The Majestic Line, offering cruises from Dunoon and Oban, has taken the Best Visitor Attraction Award at the 2009 Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards ceremony, held at Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.

The line was set up in 2004 when Andy Thoms and Ken Grant rescued a de-commissioned fishing trawler and rebuilt it into a small cruising vessel – naming it the Glen Massan.

In 2007, a second boat, the Glen Tarsan, was rescued and joined the already popular Glen Massan to offer unique cruising holidays for up to 11 guests.

Winning this accolade in such short order is some achievement.

The Majestic Line vision is to provide guests an exceptional and memorable escape from everyday life, whilst cruising from April to October in the sheltered waters and beautiful coastline of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides.

(Addition by Editor: Being unable to resist a joke, we wouldn’t argue that – in every way – the line offers ‘excpetional and memorable escapes from everyday life’. The Glen Tarsan in particular has a fondness for the tail end of an unmarked sandspit running out into Loch Fyne from the shore almost opposite the Loch Fyne Hotel. Passengers and obervers alike have spent a few fond hours waiting for the tide to rise.)

On the ships, guests cruise areas of remote coastlines and islands full of unspoiled natural beauty, all of which are steeped in Scottish history and boast an abundance of wildlife.

Mel Jarron, Majestic’s Marketing Manager, says: ‘It means so much to us that we have been recognised by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards for our commitment and hard work in ensuring our guests enjoy the best visitor experience possible.

‘Well done to all our crew and onshore staff! Our staff continually strive to offer our guests an outstanding experience through their attention to detail. The Majestic Line achieves phenomenal feedback from guests – repeat guests and guests joining us through recommendations represent our largest percentage of customers’.

First Minister Alex Salmond, commenting on the awards said: ‘These awards give us an opportunity to recognise the wealth of experience, commitment and excellence of tourism operators across the Highlands and Islands. The world knows well the fantastic scenery and wildlife, adventure sports, historic buildings and festivals that the Highlands and Islands have to offer.

‘Of course, what keeps people coming back is the underlying quality of service, so I congratulate all of the award-winners, the other finalists and the doubtless many more individuals and enterprises working so hard to provide an excellent visitor experience to all those attracted to this most beautiful part of the world’.

Over 350 people representing the region’s top travel, hospitality and leisure businesses attended the Awards ceremony which showcased the best of the region’s tourism industry.

Majestic’s cruise calendar was already filling up before the Award, so they can reckon on a busier season than ever in 2010.

Anyone interested in one of their cruises is advised to contact the line quickly, before they fly the ‘sold out’ banners. This can be done via The Majestic Line website or by phoning Marie on 0131 623 5012.

Mark Morpurgo

The photograph above shows one of the Majestic Line boats, Glen Tarsan and Glen Massan, cruising northwards towards inveraray in Loch Fyne.

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