Hebridean Princess, probably the Queen’s most beloved ship, has been granted a Royal Warrant. This is believed to be the very first time that a shipping company receives a Royal Warrant, says Lord Sterling, Hebridean Island Cruises’ Chairman. He has expressed his pride at this ultimate award for a small ship that started its life as a Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry.

Hebridean Princess is, of course, the only vessel owned by Hebridean Island Cruises. During 2006 she was charted by Her Majesty to take her and the family on an 80th anniversary cruise. At that time her choice was to go to the Western Isles. In August last year she chartered it once again for a family cruise holiday.

In a statement released on Saturday, Lord Sterling said “I am delighted to inform you that the Grant of a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the Queen has been approved and it is a great pleasure to inform you that Roger Allard will be the personal warrant holder.”

He added that this was a huge compliment to the ship’s owners and to all its staff members and shore crew. He reiterated his earlier statement that such a Royal Warrant has never been awarded to any shipping company before and said he expressed confidence that all the companies that form part of the All Leisure Group will take pride when they hear the news.

The company will now have the right to print the Royal Warrant on all its stationery and promotional material and display it on board Hebridean Princess.