MV Hamnavoe, the third and final vessel in NorthLink’s £100m fleet of cruise-standard ferries, is named officially today at a ceremony in her home port of Stromness, Orkney.

The 112-metre Hamnavoe - which means home port or safe haven – is named by Mrs Linda Harcus from Kirkwall, one of several entrants to suggest the vessel’s name in NorthLink’s naming competition last year.

Hugh Halcro-Johnston, convener of Orkney Islands Council is a guest speaker at the ceremony, along with Eric Skogstrom, vice president of production at Aker Finnyards. NorthLink chief executive Bill Davidson and director, Dr Harold Mills will speak on behalf of NorthLink before the naming ceremony. Paavo Lohi, project manager for the NorthLink build programme at Aker Finnyards, is also in attendance.

Hamnavoe is blessed by the Reverend Fiona Lillie of the Church of Scotland in Stromness, after which Mrs Harcus names the vessel in real Orcadian style, smashing a bottle of 12-year-old Highland Park whisky over the ship’s bow.

One of the special guests at the ceremony is centenarian Mrs Maggie Muir of Springfield, Stromness – the town’s oldest resident. Born in April 1902, Mrs Muir has lived in Stromness all her life and has many fond memories of the shipping of passengers and goods on the North boats as far back as the 1920’s when she held the position of clerk for the West Mainland Auction Mart in Stromness.

Mrs Muir said: “Although I haven’t been a frequent traveller on the boats in recent times – I’ve probably sailed only twice in the last 50 years – the Hamnavoe looks like a fine ship and I may just take a trip on her some day soon.”

Accompanying Mrs Muir to the ceremony is another guest celebrating a centenary year, that of John Jolly, the shipbrokers and stevedores. Captain Bill Spence, John Jolly’s managing director, provides stylish transport for Mrs Muir, in the shape of his 1932 Lagonda car.

Hamnavoe will be open to the public tomorrow (Sunday, October 20) from 9.30am until 3.30pm.