hebridean times times issue 29.pdf · ilkley literature festival british travel awards hebridean...

2019 europeanRiver Cruise

Collection Released

Serenade to the

hebrides

Capturing the world of

Hebridean Princess

HEBRIDEAN TIMES

1 9 8 9 - 2 0 1 8

CELEBRATING

SEASONS

HEB TIMES Issue 29.qxp_Layout 1 16/08/2018 10:20

Cover image: Hebridean Princess, Armadale. Image by Martin McCready

THE HEBRIDEAN TIMES

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News in Brief 4Ilkley Literature Festival

British Travel Awards

Hebridean Princess 52019 Calendar

View from the Bridge 6-7Captain David Kirkwood

2019 European 8-9River Cruise Collection

Capturing the World 10-11of Hebridean PrincessYvonne Murray

Hebridean’s CharityPartnershipsRNLI 12Sea-Changers 13

Crew News 14New Chief Purser, Iain Gibson

AB Artiom Zyrianov

Serenade to the Hebrides 15Mark Drury

Competition 16

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10-11

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CONTENTS

Hebridean Princess, Dublin. Image by John Noorani

Chief Purser, Iain Gibson 2019 Hebridean Princess Calendar

Photographer and Filmmaker Martin McCreadyWhen you have finished readingthis newsletter, please recycle.


www.hebridean.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018

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Welcome to the Autumn 2018 edition of The Hebridean Times

After a southern sojourn of six weeks,

Hebridean Princess has recently returned to

her more familiar waters of Scotland’s west coast

and her home port of Oban. Captain David

Kirkwood recounts the voyage south in the View

from the Bridge feature on pages 6 and 7.

Now back in Scotland, we can look forward to the

colours of autumn in the Hebrides, before we head

to our winter home on the Clyde for our annual

re-fit and some well earned down time for our hard-

working and dedicated crew members.

Our 2018 season of European river cruises has now

been completed and our 2019 European River Cruise

Collection has recently been launched with four

varied, consecutive itineraries which travel across

the continent from east to west, all of which can be

combined to make an unforgettable Grand Voyage

of discovery. All our river cruises are accompanied

by renowned and knowledgeable guest speakers

who have been chosen not only for their expertise,

but also for their ability to entertain.

We are very pleased to welcome back on board

Hebridean Princess a familiar face; former Hotel

Manager Iain Gibson, returned to the ship in his new

role as Chief Purser earlier this year.

I should like to thank guest, Mr Ian Drury, for sharing

with us a poem he wrote following the Classical

Inspirations cruise, which you can read on page 15.

I do hope that you enjoy this issue of The Hebridean

Times and we look forward to welcoming you on

board in the very near future.

Louise Pratt

Hebridean Times Editor

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8-92019 River Cruise Collection Released


COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO THE ILF 2018ilkley literature festival is an annual event in the spa town of ilkley, westYorkshire (close to hebridean’s office in Skipton) and has become one of theUK’s top literary festivals. attracting many important international literaryfigures, its two-week programme, starting in october, now features more than250 events in a variety of venues in the ilkley area.

over the past few years hebridean island cruises has been proud to sponsor anumber of events at the festival and this year we are delighted to be doing soagain. we do therefore have a limited number of complimentary ticketsavailable for the following event:

John Simpson – Monday 1st October – 7.30pm – Kings Hall, IlkleyJohn Simpson is a household name and currently the BBC’s World Affairs Editor. One of the country’s leading

broadcasters, he has twice been the Royal Television Society’s Journalist of the Year and won countless other major

television awards.

He has written five volumes of autobiography, Strange Places, Questionable People, A Mad World, My Masters, News

from No Man’s Land and Not Quite World’s End and a childhood memoir, Days from a Different World. His latest book is

a tense thriller starring journalist ‘Jon Swift’ which is clearly rooted in his years of experience.

