Call for 25 businesses to help safeguard Scottish seas and cetaceans

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has launched a new way for businesses to help secure the future of western Scotland’s whales and dolphins, and to protect the Hebrides’ globally important marine environment, with its first partner of this kind being Dunoon-based The Majestic Line.

To mark its 25th anniversary next year, the trust is seeking 25 inaugural businesses to become Corporate Partners. The coastal communities throughout the west coast of Scotland are brimming with creative businesses and entrepreneurial spirit, many of which are invested in marine heritage.

“This new initiative offers businesses an opportunity to get involved and support our research, education work, and engagement with local communities,” said Gemma Paterson from Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

“We’re delighted to strengthen our relationship with The Majestic Line, which shares our commitment to the Hebridean marine environment and its wildlife. We look forward to working with other like-minded businesses that seek to demonstrate genuine environmental awareness and responsibility, and make an annual donation to support our work.”

The Majestic Line’s fleet of beautiful vessels operates from Oban and offers exclusive cruises within The Hebrides, regularly encountering iconic marine wildlife. The company has been working with Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust for several years, contributing to its research by reporting sightings of cetaceans – the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises – and by ensuring it operates responsibly around marine wildlife.

The company’s fleet of three vessels includes two beautifully restored wooden hulled fishing trawlers – Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan – that are an iconic sight in Oban and throughout the Hebrides.

“I am delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and we are honoured that the Majestic Line has been selected as their first corporate partner. We are indebted to the trust for the conservation work that they do and for the education sessions that they provide for both our crews and guests,” said Andy Thoms, Director of The Majestic Line.

As well as helping to safeguard the future of Scottish seas and cetaceans, benefits for businesses joining up will include publicity and exposure, strengthened corporate social and environmental responsibility, and opportunities to engage with the trust’s active supporters.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is based on the Isle of Mull and has been leading the way for the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises off western Scotland for over two decades. Its research – primarily conducted from its specialized research yacht Silurian – has advanced understanding of species that visit seasonally or are resident in the Hebrides.

The charity’s scientific findings are provided to the Scottish Government to inform protection measures for minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises, and basking sharks.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust also works directly with communities to encourage stewardship of our rich seas. Its education programmes reach out to more than 20,000 people each year – highlighting the importance of the marine environment and encouraging people to take responsibility for protecting it for future generations.

For details about the Corporate Partnership scheme, contact Gemma Paterson, Head of Major Gifts on gemma.paterson@hwdt.orgor see www.hwdt.org

For details about The Majestic Line contact Catriona Craig, Marketing catriona@themajesticline.co.ukor visit www.themajesticline.co.uk