Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets and pier in Stromness, Orkney, waving and cheering as Cameron and his mum Doris looked out from the ship’s bow and held aloft an Orkney flag, much to the delight of the crowd below.  Doris was among a 30-strong group of Cameron’s Orkney-based family and friends who were invited, as guests of NorthLink Ferries, to sail from Stromness to Scrabster where Cameron joined them on-board before making the reuturn journey. 

Cameron said: “I’ve been more nervous about coming home to Stromness than I have about anything else I’ve done in the last few months.  It was everything I hoped it would be and the reception I received both on the ship and in the streets of Stromness was incredible.  This is a memory I will cherish for years to come.” 

A private reception was held in the ship’s Hawkfall Lounge for the group, during which Cameron was welcomed aboard officially by Captain Willie Mackay, master of MV Hamnavoe, the £30m vessel that serves the Pentland Firth route between the Scottish mainland and Orkney.  Local musicians added to the party atmosphere on the vessel and Cameron enjoyed a buffet that included local fish, famous Orkney fudge and a cake baked by the ship’s crew in honour of the the 32-year-old game show winner. 

Cameron’s mum, Doris, said: “It’s wonderful to have Cameron home.  It feels like he’s been away for such a long time, especially when you consider that for much of that time we didn’t have any communication with him at all – apart from watching him on television of course!

“I’d like to thank NorthLink for giving us the opportunity to go across to the mainland to meet Cameron and enjoy the homecoming experience alongside him.  Standing at the bow as we sailed into Stromness is an experience I will never forget and both myself and Cameron were absolutely overwhelmed by the reception from the crowds at the pier as the ferry berthed.” 

During the Pentland Firth crossing Cameron greeted fellow passengers in the ship’s lounge bar and visited the bridge.  Captain Willie Mackay said: “Cameron has done the Orkney islands proud in the last few months and has proved himself a fine ambassador for our isles.  I am very pleased Cameron chose to sail back to Stromness and think it was a fitting end to the quite remarkable journey he has made.” 

Cameron with friends and family, and members of the Orkney Traditional Music Group

Cameron with Captain Willie MacKay

Cameron with Chef, Jez Mays