Latest news with #ForthPorts
The Courier
6 days ago
- The Courier
What's it really like inside the 700ft cruise ship sailing from Dundee? We go on board to find out
It's not often (well, ever) that I need to pack my passport for work. But today, I'm going on a cruise ship. 'Tis the sometimes strange life of a journalist – and photographer Steve Brown, who is joining me on the excursion. We've been invited on board Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition ship, which is currently docked in Dundee, for a tour. We will also enjoy a taste of its Theatre at Sea experience. But first of all, we need to actually find the ship – surprisingly tricky, considering it's 700ft. The cruise terminal, run by Forth Ports, is poorly signposted, and Google Maps keeps leading us into private industrial yards. When we eventually make it to the correct location, parking on a dusty dirt path in the tired shipyard, it feels less like 'We're going on a cruise' and more 'Are we trespassing?' Perhaps it's an area that may improve as cruise traffic increases. There were 16 departures in 2024, compared to just nine this year. But the sight of the very big and shiny Ambition, which is docking in Dundee six times this summer, is extremely impressive. We join the growing queue of cruisers for security before boarding the ship. Deciding to ignore the fact that I am sadly not off on a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise with everyone else, I feel myself getting swept up in the holiday atmosphere. Ambition is primarily aimed at the over-50s market (the average age of a UK cruiser is 54), and this is reflected in the crowd. But there are also some young couples and plenty of children. It seems to be a popular choice for wheelchair and mobility scooter users as well. After a very warm welcome on board the ship, we are shown to a relaxing lounge area for refreshments. We've been on board for less than 10 minutes and I'm already astounded by the quality of service. Attentive waiters in crisp white shirts circle the room with silver trays and steaming coffee, ensuring our plates and cups are always full. I have never been on a cruise before, but Steve, who sails with his family every year, tells me this is the norm. I am beginning to understand and see the appeal. Although Ambition was built in 1999, it underwent a full refit in 2023 – the same year it began sailing from Dundee. This is evident from the slick and modern interiors as we're led through expansive hallways on our tour. The place is buzzing as luggage-wielding guests are shown to their rooms by staff. Ambition, run by an international crew of nearly 500, can carry up to 1,200 passengers. There are 714 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 of which are suites. On deck five, we pass through the Buckingham Restaurant, where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. The eatery – one of seven on board – features huge windows overlooking the silvery Tay. Passengers are tucking into a breakfast buffet. I glance longingly at the trolley of warm pastries. We're then led to the lifts (even these are impressive – they could probably hold at least 30 people each). We head up to deck 11, which feels like the heart of the ship. There are several restaurants, as well as a pool area, gym and spa. Firstly, we visit Borough Market, another of Ambition's casual dining restaurants, which our guide tells us is a 'celebration of all flavours around the world'. There's an enormous selection of buffet food on offer, including pasta, meat, salad and desserts. With vegan options and a kid-friendly offering (I spy potato smiles and waffles), there seems to be something for everyone. We also peek our heads into the Chef's Table – a luxurious dining area hidden behind a curtain, where passengers can enjoy multi-course a la carte dining with wine pairings. Then we visit the sun deck – possibly my favourite spot on the ship. It features a giant pool, hot tubs, a cocktail bar and various nooks for sunbathing or socialising. Right now, there are also glorious views over Dundee Law. You can tell it's a Scottish crowd, as the rain does nothing to deter guests sipping pina coladas by the pool or children gleefully splashing in the hot tubs. Around the corner, there's also a great area for playing darts and a pool table. Then we head into the Green Sea Spa. Despite the name, it's decked out in serene shades of baby blue and cream. Treatments like manicures, Indian head and hot stone massages are available for an extra cost, but most facilities are included in the ticket price. This includes a humongous steam room and sauna, both of which boast floor-to-ceiling windows – the views must be spectacular at sea. Next door is a well-equipped gym and active studio, where regular spin classes are held. We then head down to deck seven to take a look at the Cavern – a modern seating area with a stage and a bar – where much of the entertainment takes place. Busy from 9am until late, this includes bingo, quizzes, dance classes, silent discos and DJ sets. Fitted with turquoise and orange sofas, jazzy carpets, walnut surfaces and a reflective ceiling, it feels nostalgic and glamorous. It's giving Great Gatsby vibes. Finally, we visit deck six, where there's a theatre, a library and several bars and restaurants. Our guide points out Angel Bar, which is one of two onboard bars with no background music or entertainment, making it an ideal spot for some downtime. Like many of Ambition's leisure facilities, it's named after destinations featured on the ship's itineraries. In this case, Antony Gormley's Angel of the North sculpture, located in Tyne and Wear. I stop for a browse in the Bronte Library, which runs on a 'take a book, leave a book' system. It's a cosy little sanctuary on the ship. We then pause in the relaxing Clifton lounge, where we are surprised with a pop-up theatre vignette. The three young actors, starring in a Georgian-style bit about the language of fanology, succeed in making us all