If you would like to attend this fascinating evening, including a private drinks and canapé reception beforehand, please

call our reservations team on 01756 704704 to reserve your tickets. Please be aware that places are extremely limited

and are issued on a first come, first served basis.

01756 704704

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Hebridean Island Cruises has been nominated for the following categories inthe prestigious 2018 British Travel Awards (BTAs).

• BEST ULTrA-LUxUrY CrUISE LINE

• BEST SPECIALIST CrUISE LINE (OCEAN & ExPEDITION)

• BEST ULTrA-SMALL/BOUTIqUE CrUISE LINEThe winners will be determined by the consumer, who has until 30 September to cast their

vote, with the successful companies announced at the BTA Gala Awards Dinner, being held in

London on 28 November 2018.

VoTe foR hebRidean aT The bRiTiSh TRaVel awaRdS 2018

"The British Travel Awards give you the opportunityto reward travel and tourism enterprises foroutstanding performance in service delivery andproduct offering. Voting in the 2018 Awards is nowopen and nominated companies have until 30thSeptember to lobby their happy customers forvotes – good luck to Hebridean Island Cruises."

Lorraine Barnes Burton BTA Chief Executive

The British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best

in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is a proudly independent organisation, verified by leading global business

practitioners, Deloitte.

"We are thrilled to be nominated in the prestigious BTAs once againwhich is testament to the hard work and dedication our staff, both onboard and ashore, have given to the company over the past twelvemonths. We are committed to providing the best possible cruiseexperience for our guests and to be nominated in this way is a trueaccolade and reward for everything we do. I hope many of our guestswill take this opportunity to cast their votes to help us secure a win."

Ken CharlesonManaging Director of Hebridean Island Cruises

Every vote counts and it could be yours that makes the difference. To cast your vote please visitbritishtravelawards.com before 30th September and click on the ‘VOTE’ button.


You may recall that in theletter accompanying thelast issue of TheHebridean Times weinvited you to submitphotographs for our2019 Hebridean Princesscalendar competition.

The standard of the entries was extremely high and made the selection process

very challenging for our panel of judges. The aim was to achieve a selection of

scenic shots, wildlife, iconic landmarks and images of the ship and we hope you

will agree that the finished calendar captures the stunning beauty of the

landscapes and natural world of Hebridean Princess’ home waters.

The calendar was printed in Yorkshire, close to our head office in Skipton, by local

printers Briggs Brothers Ltd, who took particular care to ensure that the quality of

the images was reflected in the end product.

We would like to congratulate all of the winning entrants, listed below, all of whom

have received a complimentary copy of the calendar.

Paul Mills, Geoff dixon, Rob norman, Christoph härtel, John noorani, Maitlandwoods, olaf Menz, doreen Thomson, and Michael hutchinson.

www.hebridean.co.uk

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Copies of the calendar can be purchased at a cost of £10, either on board Hebridean Princess or by mail order,

please email [email protected] or call 01756 704704.

Passing on Press Proof Checking

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS 2019 CALENDAR


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With a favourable forecast for the next10 days and, bound for southern parts,we departed Oban on the first evening

through a very benign Sound of Luing to anchorovernight in Loch na Mile off the Paps of Jura.

From Port Ellen (Islay) we cruised across the North

Channel, passing the east coast of Rathlin Island, the

Antrim coast and down to the south side of Belfast Lough

to anchor off Bangor on a pleasant evening for our

Welcome Gala Reception and Dinner.

The following morning a freshening northerly developed

just after the guests were tendered ashore for their visit to

Grey Abbey House, but the wind had eased when we set

off for the passage across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man,

arriving in Peel in the early evening with a glorious sunset

to end the day.

