FORT William will play host to the first cruise ship to visit a Scottish port this year.

The CMV Astoria will make her maiden call to the Highlands on 25 April as she embarks on a 14-night cruise itinerary visiting the Scottish lochs and islands before heading to Ireland.

The occasion will be marked with an exchange of a plaque between the ship's owners, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, and local councillors.

Sarah Kennedy, Company Secretary and Treasurer at Fort William said: "We are looking forward to welcoming our first cruise ship of the season and preparations are well under way.

"We are working with other local volunteer groups to organise various events such as a Scottish country dancing demonstration, to give passengers and crew a taste of what goes on in the town.

"We hope the weather continues to hold and we can give the passengers and crew the best welcome to the Heart of the Highlands."

The cruise will also visit the Orkney Islands, Stornoway, Belfast, Dublin and the Holy Loch before returning to London on 5 May.

CMV Astoria is capable of carrying 550 passengers.