laugh. Apparently, these surprise scenes are a regular occurrence on board. Holyrood Restaurant – a formal dinner venue – is also located on deck six. This is where the ship hosts its Baked Alaska Parade – an onboard tradition where waiters carry flaming Baked Alaska desserts through the dining room while passengers wave napkins in the air. Our tour guide tells us that the spectacle, accompanied by much fanfare and music, began as a way for cooks to show off the heat of their ovens. (A proper Baked Alaska should have a crisp meringue shell with a still-cool ice cream centre.) Our day culminates with a visit to The Palladium – a glitzy theatre which could easily play host to an episode of Strictly Come Dancing. It is here that we learn more about the cruise liner's Theatre at Sea programme, which is run by PEEL Entertainment. Over the past three years, the group has staged a wide range of plays onboard Ambassador's Ambition and Ambience ships. We are also treated to readings of two plays from the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025 shortlist: Tea Leaves by Claudia Feilding and Venison by Huw Turnbull. The winning play – which will be announced in December – will be produced as part of the Theatre at Sea programme. From the quality service to the endless food and entertainment, it's easy to see why Ambition is so popular. With more sailings from Dundee already announced for 2027, it's clearly striking a chord with passengers.
The National
02-08-2025
- General
- The National
Protest organised against fence blocking access to Scottish harbour
A fence was installed on Burntisland harbour for 'public safety' reasons on the north side of the Firth of Forth after obtaining planning consent from Fife Council in 2022. This led to an outcry from locals, including an online petition which gained over 3000 signatures. The Burntisland Harbour Access Trust (BHAT) campaign group was then formed, who still continue to protest the fence and fight to restore public access to the harbour. READ MORE: Major rescue operation after man falls off cliff near Scottish holiday park The group said that they have received legal advice that indicates that Forth Ports 'acted illegally in barring the public from the harbour and breakwater' and that when presented with the lawyers report 'had failed to address the issue'. Now, BHAT has organised a protest march and rally in the town next weekend. Spokesperson Sandra Maguire told The Courier: 'Even now, people continue to gain access by any means possible. 'Recently fishermen have been taking their life in their hands by scaling a high fence set up by Forth Ports to deter access. 'This steel fence has been repeatedly opened up by the community who refuse to give up their right to access. 'In response, Fife Ports raised the height of the fence and erected a camera.' A spokesperson for Forth Ports said: 'The fence was installed around areas that were deemed high risk and ensures public safety within a working port. 'The measure still enables the people of Burntisland to safely walk through the port, avoiding these high risk areas. 'We continue to communicate with community representatives, local politicians, and other local stakeholders on matters relating to access at the Port of Burntisland.' The protest leaves the Beacon Centre in Burntisland at 11am on August 10.
The Herald Scotland
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Visionary Glaswegian who played key role in transforming Leith dies
Died: April 2025 Terry Smith, who has died aged 78, was a leading figure in Forth Ports plc who played a key role in the regeneration of Leith and was instrumental in setting up The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. He spent 15 years as property director at Forth Ports, during which time Leith improved beyond all recognition. Some of Edinburgh's most underused land was transformed into desirable residential property and restaurants. Ocean Terminal shopping and leisure complex was created, the new Scottish Office built and a prestigious home found for the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which has grown into a magnificent tourist attraction, often voted number 1 in the UK on Trip Advisor. Without Terry's vision, creativity and determination, Britannia would undoubtedly have gone elsewhere. Terry's sense of innovation attracted many designers to the area including the architect Terence Conran, who was responsible for designing Ocean Terminal, which commands incredible views of the port. And Ken McCulloch, creator of One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow, renovated the former Sailors' Home into the boutique Malmaison Hotel on Tower Place along the Shore, which is complemented by Terry's carefully commissioned ornate ironworks. By driving the change in this vibrant and attractive community, Terry was even able to lure the famed MTV music awards to Leith in 2003. In his time, the company also launched Forthside, encompassing major developments at Granton Harbour, Western Harbour and Port of Leith, which together cover about 450 acres and over two miles of shoreline. Terry supported the initial bid for the establishment of the Edinburgh Trams, linking the airport, railway stations and cruise liners to the seaport, establishing the Port of Leith as the heart of the waterfront city area. