Cruise ships anchored in Scottish waters set to sail away for good after being sold to Turkish buyer

Two cruise ships often seen passing through the Forth will be leaving the estuary for last time after being sold to a company overseas.

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines ‘Boudicca’ and ‘Black Watch’ are regularly spotted sailing to and from Rosyth where they have been laid up along with the rest of the company’s fleet

But the enormous vessels, now sold to a Turkish buyer, will soon be leaving the Scottish waters for good to be used as accommodation ships.

Crews are preparing both boats for their departure which is due to happen next week.

The Fred Olsen Boudicca leaving Rosyth picture: Robin Cook

A spokeswoman from Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines said: “Following the recent announcement that Black Watch and Boudicca are retired from our fleet, we can announce that both ships have now been sold and will begin a new life as accommodation vessels for a company in Turkey.

“We expect that the ships will set sail soon, with Boudicca due to leave Rosyth for the final time as early as next week, and Black Watch to follow. The crew are hard at work preparing them for their journeys and ensuring that that they are ready for their new home.

“Both Black Watch and Boudicca have served us extremely well during their time with us, and we know that their new owners will be as proud of them as we have been. We are delighted that they will stay together, and will continue to be used and loved in the future.

The Fred Olsen Boudicca leaving Rosyth picture: Robin Cook

“We're sure you will join us in wishing them a very fond farewell, and happy travels ahead!”

Operations were suspended during the coronavirus pandemic after several passengers tested positive for Covid-19 on the Black Watch.

The Braemar, another one of Fred.Olsen’s fleet, also made headlines after getting stranded in the Caribbean in March when 28 passengers and 17 crew members were placed into isolation after showing flu-like symptoms.

Because of this the Bahamas and Barbados refused to allow the ship to dock, instead offering to send out supplies of food and medicine.

After a week stranded in the Caribbean, the ship was eventually allowed into the port of Mariel in Havana, Cuba.

Those of the nearly 700 British people on board who needed medical treatment were given it, while those not in isolation were repatriated.

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