Cruise Scotland has announced a number of changes to its management committee following its annual general meeting in Inverness last week. New officers were appointed to serve three year terms.

Victor Sandison of the Port of Lerwick, Shetland, was appointed as chairman, succeeding Richard Alexander of Morrison Tours who has served in the role for the last four years.

Alexander was appointed as Treasurer, with Iain Dunderdale of the Port of Invergordon being re-appointed as secretary.

Edel Walsh of UIlapool Harbour Trust was appointed market development manager, a role previously held by Gordon Ireland of Highland Council who is due to retire next month.

The outgoing chairman, Richard Alexander paid tribute to Ireland’s tireless work and commitment over the years in helping to raise the profile of Scotland as a cruise destination.

On being elected chairman, Sandison thanked Alexander for his commitment, support and enthusiasm in steering Cruise Scotland through its formative years.

He also said: “Despite our member ports welcoming a record-breaking number of cruise passengers this summer, we are facing a number of issues that may have longer-term impact on the UK Cruise Industry. We are lobbying for a change to the UK Border Force’s stricter interpretation of passport checks on cruise passengers arriving in the UK and are hopeful that this can be resolved. Also, the introduction of ECA [Emission Control Area] regulations from 2015 will affect cruise lines operating in the North Sea. It is therefore vitally important that we continue to communicate effectively with the cruise lines in our aim to provide the best possible service to meet industry expectations and needs.”