St Hilda Sea Adventures’ New Ship
By Ted Scull
The largest fleet of small Quirky Cruise ships in Europe roams the waters west of Scotland.
At one time, to visit Scotland’s widespread archipelagos and some individual islands, the local ferries were just about the only way to go. Some routes provided back-and-forth service between the mainland and just one island or maybe two, and rarely more.
As soon as the ferry disembarked and embarked, it was away, and your time ashore lasted until it came back (either hours later or the next day, typically).
The stunning scenery along the western waters of Scotland. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures
Scotland & Small Ship Cruising
Small-ship cruising came to Scotland a few decades ago, with Oban as the main embarkation port and soon several others along the Clyde leading to Glasgow.
The cruise fleets of Scotland consisted of some newbuilds and then increasingly small vessels converted from other purposes such as small ferries built with a limited number of cabin berths for overnight sailings to islands in the more distant Western Hebrides.
Pilot boats and larger ships, too large to dock, were another source for conversion, while small coastal freight carriers, including one featured by Quirky Cruise, the coal-powered Clyde Puffer VIC 32 that handles up to 12 passengers.
RELATED: Read more about small-ship cruising around Scotland’s western isles in Ted’s handy overview.
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St. Hilda Sea Adventures
One Scottish operator, St. Hilda Sea Adventures and covered in Quirky Cruise, will welcome a new vessel to its fleet in spring 2024 — the 8-passenger Speideren.
First built in 1969, the Speideren joined Norway’s fleet of 13 rescue vessels working in the North and Arctic seas. After being withdrawn, the vessel was converted to a private yacht.
Now with further improvements, eight passengers are housed in three double and one twin-bed cabin, all with ensuite facilities.
Varnished hardwoods create a handsome atmosphere in the cabins and public spaces.
The crew numbers three including a captain, bosun, and chef.
The 8-pax Speideren when it was a rescue vessel. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures
What You Might See
From the expanded viewing deck, look for sea eagles, shags, sandpipers, puffins, and guillemots, and in the sea, dolphins, porpoises, and minke whales.
Try your luck at mackerel fishing and enjoy it at the evening meal.
Lots of wildlife to spot including pretty puffins. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures
Interested in St Hilda Sea Adventures’ New Ship?
If you’d like to learn more about cruising on the new 8-pax Speideren, visit St Hilda Sea Adventures’ website.
RELATED: Read more about what to expect on a St Hilda Sea Adventures cruises
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HEIDI SARNA
