PLANS to increase the number of cruise ships visiting the River Forth have been given a £13,500 boost from the VisitScotland Growth Fund.

The grant from the national tourism organisation has been awarded to CruiseForth for its new Project Inspire marketing campaign to promote cruise passenger tourism opportunities in east central Scotland, which also includes the River Tay.

It comprises half the cost of the £27,000 marketing push, which is match-funded by Forth Ports Ltd, Fife Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Queensferry Ambition, Leith Chamber of Commerce, Dunfermline 1st and Falkirk Council.

Established in 2011, CruiseForth claims to be the only up-to-date source of passenger information for cruise ships visiting the River Forth, which annually bring in around 90,000 passengers.

Project Inspire’s core objective is to increase the number of enquiries by cruise ship itinerary planners and, in successive years, to increase the number and duration of cruise visits.

Stuart Wallace, divisional director for Forth Ports and chairman of CruiseForth, said: “CruiseForth already provides an excellent service at each of the ports which welcome around 80 cruise ships in the River Forth each year.

“With the increasing interest in cruise holidays, it’s important that we tell the market about the unique and beautiful attractions that we have to offer on Scotland’s east coast.”