sides.

“Their team understands what is involved with specialist, compliant decommissioning, and that alignment is invaluable.”

Before its departure, Rota Shipping, Rig Partner and its collaborators submitted a detailed inventory of materials to MCA– to obtain the necessary export licence, in line with UK Ship Recycling regulations.

Matching documentation was provided to authorities in Turkey to secure an import licence. No movement is permitted unless the inventories match.

The Invergordon Foodbank has been awarded a two-year grant from the Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) to continue its essential work supporting individuals and families in the local area.

The funding, awarded through the POCF’s Community Sponsorship Programme, will help cover ongoing costs such as rent and the purchase of food supplies. This support ensures the foodbank can continue to provide fresh and tinned food, as well as pet supplies, to residents in Invergordon, Alness, Saltburn and surrounding communities.

The Invergordon Foodbank’s work focuses on reducing food insecurity, improving nutrition, and fostering community engagement through partnerships with local authorities, charities, and support services.

The foodbank has also become a community hub, as they have collaborations with the local CAB and Mental Health agencies, both of which provide monthly surgeries at Joss St Hall.

Alex Campbell, Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “The Invergordon Foodbank does incredible work at the heart of our community, and we’re proud to support a project that not only addresses immediate needs but also strengthens long-term wellbeing. “

This project is one of many local initiatives supported by the POCF’s Community Sponsorship Programme, which helps organisations that promote environmental protection, social inclusion, and community development across the nine communities bordering the Cromarty Firth.

Graham McMillan, spokesperson for the foodbank, said: “This generous support from the Port of Cromarty Firth will make a real difference to people in our community who are facing difficult times.

“The funding gives us the security to plan ahead, keep our shelves stocked, and continue offering a welcoming place where those within the Alness, Invergordon, Saltburn and surrounding catchment areas can find not only food but also care and encouragement.”

As part of its environmental commitment, the foodbank also works with a local pig farmer to recycle food no longer suitable for human consumption, further enhancing its sustainable practices.

The Port’s support will not only help reduce food poverty but also strengthen local networks and encourage collaboration between organisations working to improve lives across the area.

The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of the local people.

Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support.  They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.

Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:

• Skills development, employability or job creation,
• Vessel crew or passenger support,
• Environmental protection or enhancement,
• Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.

For more information about the Community Sponsorship Programme or how to apply, please visit the Port of Cromarty Firth website or email cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.