The CruiseForth Welcome Volunteers, a partner organisation of Forth Ports, has won the ‘Warmest Welcome’ award at the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards. The award was presented to Ruaraidh Murray and Don Alexander by Stephen Carter of Visit Scotland at a gala dinner in Glasgow’s Crown Plaza hotel last night.

The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise outstanding work in the hospitality and tourism industry. The ‘Warmest Welcome’ accolade is awarded to an organisation leading the field in delivering extraordinary customer satisfaction and a real Scottish welcome.

The CruiseForth Welcome Volunteers are always on hand at the Ports of Rosyth and Leith and in Newhaven and South Queensferry to give a friendly welcome and advice to cruise passengers calling on the east coast of Scotland.

The group, all of whom are volunteers, provide local advice on unique ways for cruise passengers to spend their time, with directions to tourist attractions and historical points of interest as well as guidance on taxis, buses and train services.

Stuart Wallace, Divisional Director for Forth Ports, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the efforts of the CruiseForth Welcome Volunteers have been rewarded at the Scottish Thistle Awards. This award is very well deserved and recognises the excellent service that the Volunteers give at each of the ports which welcomes around 80 cruise ships in the River Forth each year. Congratulations to all the team.”

Peter Wilson, Project Manager for CruiseForth said “We are thrilled to have won this award. Our volunteers take great pride in their communities and want to share their enthusiasm for the area with visitors. We have all worked extremely hard to create a special welcome to cruise passengers who come ashore.”