The Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced significant multi year support for the future development and relocation of Invergordon Museum, contributing £8,000 in 2025 with a further £12,000 committed for 2026 as part of a three year, match funded regeneration project.
This investment will support the appointment of a Project Development Officer, a crucial role in delivering the relocation of the Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre to a new, larger facility within the town. The project has already secured funding from additional sources, allowing plans to move forward and ensuring a strong, collaborative approach to regeneration.
Since opening in 2004, the museum has grown through the dedication of local volunteers, expanding its collections, exhibitions, talks, and partnerships. However, its current home at Hayes Hall, a former British Legion dance hall, has limitations, including high running costs, limited space, and low visibility away from the High Street.
Relocating the museum will allow for the creation of a modern exhibition space capable of securely housing the historically significant Bouchardon bust, alongside enhanced displays and future attractions such as virtual reality tours of the Inchindown oil storage tunnels. These developments aim to strengthen Invergordon’s visitor offering and position the museum as a key cultural destination.
As part of the project, Hayes Hall will be repurposed into a Community Hub, providing flexible space for local groups and organisations. Income generated through rent will offer a new, sustainable revenue stream for the museum, while planned admission fees to view the Bouchardon bust will contribute directly to the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
With support from the Port of Cromarty Firth Community Fund, the museum has appointed Jacky Roberts as Museum and Community Development Officer. A long standing volunteer since 2005 with local experience, Jacky will lead the relocation project and work closely with community groups to ensure the new Community Hub develops into a thriving shared space.
Wendy Clark, Museum Trustee since 2003, said: “I am incredibly grateful to the Port of Cromarty Firth for their very generous donation. It not only secures a better future for our museum but, crucially, allows us to create a dedicated Community Hub in the Hayes Hall. This is a vital step forward in supporting and connecting all the wonderful groups within our community
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re proud to support this ambitious project, which will safeguard Invergordon’s heritage while creating new opportunities for community collaboration and regeneration. The relocation of the museum and development of a Community Hub will deliver long term benefits for residents, visitors, and local organisations.”
The Port of Cromarty Firth will continue to work with the museum and its partners over the coming years, supporting progress on the relocation and sharing updates as the project develops.
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of 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.
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
Port of Cromarty Firth Supports Major Redevelopment of Invergordon Museum
in News and MediaThe Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced significant multi year support for the future development and relocation of Invergordon Museum, contributing £8,000 in 2025 with a further £12,000 committed for 2026 as part of a three year, match funded regeneration project.
This investment will support the appointment of a Project Development Officer, a crucial role in delivering the relocation of the Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre to a new, larger facility within the town. The project has already secured funding from additional sources, allowing plans to move forward and ensuring a strong, collaborative approach to regeneration.
Since opening in 2004, the museum has grown through the dedication of local volunteers, expanding its collections, exhibitions, talks, and partnerships. However, its current home at Hayes Hall, a former British Legion dance hall, has limitations, including high running costs, limited space, and low visibility away from the High Street.
Relocating the museum will allow for the creation of a modern exhibition space capable of securely housing the historically significant Bouchardon bust, alongside enhanced displays and future attractions such as virtual reality tours of the Inchindown oil storage tunnels. These developments aim to strengthen Invergordon’s visitor offering and position the museum as a key cultural destination.
As part of the project, Hayes Hall will be repurposed into a Community Hub, providing flexible space for local groups and organisations. Income generated through rent will offer a new, sustainable revenue stream for the museum, while planned admission fees to view the Bouchardon bust will contribute directly to the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
With support from the Port of Cromarty Firth Community Fund, the museum has appointed Jacky Roberts as Museum and Community Development Officer. A long standing volunteer since 2005 with local experience, Jacky will lead the relocation project and work closely with community groups to ensure the new Community Hub develops into a thriving shared space.
Wendy Clark, Museum Trustee since 2003, said: “I am incredibly grateful to the Port of Cromarty Firth for their very generous donation. It not only secures a better future for our museum but, crucially, allows us to create a dedicated Community Hub in the Hayes Hall. This is a vital step forward in supporting and connecting all the wonderful groups within our community
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re proud to support this ambitious project, which will safeguard Invergordon’s heritage while creating new opportunities for community collaboration and regeneration. The relocation of the museum and development of a Community Hub will deliver long term benefits for residents, visitors, and local organisations.”
