But Andrew Watt from Simpson Place is not a steward or a chef, or even an entertainer – he is helping to build them.

The 20-year-old naval architecture student, who is studying in Glasgow, has won a prestigious university scholarship which has seen him working in a shipyard in the city of Mestre, near Venice, for the summer.

The former Macduff Primary and Banff Academy pupil is learning skills including surveying and welding, and is spending time at sea on these giant floating resorts as they undertake their stability trials.

Proud dad, Alan Watt, a third generation fisherman, said: "It's a fair achievement. Andrew got in touch with Britain's top naval architect, Stephen Payne, in Southampton.

"I didn't think he would hear anything, but he replied, and has been very helpful."

Andrew won the John Blackburn Main scholarship, administered by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) at the combined universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde.

It has paid for all his expenses out to the giant Fincantieri Monfalcone Shipyards, as well as a £500 prize.

Student naval architect Andrew Watt from Macduff in front of the giant cruise liner, New Amsterdam, which he is helping to build in Italy this summer.

The IMarEST education and training manager told Andrew: "Being a John Blackburn Main scholarship winner is highly prestigious and will continue to assist you in the development of your career."

When he returns he will present a report on his experiences.

Mr Watt travelled to Italy to see Andrew settled in and noted that his son's lack of Italian did not seem to be a problem at work, where English was commonly spoken.

Among the new ships he has been working on are those belonging to shipping lines Carnival (the Carnival Dream), Holland America (the New Amsterdam), Costa (the Costa Deliziosa) and P&O (the Azura).

Naval architect Stephen Payne is the senior naval architect for the QM2, the replacement ship for the QE2, as well as being responsible for the site teams for Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Crociere, Cunard Line, and Holland America Line at five different yards.

When Andrew returns, he goes into his fourth year at Strathclyde University to finish his degree.

boardman_g@spp-group.com

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