The weather was ideal for the guests’ visit to Peel Castle

and the House of Mannanan to discover some of the

history of the Isle of Man, before departing in the early

afternoon for Dublin and a fascinating run up the River

Liffey, through the raised Thomas Clarke Bridge to our

berth alongside Sir John Rogerson Quay. The overnight

berth gave guests and crew the opportunity to explore this

vibrant city by night. Our morning visit to Trinity College

and the Book of Kells was followed by a city tour or the

opportunity to relax and enjoy the views of the river,

bridges and the hustle of a Saturday morning in the heart

of Dublin.

A freshening north westerly wind greeted us in the early

afternoon after clearing the harbour, but the passage south

to Rosslare was reasonably comfortable. We were

extended a very warm welcome from harbour master, Mike

Proctor, as the first cruise ship to berth in the port for

many years.

After a quiet night alongside and a visit to Wexford and

Selskar Abbey, we departed shortly after midday for our

12-hour cruise south to the Isles of Scilly in a moderate

Arriving in Dublin. Image by John NooraniCaptain David Kirkwood

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Isles of Scilly and Celtic Coasts

Farewell Gala Reception. Image by John Noorani


www.hebridean.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018

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wind and swell, exposed to the Atlantic with nowhere to

hide! A slightly uncomfortable motion at times but the

stabilisers did their job and we arrived in Crow Sound, our

anchorage off the east coast of St Mary’s, in the early hours

of the morning. When we were joined by the pilot the

following morning he suggested we remain where we were

due to the swell in St Mary's Bay, so a local boat was used

for both the landing on St Mary's and the afternoon tour of

neighbouring Tresco. Fine and sunny with a moderate

breeze, and with no swell in Crow Sound, an enjoyable day

was had by all.

At last we changed course and headed east from the Isles

of Scilly in the late afternoon. After passing Land’s End and

Wolf Rock lighthouse we anchored overnight off Cadgwith

Cove, a small fishing village just to the south of Falmouth.

We berthed alongside in Falmouth for the morning where

guests disembarked for their visit to Truro Cathedral and

the Lost Gardens of Heligan, whilst the ship sailed to

Fowey, a lovely little Cornish port just a short 2 hour cruise

further east, where we were secured to a buoy opposite the

town. The guests were tendered back to the ship to re-join

in time for dinner and a still, quiet night on our mooring.

Plymouth was our next port of call, a few hours further

east with several pods of dolphins encountered en-route,

an infrequent sighting on this cruise! We berthed in Millbay

Docks on the Brittany Ferries berth with the guests able to

visit Mount Edgcumbe House by coach, or use the shuttle

bus service into the city. Leaving Plymouth Sound, a short

cruise brought us to Blackpool Sands, a sheltered bay just

south of the entrance to the River Dart where we dropped

anchor for the night.

The pilot and harbour master came aboard to take us into

the River Dart for a wonderful cruise past Kingswear and

Dartmouth in glorious sunshine, to swing just past the ferry

crossing after passing the Royal Naval College which

overlooks the river. We then ran back up the river to tie up

to the buoys opposite the town pontoon.

By all accounts the morning visit to the Royal Naval

College was a truly great experience and, coupled with the

Greenway House tour in the afternoon, a wonderful day to

finish off the cruise.

Departing Dartmouth in the early evening we held the

Farewell Gala Reception on the Skye Deck during the cruise

to Weymouth Bay and our final overnight anchorage.

All in all a thoroughly successful cruise thanks to the

wonderful teamwork of all the crew and I would like to

extend a big thank you to them all for giving the guests a

cruise to remember for all the right reasons. As they

disembarked Hebridean Princess in Portland, guests both

old and new commented on the wonderful atmosphere on

board and looked forward to returning in the not too

distant future.

Haste ye back!

Hebridean Princess, Dartmouth. Image by John Noorani Rosslare Presentation

by Captain David Kirkwood


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2019 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION

We are delighted to launch our 2019 European river Cruise Collection on board MS Royal Crown, our eighth season of relaxingitineraries which will transport you to the veryheart of the continent.

