Setting the benchmark for luxury cruising, Hebridean Island Cruises has just launched a brand new itinerary for 2010 – A Gastronomic Tour of Skye. Complementing the stunning scenery of this western region of Scotland Hebridean Princess will visit two of Scotland’s most renowned restaurants and experience a cookery demonstration by best selling cookery writer Claire Macdonald.

Hebridean have always offered a standard of food which is unique to the cruise industry. With itineraries predominantly around the British Isles, Hebridean Princess sources her food from local suppliers. All the fish is sourced from Scottish waters, the meat is supplied by H.D. Ferguson Butchers of Lochgilphead and unlike many cruise ships which source cheese from the continent, Hebridean Princess shops for hers locally, featuring Lanark Blue and Isle of Mull Cheddar among others.

Whilst experiencing some of the finest locally sourced food onboard Hebridean Princess taste buds will be delighted with exquisite lunches at two of Scotland’s top restaurants. The Three Chimneys, located on the Isle of Skye, is housed within the bare stone walls of an original crofter’s cottage around 100 years old. Like Hebridean Princess, this renowned Scottish restaurant prides itself on matching fresh local food with breathtaking scenery and beautiful sea views. Owned by famous Scottish chef, Shirley Spear and her wine expert husband, Eddie Spear, it has a long-established reputation. Due to the intimate nature of the restaurant, it has just 3 small dinning areas covering the whole ground floor, guests will be taken in two groups, either visiting Dunvegan Castle and then sitting down to lunch or vice versa.

In addition guests will experience the inspiring dishes of the Cuillin Hills Hotel, who also pride themselves on using the best seasonal produce, procured from Skye and the Highlands to create a modern take on classic Scottish dishes. Located across from the Cuillin Hills, ‘The View’ restaurant offers elegant and stunning food in a sublime setting.

To further whet the appetites of aspirant foodies this cruise treats passengers to a demonstration in the Michelin star awarded Kinloch Lodge by best selling cookery writer Claire MacDonald. Famed for her practical and realistic recipes - quintessentially Scottish in flavour, but truly international in appeal - she is also admired for her willingness to share the secrets of her award winning kitchen.

This culinary inspired tour also caters for whisky lovers with an afternoon visit to the Talisker Distillery, the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. For those passengers who’d like to continue the tastings Hebridean Princess has her own whisky bar with an international collection of over 50 whiskies - many of which are west coast malts.

A food lover’s paradise, this cruise will culminate in the Gala Dinner on the final night - a 6 course feast showcasing some of the best Scottish food, including at taste of Haggis, accompanied by Robbie Burns’ Address to the Haggis, delivered by the Captain. This cruise provides a unique Scottish gourmet experience not to be missed.