Making waves with Captain Richard Heaton, Master on board the Hebridean Princess

I started my seagoing career back in 1997 - not the most natural progression after studying Russian Language at University, but from an early age I was fortunate to enjoy the thrill of sailing & had a few Tall Ship experiences whilst in Portsmouth. Prior to joining the Hebridean Princess as a Second Officer back in 2002, I was lucky enough sail on a variety of different ship types in different trading areas around the world. Whilst this undoubtedly led to an increase in my maritime knowledge, nothing had prepared me for what I would experience on the West Coast of Scotland - a place I have now spent the majority of my life at sea.

Having sampled my first season with the company & being in awe at the fabulous places that Hebridean Princess visits, I was fortunate to remain with her for a couple more seasons. In 2006, with the full support of Hebridean Island Cruises, I completed my next phase of Maritime Studies in Fleetwood & returned to the vessel as Chief Officer. The Master’s role is a very sought position & opportunity finally presented itself in 2011 when a seasoned Captain left the company. Taking command of Hebridean Princess for the first time was an honour, a challenge & moreover - something that to this day I have no regrets about.

Hebridean Princess has many different cruise itineraries, although focusing primarily on the West Coast of Scotland, she also roams around the Clyde, takes summer sojourns to Orkney & Shetland, occasionally skips over the North Sea to the Norwegian Fjords, skirts the coast of Ireland, Wales, England, France, Belgium & not to mention the Channel Isles, Isles of Scilly & the Isle of Man.  Whilst I enjoy aspects of each cruise, my favourites have to be the ones that take in the remote archipelago that lies west of the Outer Hebrides - St Kilda.

On one of our wildlife cruises we were particularly fortunate to see a large number of White-Tailed Sea Eagles at numerous locations.  Perhaps the most memorable was an anchorage off the Isle of Raasay.  On a calm evening, we were able to position the ship in such a way that for the best part of the evening a nest, home to 2 adult & 2 juvenile eagles was clearly visible.  Our Skye Bar deck became a twitcher’s viewing platform & the evening became a rare event - not even our chef’s amazing cuisine could keep guests seated in the restaurant for the duration of dinner!

Guests can expect an unsurpassed level of service, with close attention to courtesy & care during their holiday onboard.  Our aim is to keep you everyone comfortable & safe while taking guests to some of the most idyllic locations.  Enjoy a sense of relaxation & more importantly, take things at your own pace.  Enjoy the ship, enjoy the islands & their friendly communities.  All being well, after the first day onboard, guests should be able to forget what day of the week it is & just enjoy being looked after!