Offering wonderfully varied and meticulously planneditineraries on the majestic Danube, Main and Rhine and thetranquil Dutch waterways, Hebridean River Cruises will takeyou on an effortless and meandering journey to enchantingtowns and vibrant, romantic cities along these magnificentwaterways.

With 1930’s style, plus an uncompromising level of serviceand standard of cuisine, MS Royal Crown echoesHebridean’s wonderfully relaxed style of cruising. Amaximum of just 70 guests and our very own HebrideanHost, Cruise Director, Tour Manager and Musician, all add tothe house party atmosphere.

Itineraries are enriched by renowned guest speakers, andto add that extra special ingredient, each of our 2019cruises feature a ‘Hebridean Gem’ – a truly unique andexclusive experience to further increase your enjoyment ofthe holiday, such as private out-of-hours visits, receptionsand recitals in inspiring locations.

Unlike most other river cruises, a Hebridean river cruise isfully inclusive and our carefully thought out flight and railoptions make joining and departing the ship as stress freeas possible. Not only are the travel arrangements includedin the cruise fare, but you will be accompanied byHebridean’s own representatives, meaning that you canrelax safe in the knowledge that you are taken care of fromthe very start to the very end of your cruise.

With attractive fares and a renowned reputation formaking single guests feel instantly at ease, Hebridean isthe ideal choice for the solo traveller.

All of our 2019 cruises have been designed to offer theopportunity to combine cruises with the minimum ofrepetition, presenting guests with a selection of stunning,extended voyages that discover the very best of whatEurope’s majestic waterways have to offer.

With just four enticing itineraries in 2019 demand isexpected to be high and we are delighted to announcethat we have extended our launch offer until 30thSeptember 2018, so all new bookings will qualify for anearly booking saving of 10% off the published cruisesfares. In addition, book any of our Grand River Voyagesand save a further 5% off the total price.

RIVER CRUISELAUNCH OFFERSEXTENDED UNTIL

30th September 2018

If you have not yet received your copy of our2019 European river Cruise Collection brochure,or to make your booking please call ourexperienced reservations team on 01756 704704or email [email protected]

Prices shown include 10% early booking saving


THE ROMANTIC MAIN AND RHINENuremberg to CologneSunday 14th July to Monday 22nd July 20198 nights including 2 Gala dinnersGuest Speaker: Stella Grace LyonsThe Main and Rhine rivers flow through beautifullandscapes of forests, stunning low mountain ranges andluscious vineyards which are enhanced by culturaltreasures. As the awe-inspiring scenery glides gently by weexplore some of the architectural gems and collections ofpaintings and sculpture of renowned German artists thathave been praised around the world. Sipping a glass ofwine, from the vineyards viewed from the Sun Deck, wepass the mythical Lorelei rock and romantic castle ruins ofthe Rhine Gorge making this a voyage to remember.

www.hebridean.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018

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VOYAGE FROM THE EASTBucharest to BudapestMonday 24th June to friday 5th July 201911 nights including 2 Gala dinners and 1 night in bucharestGuest Speaker: Amelia Dalton

MELODIES OF THE DANUBEBucharest to Nurembergfriday 5th July to Sunday 14th July 20199 nights including 2 Gala dinnersGuest Speaker: Adrian FinnertyThe Danube has inspired countless musicians through theyears. It was immortalised in the famous waltz, The BlueDanube, composed by Austrian Johann Strauss on a cruisedown the river. As we sail along the Danube indulge yourpassion for music in three magnificent capitals: Budapest,Bratislava and Vienna, enjoy private recitals and musicalperformances in stunning palaces, theatres and cathedralsand cruise through the enchanting Wachau Valley. Let themelodies of the Danube transport you from one gem toanother on this musical voyage.

