The wonderful world of Disney is due to arrive in the Highlands today.
The 965ft Disney Magic cruise liner will call at the Cromarty Firth port of Invergordon to mark her first visit to mainland Scotland.
She is due to arrive at 7.30am and depart at 7.15pm, with 2,600 passengers and around 950 crew members on board.
There was much excitement when Disney Magic visited Kirkwall on Orkney last July.
And crowds of people are expected to turn out to witness her visit to Invergordon and to take photographs of the impressive vessel.
The Disney Cruise Lines vessel is one of 63 cruise ship visits booked to dock at the Cromarty Firth port this year, bringing a total of 96,850 passengers into the area.
She is due to return to Invergordon on Saturday July 23.
Councillor Maxine Smith, Cromarty Firth, said Invergordon was fortunate to be hosting the Disney ship, adding that she hoped it would be the first of many visits.
She said: “Cruise Highland has worked hard to get 63 ship visits this year.
“Invergordon will financially benefit with the service sector and a little bit in the town.
“Moreover, this is great for the wider Highlands with the money it brings in.”
Gavin Nicholson, who runs Invergordon Tours and has arranged sightseeing trips for some of the passengers, was yesterday eagerly looking forward to its arrival.
He said: “I grew up watching Disney movies so even as a 33-year-old man I’m super excited to see the ship docked in my hometown.
“My mum and dad met in Invergordon Cinema at a screening of The Jungle Book back in 1970 so without Walt Disney I might never have been born.”
Mr Nicholson has nine private tours and two full 27-seater buses booked for today .
They will be taking passengers to visit Invergordon, Alness, the Black Isle, Dochgarroch Locks for a cruise on Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle.
While on board the Disney Magic, which is billed as a combination of classic nostalgia and modern amenities, the passengers will be able to enjoy a wide range of entertainment from dazzling live shows to surprise Disney character encounters.
