Huge cruise ship brings 1,400 tourists to North East

Nearly 1,400 tourists have visited the North East after Port of Aberdeen welcomed one of its largest ever cruise ships.

Passengers travelling on the Ambience had the chance to visit Balmoral Castle, Crathes Castle and Old Aberdeen.

The boat is 245 metres long - which is bigger than most skyscrapers in the UK.

Fifty cruise ships are expected to visit Aberdeen over the summer, which are expected to generate around £4.5 million for the local economy.

Among them is German-flagged cruise ship AIDA, which arrives on 17 July, followed by Costa Favolosa, the biggest liner to ever visit the city.

CEO of Port of Aberdeen Bob Sanguinetti said: "Welcoming Ambience is an important milestone for Aberdeen.

"It further demonstrates our ability to accommodate large cruise ships and reinforces Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s growing reputation as a premier cruise destination.”

Commercial Manager Marlene Mitchell said: “Like many UK cruise ports, the harsher spring weather has led to some disruption this year so we’re delighted to welcome both Ambience and Scenic Eclipse in today.

"Future bookings are very healthy, and we now have the flexibility to accommodate calls when opportunities arise at short notice, as we did with Ambience.”