TREASURES OF THE NETHERLANDSCologne to ArnhemMonday 22nd July to Sunday 28th July 20196 nights including 2 Gala dinnersGuest Speaker: Major General Peter WilliamsThe Lower Rhine flows through an extensive valley pastCologne to emerge in a countryside of limitless horizonswhich extends to Arnhem, where it joins the dense, intricatenetwork of inland waterways of The Netherlands. As weexplore these diverse waterways we discover some of themost important milestones during the advance of the alliesin WWII. This varied cruise also allows us to discover thehistoric city of Dordrecht, the bustling port of Rotterdam,The Hague known as the ‘Royal City by the Sea’ and thesilver city of Schoonhoven.

The lower course of the Danube flows through thedramatic, narrow gorge of the Iron Gate to the DanubeDelta and the Black Sea. The Danube Delta is a wildlifeenthusiast's paradise as the maze of canals offers theperfect breeding ground for 300 species of birds. Thebanks of the Danube formed the boundary between greatempires, and our voyage takes us through Romania,Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary to explore some ofthe ancient settlements and imperial cities which have beenbuilt along this great river.

Doubles from £4,950ppSingles from £6,120pp





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THE HEBRIDEAN TIMES

CAPTURING THE WORLD OF HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

It was with much excitement and anticipationthat, in May this year, Martin and myselfstepped on board the luxury cruise ship,

Hebridean Princess.

having been commissioned to shoot a new promotionalfilm for hebridean island Cruises we joined the ship in awork capacity, however there is always room forenjoyment and fun, meeting new people and formingfriendships. and that, we most certainly did.

our first experience on embarkation was the warmwelcome extended by all the crew. although they werebusy preparing the ship for the arrival of a newcomplement of guests in a few hours time, they were veryhospitable and allowed us to move freely around on boardsetting up camera equipment in readiness of capturing ourfirst imagery of the guests being welcomed on board witha rendition of traditional music on the bagpipes.

when all were aboard and settled in their cabins, everyonegathered before dinner in the Tiree lounge. with atempting glass of champagne and another warm welcomefrom the Chief Purser david indge, we then proceeded tothe Columba Restaurant for what i can only describe as,the most impressive week-long dining experience i haveever encountered.

The restaurant stewards were friendly and professional,their knowledge and understanding of the menu alongwith the wines specially selected for each course, wasincredible. and the food! not once during the entirecruise were we disappointed or slightly unimpressed bythe culinary delights of the 5 chefs on board.

Travelling with us was Sheila, from the company’s headoffice in Skipton, working as creative director for thefilming, and her partner dave. Their help was invaluable onour trip as we carried so many items of camera equipmentthroughout the day between us and Sheila’s keen attentionto detail kept us all focussed on the job in hand!

The film Crew, Martin McCready and Yvonne Murray Martin filming at armadale Castle

filming Hebridean Princess from the Tender


www.hebridean.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018

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each day there were activities planned for the guests,whether it was a castle or botanical garden or simply ashore walk, we worked to capture on camera theexperience you can expect to have on board and ashoreduring a typical cruise.

a memorable visit for me was to armadale Castle andgardens. we took the drone along as the sun was puttingon a wonderful display that day and we hoped to capturethe castle and gardens not only from the camera lens butfrom the air as well. The drone did not disappoint, theimagery was spectacular.

we did however enlist the help of our travellingcompanion, dave, whose job it was to catch the dronebefore it landed, as we have discovered this is best for notallowing dust particles to be driven up in to the motors.after a couple of practice sessions, he was an expert atcatching the drone in the air before landing it!

another memorable trip was to isle Martin where weanchored just off shore and jumped in the tender, just thefour of us and the camera equipment with alick, ourtrusty boatman.

our first objective in the tender was to circle the ship atanchor to capture her beauty on the calm waters she satin. She did not disappoint. a shining example of historicmaritime beauty, she lay waiting for her passengers toreturn from the island.

we flew the drone out from shore towards the ship andaround the shoreline with again more amazing footage tobe had. The island, full of bird life and very peaceful otherthan the twitter of birds, was most enjoyable.

we finished in the local café which was a house with abeautiful garden with tables and chairs outside to enjoythe views. apparently the rhubarb crumble cake wasamazing, i was too busy saving my appetite for theamazing seafood buffet lunch back on board.