The Port of Cromarty Firth will continue to work with the museum and its partners over the coming years, supporting progress on the relocation and sharing updates as the project develops.
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of 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:
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
Sightings, splashes and speculation as mystery Nessie-like creature spotted in the Cromarty Firth
in News and MediaStrange sightings, unexplained noises and a growing number of eyewitness accounts have prompted the Port of Cromarty Firth to look into reports of a mysterious ‘Nessie-like’ creature in local waters.
It began with a series of loud thuds across the site, with experts attributing them to anything from sonic booms caused by passing jets to tectonic plates shifting under the water.
The first reported sighting of the beast – which is already being dubbed “Gordon” by monster hunters – came from a pilot boat crew earlier this week.
Seaman Pete Mitchell said: “We saw a large wake, an unusual wake, on the side of the launch over there somewhere. We were all focused on what the wake was caused by and with that, I saw the head pop up. It gave me a wink, the head went back down and it carried on its way.”
While sightings remain unconfirmed, attention intensified after a very large brown mound of possible physical evidence was discovered during routine cleaning work on site.
Iona Bigboat, Port Cleaning Services, said: “We were just carrying out some normal cleaning operations along the site here, you know, litter picking, things of that nature, and then we came across this. We thought at first it might just have been a big seagull, but now that seems unlikely.”
News of the possible discovery has already travelled far, with monster hunters and curious onlookers turning their attention to Invergordon in the hope of catching a glimpse for themselves.
Local character Luke Atthisguy said: “It was huge, it was a big dark shape under the water. I couldn’t tell if it was one big one or two small ones or something, the way it moved. It was the size of an aeroplane.”
The Port’s PR and marketing team moved quickly to assess the wider implications of such a discovery, including what it could mean for local tourism, branding and merchandise opportunities.
Managers have even consulted experts in marine ecology to ensure they were appropriately considering the beast’s welfare.
Brainiac Dr Dempsey said: “What we can advise at this point is that the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code should be followed by the port and by tourists for their own safety and for the animal’s safety.
“We have taken eDNA samples of the water and set up baited camera traps to learn more about the creature. We think that a Harry Gow’s dream ring will be irresistible to it.”
For now, port traffic continues cautiously as the Cromarty Firth’s newest resident settles into the area.
Officials are stressing that there is no cause for alarm, unless you happen to be an unattended dream ring.
Port of Cromarty Firth Funds New Boat Trailer for Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club
in News and MediaThe Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced funding of £1,839 for the Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club (AIR), supporting the club’s efforts to grow coastal rowing participation across the Cromarty Firth.
This funding will enable the club to purchase a road trailer for Averon, its newly built St Ayles Skiff. The trailer will allow the community to take the skiff to new areas of the Firth, attend regattas, and introduce more local people to the physical, social, and mental health benefits of coastal rowing. The support reflects the Port’s commitment to investing in community wellbeing and encouraging engagement with the region’s maritime heritage.
Averon, which was hand-built over 18 months by a group of local volunteers using everyday DIY tools, was launched in September this year after the donation of a skiff kit by Invergordon resident, John Henderson. The project was made possible thanks to Alness businessman David Skea, who provided workshop space, and the boat was welcomed into the water with support from neighbouring rowing clubs in Portmahomack, Cromarty, and Strathpeffer.
Since its launch, Averon, painted in the Port’s light blue, dark blue and white colours, has been based at Invergordon Boating Club. The skiff has already begun attracting new members keen to explore the Firth.
The new road trailer will allow the club to expand its activities significantly. This includes attending friendly regattas, continuing a long-standing St Ayles Skiff tradition dating back to friendly competitions between Fife mining communities, as well as taking Averon to community events such as the Invergordon RNLI Open Day.
Sylva Rybanska, Chairperson of the Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Port Authority for supporting us. The new road trailer will allow us to reach more people, introduce them to rowing, and showcase the amazing wildlife and history of the Cromarty Firth from a completely different viewpoint.”
