They are now trying to work out why the figure in Orkney is so high, but believe genes could play a key role.

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Kirkwall in Orkney is limited in size to taking only about 58% of the world's cruise ships, while Lerwick in Shetland can take only 50%, meaning only 15% of potential passengers.

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Rural town Stromness in Orkney is a typical winner.

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The European marine-energy research centre is located in the Orkney Islands, and plenty of research and development work is being done around the country.

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And the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), established in Orkney in 2003, is hosting trials of a range of weird and wonderful inventions so that companies can investigate which of them can cope.

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Sea Watch said the work would involve an area of sea between Caithness and Orkney where offshore marine renewable energy is to be installed next year.

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The scheme is part of efforts to develop the Pentland Firth and waters surrounding the Orkney Islands in the largest planned wave and tidal generating programme in the world.

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Amber "be prepared" weather warnings have been issued for Orkney, Shetland, the Highlands and Strathclyde, while the rest of the country is covered by yellow "be aware" warnings.

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Eric Meek, RSPB area manager in Orkney said Sir Peter, widely known as Max, was "a highly intelligent man who cares about what is going on in the world".

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