So whilst working to capture life on board Hebridean Princess, and the beauty of the islands ofScotland’s west coast, we enjoyed the fabulous cuisine onboard, meeting some wonderful people and making newfriends. To experience such a beautiful country andshoreline from land and road is wonderful, but to see itfrom another perspective from Hebridean Princess wastruly magical. anchoring in secluded sheltered waterswhere you are the only ship in sight, with a majesticbackdrop of stunning scenery, to capture this in itsentirety was truly a wonderful experience.

Martin and i are both looking forward to returning to theship in august to continue gathering amazing footage ofthe world of Hebridean Princess.

dave Catching the drone farewell Gala dinner - dave, Martin, Sheila and Yvonne

The final film is due to be completed towards the endof this year. More news will be available in the next

edition of The Hebridean Times.


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The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), is a charity

that Hebridean Island Cruises has supported for many

years, by raising funds through charity frog racing games

on board Hebridean Princess and providing a cruise for

auction at the Central London RNLI Committee’s annual

golf day held at Woking Golf Club, which this year raised

more than £35,000.

We are proud to be further extending our support to the

RNLI in 2018, as this coming November, The Dorchester

Hotel, London, will be the venue of the RNLI’s Armistice

Centenary Dinner and where Hebridean will provide

another 7-night cruise on board Hebridean Princess for the

live auction.

The dinner is to celebrate the Armistice Centenary,

whereby the RNLI manned its lifeboats throughout the two

world wars, with men too old at that time to serve in the

armed forces.

The Central London Committee, who raise funds

throughout the year, including the Woking golf day, wanted

to mark this very special centenary with a dinner to raise

money for the continued life-saving work of the institution

as well as to honour those brave crews who went to sea to

save lives throughout the war.

Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI and without them the

charity could not carry out its vital lifesaving service. Every

day of the year, people get into trouble in the water and

the RNLI’s lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service

in the UK and Ireland.

Every summer, RNLI lifeguards look after people on busy

beaches and its Flood Rescue Team is ready to help those

affected by flooding.

Community safety teams and education volunteers help

explain the risks and share safety knowledge with anyone

at risk of drowning and international teams work with

partners to help tackle drowning in communities at risk all

around the world.

Our grateful thanks are extended to the RNLI and we wish

the London Central Committee all the very best in

November at what will be a memorable evening in the

RNLI’s fundraising calendar.

HEBrIDEAN IS PrOUD TO BE SUPPOrTING THE rNLI – SAVING LIVES AT SEA

To find out more about the life saving work of the rNLI please visit www.rnli.org

FACT BOX• IT COST £176.5M TO RUN THE RNLI IN 2017*• £49.6M WAS RAISED THROUGH DONATIONS IN 2017*• £135.1M WAS RAISED THROUGH LEGACIES IN 2017**Figures taken from the RNLI Annual Report and Accounts 2017

HEBRIDEAN’S CHARITY PARTNERSHIPS


www.hebridean.co.uk

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SEA-CHANGERS GRANTS SEEK TO TACKLE THE ISSUE OF PLASTIC POLLUTION IN UK SEASA further eighteen UK-based marine conservation charities and projects are set to benefitfrom the latest round of Sea-Changers’ grants – with a total of nearly £10,500 beingdistributed. Hebridean Island Cruises is one of a number of marine businesses working withSea-Changers to raise money which is then distributed via the charity’s bi-annual grantsprogramme. Hebridean Island Cruises has been working with guests to raise funds for Sea-Changers since 2012 and during this time they have raised nearly £27,000. The amazinggenerosity of Hebridean guests has significantly contributed to Sea-Changers being able toaward 115 marine conservation grants across the UK over the past 6 years.