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re delighted to support the Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club as it builds on the success of its new community built skiff. Coastal rowing is a fantastic way for people of all ages to connect with the water, stay active, and enjoy the unique environment of the Cromarty Firth. We’re proud to play a part in helping the club grow.”
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of 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:
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
Port of Cromarty Firth welcomes first cruise ship of 2026
in News and MediaThe Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) will welcome its first cruise ship visit of the year on Monday 6 April, as Invergordon once again becomes the gateway to the Scottish Highlands for thousands of tourists from around the world.
The AIDAmar, which can accommodate over 2,600 passengers and around 600 crew, is due to arrive at the Easter Ross port’s cruise berth at 9am, before departing later in the day.
Operated by AIDA Cruises, the vessel will be the first of several visits to Invergordon during this year’s cruise season.
A total of 95 cruise ship calls are scheduled at the Port during 2026, bringing an estimated two hundred thousand visitors to the Highlands and providing a significant boost to the local economy. The season is due to draw to a close on October 14, with the AIDAsol, also operated by AIDA Cruises and capable of accommodating over 2,600 passengers and 600 crew.
While some visitors travel on organised excursions to destinations such as Inverness and Loch Ness, the majority of ships tours are half-day and the Port keenly encourages passengers to spend time exploring Invergordon during the rest of their day.
To support this, the Port has introduced a new printed visitor map which will be handed to cruise passengers as they disembark. The map highlights the town’s independent shops, cafés and attractions, all within easy walking distance of the Port, helping visitors discover more of what Invergordon has to offer.
Among the places featured are the town’s vibrant mural trail, the community run Invergordon Museum and a range of locally owned businesses along the High Street. Independent tour operators and taxi companies will also hand the maps out to passengers.
The Port has also invested in an LED advertising screen at the quayside. These screens promote local facilities and businesses to cruise passengers, helping them to find things to do in the area. Each year, the Port offers severaladvertising slots free of charge to shops in Invergordon, as a further way to help the town’s small businesses.
Ahead of the new season, the Port has also been working with local organisations and businesses to help them make the most of cruise tourism. In March, PoCF hosted a dedicated workshop in Invergordon to give local businesses insight into how the cruise sector operates and how they can attract visiting passengers.
The session covered topics including cruise visitor trends, the structure of the cruise industry and practical tips on increasing visibility through marketing and social media, helping businesses prepare ahead of the first ship’s arrival.
Louise Munro, Cruise Development Co-ordinator at PoCF, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our first cruise ship of the 2026 season and begin another exciting year for the Port and the wider Highland region.
“Cruise tourism brings visitors from across the world to experience the history, scenery and hospitality of the Highlands. By working closely with local businesses and partners, including through initiatives such as our recent cruise workshop, we want to ensure communities across the area continue to benefit from the opportunities the sector provides.”
The industry supports jobs and business opportunities throughout the region, with up to 100 people involved on the Port side alone during a typical visit, including security officers, mooring crews, tour guides and coach drivers.
Shaw Pipeline Services
in Inspection, Supply ChainPort of Cromarty Firth Funds Year Round Youth Work at Cromarty Youth Cafe
in News and MediaThe Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) has announced funding of £5,000 for Cromarty Youth Cafe, supporting the organisation’s mission to provide high quality, year round youth work and a wide range of opportunities for young people across the Cromarty area.
This funding will help sustain the cafe’s dedicated youth work staff team, enabling them to deliver a full annual programme of activities, achievement opportunities, and vital food provision. The support reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to community wellbeing and to helping local young people thrive.
Cromarty Youth Cafe offers an extensive programme designed to build skills, confidence, and belonging. This includes accredited achievement courses, such as Food Hygiene, Child Protection, and First Aid, as well as volunteering and leadership recognition, beach cleans and environmental projects, rowing sessions with CCRC, and a variety of community events. Every activity includes free access to food and health & wellbeing bags, helping to ensure that all young people can take part without barriers.
The organisation also provides targeted support for young people with additional support needs and neurodiverse needs, creating a safe and inclusive space with trusted adults, and opportunities to build friendships and resilience.
