A team of local staff will continue welcoming visitors to the Port of Cromarty Firth after Highland business Cobbs was re appointed to operate the sole retail outlet at the Invergordon Service Base.
The quayside gift shop sits on the direct route cruise passengers take when leaving the port, offering Scottish gifts and local produce while encouraging visitors to explore Invergordon and the wider Highlands.
The new contract covers the 2026 and 2027 cruise seasons, with an option to extend into 2028, following a recent procurement process.
It continues a working relationship between the trust port and Cobbs that began in 2019.
More than 180,000 cruise passengers visited the Cromarty Firth in 2025, and 95 ships are scheduled to call in 2026, with the first arrival expected on 6th of April.
The shop is led by manager Elaine Macleod and a team of six staff who all live locally.
Elaine said:
“Cruise passengers want a warm, authentic Highland welcome and having a local team makes a real difference.
“We’ve built the shop up over the last few years by listening to what visitors are looking for, and we now stock a wide range of gifts and produce from more than 50 Scottish suppliers, including Highland makers.
“We’ll be open for every ship call, and we always encourage people to head into Invergordon, the town has plenty to offer and we want visitors to make the most of their day here.”
Cobbs plans to continue showcasing recognised Scottish brands alongside Highland based producers, with a dedicated area promoting Invergordon, the Cromarty Firth and local makers.
The shop also holds an alcohol licence, allowing it to feature local and regional distilleries including Invergordon Gin, with profits from the gin going to charity.
Elaine added:
“It’s brilliant getting to meet people from all over the world and then saying ‘this is our wee bit of the Highlands’.
“And because we’re locals, we’re always happy to point visitors towards other shops and places in Invergordon too, so they get the full experience.”
Invergordon has been a key cruise port for almost 50 years, with the industry contributing millions of pounds to Highland businesses and communities each year.