The latest round of grants will help support a diverse mix of

good causes with an emphasis, this time, on one of the marine

environments biggest issues – plastic pollution.

Some examples of the projects receiving funds this time are:

• Basking Shark Scotland who will be running a series of clean

ups in the remote islands of Argyll transporting their

volunteers via ribs and an inflatable dinghy.

• Shetland Amenity Trust who are using the funding to produce

a film about the the UK’s most successful voluntary litter pick

which involves 20% of Shetland’s population volunteering to

clean its beaches and coastlines annually.

• Environment Plymouth will be running local workshops

(Plastic Surgeries) on the dangers of plastic pollution and the

alternatives available for local traders.

• Plastic Clever Salcombe’s ‘Kids Against Plastic’ campaign,

which will empower children to help make change in their

community and reduce the ‘big four’ plastic polluters.

Helen Webb, Co-Founder of Sea-Changers said, “2018 has been

the year when the UK really began to wake up to the problem of

plastic pollution and its impact on our seas and wildlife. That is

why we are thrilled to be able to support such a range of

projects that are seeking to address the issue, whether that be

through communities getting out onto beaches and clearing up

rubbish, or by educating businesses about the impact of plastic

and alternatives available. The support of Hebridean Island

Cruises’ guests plays a central role in ensuring we can support

the many fantastic projects that apply for funding and we are

really grateful for your continued support.”

Sea users supporting healthy oceans


We are pleased to announce the return of afamiliar face to Hebridean Princess. FormerHotel Manager, Iain Gibson, was welcomedback on board in April this year in his new roleas Chief Purser, working opposite David Indge.

Iain first joined Hebridean Princess back in 2001 for asix-month period during his gap year before working inthe hospitality industry across Scotland, travelling theworld with Princess Cruises for four years and returningto the country of his birth as Train Manager on boardThe Belmond Royal Scotsman.

The call of the sea proved too hard to resist and so Iainapplied for the position of Front of House Manager, re-joining Hebridean Princess at the start of the 2014season. In the familiar waters off the west coast ofScotland, he spent 3 very happy seasons meetingguests and working with our talented team ofprofessional and passionate crew, leaving the Hebridesfor more distant shores in early 2017.

Iain says, “After a year away, where I had the wonderfulopportunity to cruise the world and visit over thirtydifferent countries, I feel so honoured to be back onboard Hebridean Princess. Like so many of our frequentguests, returning has felt like coming home, and I havebeen truly touched at the enormous welcome I havereceived from both guests and crew. I am thrilled toembark upon this new chapter and looking forward tothe exciting new itineraries we have planned for nextyear.”

We are sure that many of our loyal guests would like tojoin us in congratulating Iain on his promotion to ChiefPurser and wish him well for the future.

Twofold congratulations toArtiom and Lidija on theirmarriage and on the safearrival of Viktorija.

2018 has been a very busy yearfor AB Artiom Zyrianov whobecame both a husband andfather. Artiom met Lidija, whoworks as administrator atWestern Baltija Shipbuilding inLithuania, in 2015 and theybecame engaged in 2017. Theywere married on 7th April thisyear and their daughter Viktorijawas born at 05.17 am on the 6thJune weighing 6lb 4oz.

CREW NEWS

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www.hebridean.co.uk

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SErENADE TO THE HEBrIDES

Craggy great eruptions long exploded out of the sea,

Volcanic rocks, steep mountains, now thickly clad by many a tree,

Verdant hillsides random dotted with ancient boulders casually strewn,

As if pushed with hidden, unseen hand, in disarray they tumbled doon.

A majestic white tailed eagle in his freedom soaring high,

Lochs and burns and seascapes merge with an ever changing sky,

Sun-tipped mist, enshrouded peaks, matching man’s every mood.

Horizons far, just silence, speak of peace and solitude.