Alongside these core supports, the cafe delivers a schedule of activities including football, multi sports, dodgeball, badminton, tennis, Arts in Nature, seasonal celebrations, inflatable sessions, Eden Court workshops, archery, Cook Well and Bakewell programmes, and support nights with partner agencies.
The funding comes at a special moment for Cromarty Youth Cafe, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a major event recognising the achievements and awards earned by local young people over the past two decades.
A spokesperson for Cromarty Youth Cafe said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to the Port Authority for this support. The funding will allow us to continue delivering a wide range of activities and vital youth work, ensuring young voices are heard and helping young people gain skills, confidence, and opportunities for the future.”
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re proud to support Cromarty Youth Cafe as it continues its fantastic work with local young people. Their year round programme offers vital opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and community connection, and we’re delighted to help the organisation grow and build on its 20 year legacy.”
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of 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:
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
Local team to continue Highland welcome as Cobbs re-appointed for Port of Cromarty Firth gift shop
in News and MediaA 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.
Port of Cromarty Firth to host workshop helping local businesses get ready for the cruise season
in News and MediaThe Port of Cromarty Firth is inviting local businesses to a workshop designed to help them make the most of cruise visitor opportunities.
The session will outline how cruise tourism works – from cruise lines and ground handlers to shore excursions – alongside insights from last year’s visitor data to help businesses understand who is arriving, what visitors look for and what tends to perform well locally.
One section in the workshop will focus on visibility and social media and include hands-on tips to help businesses build momentum ahead of the start of the season and get the most from shared campaigns and port channels.
It will be held on March 4, ahead of the first cruise ship of the season visiting on April 6.
The workshop is being developed as an interactive, round-table style session, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and apply ideas directly to their own business.
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.
Joanne Allday, Head of Strategy and Business Development at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “Cruise brings a real opportunity for local businesses, but it can sometimes feel hard to know where to start.
“This workshop is about demystifying how the cruise sector works and sharing practical steps businesses can take now to be ready for the season.”
Event details
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm
Venue: Ross Sutherland Rugby Club, Castle Avenue, Invergordon
Who should attend: Any business in the area that would like to attract cruise visitors
To register to attend, visit fill in the form below
What the session will cover
Register Now
Stena Spey begins decommissioning in Turkey following 36-day tow from Port of Cromarty Firth
in News and MediaThe 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.
Port of Cromarty Firth Helps Safeguard Future of Cromarty’s Historic Harbour
in News and MediaThe Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced its vital contribution to the £450,000 project to restore and strengthen Cromarty Harbour’s East Mole, joining a mosaic of funders whose combined support is ensuring the historic structure can continue to serve future generations.
Funding contributed by the Port last year was a crucial part of a broad spectrum of support from stakeholders committed to protecting the harbour. Thanks to this collective backing, the major restoration project is now well underway.
Early in the works, a diving survey identified a significant number of unforeseen voids in the pier structure, leaving it highly vulnerable to collapse. This serious risk, confirmed by a surveyor from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) who was coincidentally present, could have brought an end to the use of the harbour and had a catastrophic impact on both the community and the local economy.
Following the discovery, engineers and contractors developed a plan to secure the foundations. However, this essential work increased costs by around £90,000. To stabilise the structure, available funds had to be redirected, forcing the project team to choose between scaling back their ambitions or pressing ahead while raising additional funding.
HES offered further financial assistance and requested that Colin Dickie, Chair of Cromarty Harbour Trust, first liaise with the wider panel of funders. Thanks to the Port of Cromarty Firth’s additional contribution, and the Chair’s tireless efforts to secure support, the project has been able to continue in full.
Loren Scott-Lodge, Communications Officer for Cromarty Harbour Trust, said: “Our thanks once again go to the Port of Cromarty Firth for being a friend in need. Work is nearing completion and updates and pictures can be found in our Facebook page and website. Their support, alongside that of our other funders, has ensured that this vital project can go ahead as planned.”
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We are proud to support the restoration of Cromarty’s historic harbour. This project not only protects an important part of the town’s heritage but also underpins the wellbeing of the community and the local economy.”
The restoration of the East Mole continues, with completion set to secure the harbour’s future and provide lasting benefits for Cromarty and the wider 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:
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.