Hebridean Princess completes overhaul

The work, undertaken at the Middlesbrough yard of A&P Tees, was the final part of a four-year programme to ensure the 1964-built Hebridean Island Cruises vessel complies fully with new design and construction regulations coming into force later this year.

In addition, many public areas were refreshed with new carpets, upholstery, furniture and lighting in lounges and new carpets, bulkheads and deckheads in most of the passenger alleyways.

The work ‘represents a significant investment and signals our desire to operate this unique little vessel for many years to come,’ said Mike Deegan, md of Hebridean Island Cruises.

The Tiree Lounge, Library, Conservatory, Look Out Lounge and Columba Restaurant all received attention with the lounges having been totally refurbished.

In other work, the engines and ancillary machinery underwent a full overhaul, the teak decks received attention and crew accommodation was upgraded. The hull colour has been returned to the traditional dark blue after spending last year in a different livery.

The first cruise of the season, fully sold, explores the lower reaches of the Clyde and the sea lochs of Argyll.