Waters, deep, black, mysterious, as smooth as polished glass,

Startling blue, white wind beflecked or savage storm soon to pass.

Little harbour fronts that nestle, ruined castles with watchful eyes

Speak of romance, myth and history, of warriors bold winning many a prize.

The soft burr of the highlander with that all beguiling lilt,

The skirling of the bagpipes and his proudly striding kilt.

Yet wandering sheep and cattle with not a single man in sight,

The magic of the sea and air and swiftly changing light.

Turning south t’wards Glasgow, leaving Hebrides sadly to my rear,

The clouds and heavens opened, sharing many a shedded tear,

As in my ears resounded that time honoured sweet refrain,

“Ye’ll have a wee dram afore ye go, will ye no come back again.”

Following the delightful Classical Inspiration cruise on board Hebridean Princess, which commenced on 3rd July this year, guest Mr

Mark Drury was inspired to write the following poem.

We would like to thank Mr Drury for his kind permission to publish hisSerenade to the Hebrides.


Hebridean Island Cruises Ltd, Kintail HouseCarleton New Road, Skipton, BD23 2DE

email: [email protected]: www.hebridean.co.uk tel: 01756 704704

Find us on:

www.facebook.com/hebridean

www.twitter.com/Hebcruises

www.instagram.com/hebrideanislandcruises

COMPETITION

Author and travel aficionado Amelia Dalton will be joiningour Voyage from the East as guest speaker on board MSRoyal Crown in 2019.

For ten years Amelia owned a small ship running cruisesto the remote island chains of Scotland’s stunning WestCoast. She worked closely with the National Trust forScotland and gained her commercial qualifications as aCaptain. Amelia now runs her own travel company,creates specialist expeditions for charities world-widesuch as Durrell Conservation Trust and is a keen naturalist.

ISLANDS qUIZ in ISSUE 28Our thanks to all who entered the Islands quiz in the last issue and congratulations to everyone whocorrectly answered the following questions:

1. This island is linked to the british mainland by 2 bridges. ANGLESEY

2. This sub-tropical island is the only privately-owned island in the isles of Scilly. TrESCO

3. This island is home to an unusual blonde hedgehog which is rumoured to have originally arrivedinside a harrod’s shopping bag. ALDErNEY

4. The flag of this island displays a Triskelion on a red background. ISLE OF MAN

5. This traffic-free island consists of 2 main parts joined by an isthmus called la Coupée. SArK

6. The main settlement of this island off the coast of finistère is Port Kernog. ÎLE DE BATZ

7. Charles ii spent several years in exile on this island and was proclaimed king here in 1649. JErSEY

8. The largest of the isles of Scilly. ST MArY’S

9. during the occupation of wwii, 80% of this island’s children were evacuated to england. GUErNSEY

10. The name of this island, england’s only marine nature reserve, means Puffin in norse. LUNDY

11. famous for its pink granite, this island commune is known as the ‘island of flowers.’ ÎLE DE BréHAT

12. The national symbol of this island is the harp. irELAND

The lucky winners were Alison redpath of Aberdeen and David & Sue Clark of Hereford.

To enter, please email your answer, together with your name and address to [email protected] Wednesday 31st October 2018.

four lucky winners will be randomly selected from all the correct entries.

Please note email addresses may be used for marketing purposes. If you prefer not to receive email communications fromHebridean Island Cruises please state this in your entry.

her best-selling book, Mistress and Commander, is a lively account ofthe pitfalls and triumphs of an english, middle class girl amongst thecolourful, chauvinistic fishing communities of the hebrides. She hasspoken at literary festivals, appeared on Saturday live, bbC worldService and Radio Scotland.

for a chance to win a signed copy of Mistress and Commander byamelia, please answer the following question:

Through how many countries does our Voyage from the East cruise on board MS Royal Crown, commencing on 24th June 2019, pass?


hebridean times times issue 29.pdf · ilkley literature festival british travel awards hebridean...

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