RECORD MONEY; pounds 1m cruise ship boost.

A Scots port has been chosen as a major cruise-ship destination.

And it will mean a pounds 1million boost for the local economy.

Norwegian Cruise Line will use Port of Ayr as a stop-off point next year.

Their three luxury liners - the Norway, Norwegian Dream and brand-new Norwegian Sky - will call eight times next summer.

The Norway is the world's longest liner.

It's anticipated about 22,600 passengers and crew will visit Ayr and the surrounding area.

Associated British Ports, who own the facility, said the deal will contribute more than pounds 1million to local economy coffers.

ABP spokesman Gareth Russell said: "Not only will this money benefit the local economy but it should have a further spin- off effect in terms of jobs.

"It is nice to see some good news coming out of Ayrshire for a change, not the doom and gloom of job losses in the last year.

"We're delighted NCL has chosen Ayr and hopefully we can build on this."

The port currently employs 20 full-time workers, from management to dockers.

The SS Norway will make five calls while on its "Bagpipes and Shamrocks" tour, starting in May.

Port manager Douglas Morrison said: "Apart from the first-class service the port will provide, the region has a lot to offer as it is both a scenic and historic part of Scotland."

Captain Gunstein Langset, of NCL, said: "I know the port and the people of Ayr will give our passengers and crew a very warm welcome."

Firm building up success

CONSTRUCTION group Alfred McAlpine yesterday said their profits had almost doubled.

Figures for the first half of the year rose by more than pounds 5million to stand at pounds 11.4million.

Turnover soared through the pounds 320million barrier, an increase of almost pounds 70million, after an improvement in the private housing market.