Hundreds of guests will experience an evening of sensory delight next weekend (Saturday, July 3) as they taste, see, smell, hear and touch the best of Orkney during a midnight cruise around the county.

NorthLink Ferries has come together with Orkney Quality Food and Drink (OQFD) to host a Sunset Cruise, featuring a specially prepared menu that showcases the finest Orkney produce.

Gastronomes are urged to book tickets for what promises to be a luxurious evening of wining and dining. Entertainment during the inaugural Sunset Cruise, which is part of a calendar of events organised by OQFD to demonstrate the rich variety of locally produced food and drink, will be provided by Orcadian musicians.

Furthermore, the cruise’s passengers will be among the first people to sample a new drop from The Orkney Wine Company. Made from five different berries, Veryberry Wine is the first of two new wines being produced by the company. Tasters can look forward to a lively full-flavoured palate with a long fruity finish.

Peter Hutchinson, NorthLink’s fleet manager, hotel operations, said: “When we assumed control of the Northern Isles ferry services we stated our commitment to using and promoting local ingredients in our restaurants. As caterers, it is an absolute pleasure to work with such high quality ingredients on a daily basis in our galleys. We are extremely fortunate to have the rich supply base of Orkney as a starting point for our menus.”

Produced by Northlink’s executive chef, every dish on the Sunset Cruise’s buffet menu will be centred upon the produce of an OQFD member. Examples from the menu include Sweet Chilli Crayfish Tails, Deep Fried Grimbister Farm Cheese and Tankerness Fillet of Beef Paupiettes. Orkney Fudge Cheesecake and a selection of famous Orkney cheeses served with Stromness oatcakes and Shapinsay preserves are among the dessert options.

Stewart Crichton, chairman of OQFD, added: “It’s always great to see fine Orkney produce being given a platform such as this cruise. Orkney’s eateries promote the island’s own food and drink very well indeed and I’m delighted that NorthLink does likewise – both in the creation of its day-to-day restaurant menus as well as through this unique and innovative event.

“The combination of a cruise on state-of-the-art ferries, an Orkney sunset and a sumptous banquet of the finest Orcadian produce is a mouth-watering prospect indeed. The Sunset Cruise promises to be an immensely enjoyable event for visitors and locals alike.”

The Sunset Cruise sails on Saturday July 3. Tickets (priced at £20 per adult) are available from NorthLink’s offices in Kirkwall and Stromness and from OQFD (Tel: 01856 841 596). Guests will board at Stromness terminal at 2130, departing at 2200 prompt, before returning to Stromness at 0030.