Cunard’s Queen Anne makes first visit to the Forth

The newest Cunard ship, the Queen Anne, visited South Queensferry on her maiden trip.

The ship dropped anchor just off South Queensferry making her first port of call on the British Isles Festival Voyage. She was accompanied by Forth Ports tugs who gave the traditional display with their firehoses to mark the ship’s first arrival in the river.

A traditional piper played on the pier as Queen Anne sailed into port, with spectators also treated to a tug water cannon display during her arrival.

Queen Anne arrived on Saturday morning and later departed bound for Kirkwall.

The ship’s passage then takes in scenic coastal cruising as well further calls at Invergordon and Greenock where Cunard’s long and historic association with the Clyde will be recorded.

This historic visit was marked by a short Plaque Ceremony during which the ship and the port exchanged specially commissioned commemorative plaques. The port plaque will be displayed on board Queen Anne and the ship’s memento will be displayed by the Port.

The ship will be formally named in a ceremony in Liverpool on 3 June.

THe 113,000 ton ship carries 3,000 guests over 14 decks. Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

All photos Peter Devlin