NorthLink has teamed up with Orkney Quality Food and Drink (OQFD) to host a Sunset Cruise featuring a specially prepared menu showcasing the finest Orkney produce.

The Sunset Cruise, to be held on-board MV Hamnavoe on Saturday 3 July, is part of a calendar of events planned by OQFD during 2004. As well as an evening of traditional music, around 300 guests will enjoy an Orkney buffet supper and tastings, with all products supplied by members of OQFD.

The delicious menu will be freshly prepared on-board by NorthLink’s highly-skilled team of chefs using the finest Orkney produce, including Yenstay lamb, Tankerness beef, Orcadian salmon, Grimbister Farm Cheese, Evie Strawberries and Orkney Fudge to name a few.

Elaine Tulloch, NorthLink’s marketing projects manager, said: “This is a very special event for us to have the pleasure of hosting. The Sunset Cruise will be a truly memorable occasion, with guests able to experience the very best of Orkney produce and some great entertainment on-board MV Hamnavoe. It is also a wonderful way to further raise the profile of OQFD products which are used extensively within our day-to-day menus.”

MV Hamnavoe will follow either a cruise route up the west mainland coast to Birsay or down through Scapa Flow before returning to Stromness, depending on weather conditions.

Elma Cullen, OQFD co-coordinator, said: “The Sunset Cruise is sure to be a very enjoyable night, offering something quite special for those attending. We look forward to welcoming the guests on-board. NorthLink has put a great deal of effort into organising this event and we are very grateful for their help in promoting the produce of our members.”

Tickets are available from NorthLink’s offices in Kirkwall and Stromness and from OQFD (Tel: 01856 841 596). Tickets are priced at £20 per adult and will be available for sale from 10 – 30 June.

Guests will board at Stromness terminal at 2130, departing at 2200 prompt, before returning to Stromness at 0030.

The usual timetable of sailings on 3 July will be unaffected.