KIRKWALL has been named as the UK's best port of call for cruise ships in industry awards announced yesterday. The Orkney capital was given the top award by the cruise news and review website, Cruise Critic, having been picked by a panel of specialist journalists.

During the year 72 cruise liners visited the port, bringing about 26,000 visitors to the islands and boosting the local economy. Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, said: "Deservedly, it has been the UK port most visited by cruise ships this year. The port and tourist authorities have worked hard to get all the details right, and this has paid dividends."