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Building and served as a director of Leith Enterprise Trust, Leith Chamber of Commerce and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Not one to rest on his laurels, he remained on the board of trustees for the Royal Yacht Britannia for the rest of his life. The attraction's website notes 'he played a key role in the regeneration of Leith and was instrumental in setting up The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust'. The Forth Ports team, led by the former CEO of 25 years, Bob Downie, also went on to secure and renovate the Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board Ship, into the award-winning luxury floating boutique hotel that can be seen today, docked not far from Britannia in Alexandra Dock. Terry was born in Kelvindale, Glasgow. His parents, Terence and Dorothy, met on shore leave from the Navy – his dad was stationed on mine sweepers in the Mediterranean and his mother was a Wren. They went on to be a builder and shorthand typist respectively. Terry had an elder brother, Hamish, who moved to Trinidad in his early twenties, married Heather and built his life and family out there. He also had two younger twin sisters; Isobel remained in Glasgow with her husband Douglas, but Maggie also travelled extensively for work with her husband Frank and their children. Read more Growing up, Terry displayed a passion for vehicles, and from an early age would cobble together bogies using old pram wheels with built-in brakes. Over the years, this tinkering, turned into a solid hobby and at age 24, his Metron car design was subject to a two-page spread in Motor Magazine. He enjoyed racing several of his creations on the hill-climbing circuit for many years. More recently he developed the unique Marcos Evolution XP, Charterhall Speedster and Unipower Evolution car designs, which were displayed and admired at the Thirlestane Festival of Motoring, among others. His practical upbringing steered him towards the College of Building and Printing in Glasgow, where Terry studied and trained to be a quantity surveyor. After applying for jobs in both the motor and construction industry, it was contractor company Gilbert-Ash that laid the pathway of his future career. He soon became head of their general works department, taking on smaller jobs which led to more lucrative assignments. It was while working on the Cameron Toll development in Edinburgh that he was spotted and approached to join Forth Ports. In 1971 Terry met Janis, who become the love of his life. By 1977 he and Janis, a primary school teacher, had welcomed their three children, Martin, Julia and Marina, all of whom have gone on to their own fulfilling careers, as film director, ceramicist and Destination Tweed Project Manager respectively. Over the years, Terry renovated and built several properties for his family. First, he converted an Old Coach House in Helensburgh, with the help of his father Terence. Then he moved on to a newbuild on an old market garden site in Edinburgh. And, keeping the Leith legacy alive, he converted one of the few remaining single-level houses, the old Gate Keeper's Office, into a home for his son Martin. Terry Smith with a propeller from the Royal Yacht Britannia (Image: Contributed) There aren't many people who didn't recognise Terry around Leith docks and his combination of practical skills, innovative thinking and approachability made him a well-liked and respected figure. At the time of his retirement Terry was congratulated by his team on his significant achievements and by the Britannia Board for his outstanding contribution and kindness. Bob Downie, founding chief executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel, paid tribute to 'Terry's incredible vision, determination and resulting great success, for which I am extremely grateful'. Terry is survived by his wife Janis, children Martin, Julia and Marina and grandchildren Thomas and Fergus. MARINA PIPER At The Herald, we carry obituaries of notable people from the worlds of business, politics, arts and sport but sometimes we miss people who have led extraordinary lives. That's where you come in. If you know someone who deserves an obituary, please consider telling us about their lives. Contact
Scotsman
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotsman Obituaries: Terry Smith, visionary Forth Ports Property Director who helped transform Leith
Terence Smith, Property Director, Forth Ports. Born: February 1947 in Kelvindale, Glasgow. Died: April 2025 at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, aged 78 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Terry Smith retired from Forth Ports plc in 2006, having spent more than 15 years as Property Director, during which time Leith improved beyond all recognition. Some of Edinburgh's most underused land was transformed into desirable residential property and restaurants. Ocean Terminal shopping and leisure complex was created, the new Scottish Office built and a prestigious home found for the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which has grown into a magnificent tourist attraction, often voted number 1 in the UK on Trip Advisor. Without Terry's vision, creativity and determination, Britannia would undoubtedly have gone elsewhere. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Terry's sense of innovation attracted many designers to the area including the architect Terence Conran, who was responsible for designing Ocean Terminal, which commands incredible views of the port. And Ken McCulloch, creator of One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow, renovated the former Sailors' Home into the boutique Malmaison Hotel on Tower Place along the Shore, which is complemented by Terry's carefully commissioned ornate ironworks. Terry Smith at the time of the 2003 Citizens exhibition in Ocean Terminal Picture: Trevor E R Yerbury By driving the change in this vibrant and attractive community, Terry was even able to lure the famed MTV music awards to Leith in 2003. In his time, the company also launched Forthside, encompassing major developments at Granton Harbour, Western Harbour and Port of Leith, which together cover about 450 acres and over two miles of shoreline. Terry supported the initial bid for the establishment of the Edinburgh Trams, linking the airport, railway stations and cruise liners to the seaport, establishing the Port of Leith as the heart of the waterfront city area. