A MARKETING campaign which aims to increase the number of cruise ships visiting the River Forth has been given a £13,500 boost from VisitScotland Growth Fund.

The grant from the national tourism organisation has been awarded to CruiseForth for its new Project Inspire campaign to promote cruise passenger tourism opportunities in East Central Scotland.

The Growth Fund cash comprises half the cost of the £27,000 marketing push, which is being match-funded by Forth Ports Ltd, Fife Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Queensferry Ambition, Leith Chamber of Commerce, Dunfermline 1st and Falkirk Council.

The money will be spent on a variety of marketing activity, including website improvements, advertising, PR trips for journalists, exhibiting at various trade events and a direct mail campaign.

Established in 2011, CruiseForth is the only up-to-date source of passenger information in relation to cruise ships visiting the River Forth, which annually bring in around 90,000 passengers (plus crew).

Project Inspire aims to increase the number and duration of cruise visits.