Summer brings visitors to Leith and Edinburgh, in the shape of cruise liners from all over the world. For their passengers, it’s a luxury trip, often long-planned and eagerly awaited, with the chance to visit far-flung places around the world. For the crews, it can be very different; they usually work on the ship for weeks at a time, with long hours and very little chance to go ashore for a break. In many ports, there is a team of ‘ship visitors’, who go on board the cruise liners to offer practical help, a friendly chat, and where possible, transport for a short outing – small things which can make a big difference.
Ship visitors are trained through the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. The Leith team kicked off with a bang in 2010, and had a good first season, visiting 28 ships. The 2011 team grew to 10 volunteers and is fully ecumenical, working with the Port Chaplains over the summer with support from Leith Churches Together. This summer (2012) there has been a welcome extension to the work with a team working in Rosyth and Grangemouth, mostly staffed by Mission to Seafarers volunteers.
- On board with woolly hats!
Like to know more? Click on the link to read about a ship visit - photos to follow. Going on Board
If you think you might like to join the team, contact Tim Bell, the Leith Port Chaplain.
Richard Haggarty (AOS chaplain) checks in at the terminal building