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Building and served as a Director of Leith Enterprise Trust, Leith Chamber of Commerce and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Not one to rest on his laurels, Terry remained on the Board of Trustees for the Royal Yacht Britannia for the rest of his life. The attraction's website notes 'he played a key role in the regeneration of Leith and was instrumental in setting up The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust'. The Forth Ports team, led by the former CEO of 25 years, Bob Downie, also went on to secure and renovate the Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board Ship, into the award-winning luxury floating boutique hotel that can be seen today, docked not far from Britannia in Alexandra Dock. Terry was born in Glasgow. His parents, Terence and Dorothy, met on shore leave from the Navy – his dad was stationed on mine sweepers in the Mediterranean and his mother was a Wren. They went on to be a builder and shorthand typist respectively. Terry had an elder brother, Hamish, who moved to Trinidad in his early twenties, married Heather and built his life and family out there. He also had two younger twin sisters; Isobel remained in Glasgow with her husband Douglas, but Maggie also travelled extensively for work with her husband Frank and their children. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Growing up, Terry displayed a passion for vehicles, and from an early age would cobble together bogies using old pram wheels with built-in brakes. Over the years, this tinkering, turned into a solid hobby and at age 24 his Metron car design was subject to a two-page spread in Motor Magazine. He enjoyed racing several of his creations on the hill-climbing circuit for many years. More recently he developed the unique Marcos Evolution XP, Charterhall Speedster and Unipower Evolution car designs, which were displayed and admired at the Thirlestane Festival of Motoring, among others. His practical upbringing steered him towards the College of Building and Printing in Glasgow, where Terry studied and trained to be a quantity surveyor. After applying for jobs in both the motor and construction industry, it was contractor company Gilbert-Ash that laid the pathway of his future career. He soon became head of their general works department, taking on smaller jobs which led to more lucrative assignments. It was while working on the Cameron Toll development in Edinburgh that he was spotted and approached to join Forth Ports. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In 1971 Terry met Janis, who become the love of his life. By 1977 he and Janis, a primary school teacher, had welcomed their three children, Martin, Julia and Marina, all of whom have gone on to their own fulfilling careers, as film director, ceramicist and Destination Tweed Project Manager respectively. Over the years, Terry renovated and built several properties for his family. First, he converted an Old Coach House in Helensburgh, with the help of his father Terence. Then he moved on to a newbuild on an old market garden site in Edinburgh. And, keeping the Leith legacy alive, he converted one of the few remaining single-level houses, the old Gate Keeper's Office, into a home for his son Martin. There aren't many people who didn't recognise Terry around Leith docks and his combination of practical skills, innovative thinking and approachability made him a well-liked and respected figure. At the time of his retirement Terry was congratulated by his team on his significant achievements and by the Britannia Board for his outstanding contribution and kindness. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bob Downie, founding Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel, paid tribute to 'Terry's incredible vision, determination and resulting great success, for which I am extremely grateful'. Terry is survived by his wife Janis, children Martin, Julia and Marina and grandchildren Thomas and Fergus. Obituaries
The Courier
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Courier Business Awards 2025: Transition to Net Zero
Entries are now open for The Courier Business Awards 2025 Transition to Net Zero category. The Courier Business Awards, held in partnership with Henderson Loggie, celebrates the achievements of companies operating in Tayside, Fife and Stirling. Since the awards started more than a decade ago, we've heard about the exceptional service offered, innovative products and solutions brought to the market and remarkable growth stories. Entries are now open – we can't wait to hear more about your accomplishments over the past 12 months. Winning a hotly contested Courier Business Award is a fantastic achievement for any business. It means a winning company is a leader in its sector and can be used to promote its products and services. It is also a boost for staff to know the work they do has been recognised. Our winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony held at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee this October, which brings together hundreds of business leaders for a night to remember. Entering is simple and free. We'd love to hear about your business. The Transition to Net Zero category is sponsored by Forth Ports. This award is open to any business offering products or services to help the transition to net zero. It is also open to companies, in any sector, who have undergone changes to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Winner will demonstrate: Entries close at 5pm on Monday July 14. Click here to enter the Courier Business Awards 2025 Transition to Net Zero category. Thank you to Forth Ports for sponsoring the Transition to Net Zero category. Forth Ports was established in 1967 and has grown to be the third largest port operator group in the UK and the largest in Scotland. Operating seven strategically located ports, Forth Ports Scotland provides fast and efficient access to major industry hubs and 70% of the Scottish population. Forth Ports Dundee is a significant economic driver for the city and through investment has positioned itself as a market leader within the offshore renewables market.
