1 December, 2007

THE LUXURY cruise liner Queen Mary II could be visiting Shetland’s shores in 2009 while acting as a floating hotel for thousands of guests.

In July, Edinburgh will host the biggest clan gathering for 200 years with 8,000 revellers expected to attend. The QMII will bring thousands from the US and Canada.

The festival’s organisers are worried that there will not be enough accommodation at this peak season and hope to use the vessel as a floating hotel.

They are in talks with the ship’s owners Cunard about chartering the vessel when she arrives and taking her on a tour including Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides.

Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “We have not been contacted yet as regards a port of call, but we would really welcome the ship if she is coming this way.”