LOCHIEL (IV) - All about this magnificent vessel

Lochiel

2008-12-21T10:30:00.001Z

Lochiel
Originally uploaded by Neil F King.

Many thanks to Neil for posting this busy picture of Lochiel at Port Ellen on this Flickr site - hadnt seen it before.

Bristol Warehouse Demolition Explosion (1988) 4 of 9

2008-12-21T10:10:00.004Z

Bristol Warehouse Demolition Explosion (1988) 4 of 9
Originally uploaded by shorty_nz_2000.

This looks suspiciously like the Lochiel

Many thanks to Shorty who made contact through my Flickr account
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31148761@N07/tags/1988/show/

More Lochiel Film

2008-06-25T21:41:00.002Z

Many thanks to Armin for finding this clip - the Lochiel sailing into Port Askaig comes in at 5 minutes 10 second. A real gem - as is Armins blog.

Thanks Alasdair

2008-06-11T22:15:00.001Z

And thanks Alasdair for this picture

Great blog - http://almax.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/lochiel-1962/

After a long period of silence.......

2008-06-11T21:39:00.004Z

After a long period of non posting.....
Apologies to people from all over who have made contact about their Lochiel memories. Its been a hard 2007/8 - and hard to talk openly about Islay. My dad died in March 2007. He was brought up on the island during the 1940's and 50's - and was the reason for so much good in the world! The Lochiel being a minor footnote.

In March 2007 after a random tragic traffic accident. Everything changes - since then things turn over in your mind, over and over again, trying to make sense of it all.

This week my brother Mike and I will visit Islay to relive some memories - especially the camping and fishing. Posts will follow. In the meantime many thanks to Alasdair Macneil for these 2 pictures of the Lochiel memorial park in Port Ellen.]]

Massive Lochiel Picture Archive

2008-01-14T23:17:00.000Z

This slide show has an amazing selection of Lochiel pictures. It is part of the gallery sent to me by Janet in Lochgilphead last year. Also below are other slide shows of Dan Macleod - Janets stepfather.

Pictures of other Lochiel crew members during the 1960's.

And a selection of pictures from the Lochiels final Islay run in 1970.

Many thanks Janet - this archive is tremendous.

Also want to say thanks to Ally and Donnie MacNeil who both been in touch to say their grandfarther/father, John Alex MacNeill was quartermaster on Lochiel. Donnie was involved in creating the memorial garden in Port Ellen which has Lochiel Memorabelia - can't wait to see when we are visiting Islay in June. Thanks both and look forward to keeping in touch.

University of Edinburgh - School of Law

2007-05-30T20:16:00.000Z

Many thanks to Alastair (

http://almax.wordpress.com/2007/02/18/underwater-searching-sunken-treasure-discovered/)

for connecting me to this post from the University of Edinburgh - School of Law http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/sln/. It is more information on the legal precedent that the Lochiel sinking set. Alaisdair has explored this angle in quite some detail and I am going to revisit this for this post. Here is how it is explained to law students in the School of Law newsletter:

''McCUTCHEON v MACBRAYNE: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

Scots Law News has never been shy of old news and is accordingly more than happy to go back to a leading case of the 1960s which some readers may remember from their days of studying contract law, McCutcheon v David MacBrayne Ltd 1964 SC (HL) 28. Fewer may recall that it arose out of the sinking of the good ferry ship Lochiel in West Loch Tarbert in October 1960, and the resultant question of the liability of the owners (MacBrayne's) to Mr McCutcheon for the loss of his Ford Popular car which the ship was carrying from Islay to the mainland. Lots of exciting legal issues about the significance of not signing contract notes, exclusion clauses in notices posted on the wall, and courses of dealing, but the law report, while not without human interest, doesn't convey the full flavour of events on the day of disaster. Steve Cranston who, aged 13 months, was also on board the ill-fated ferry, but happily survived, unlike the Ford Popular, is now working on a blog about the incident and has gathered together some excellent material, including film of cars and other vehicles being winched into the Lochiel before it sails off into the Western Isles sunset. All is accessible at the following URLs, brought to our attention by roving reporter Scott Wortley: http://groups.msn.com/Kintyre/lochielssinking.msnw and http://www.lochiel1960.blogspot.com/.

Scots Law News particularly enjoyed the following bit of the story, beautifully combining elements of the Titanic sinking, Whisky Galore and Para Handy:

The bar was in those days in the forepart of the vessel, the part which was disappearing under water. The valiant barman stuck to his post, with water nearly up to his armpits, salvaging the contents of the bar and handing out bottles of booze to all comers although the sea was lapping their waists, prompting one daily paper to headline the event 'Drinks for All As The Ship Goes Down'.''

Lots of other stuff well worth reading, and no doubt more to come in due course.''

It is so good to see Donald's Kintyre site getting a good mention. It is gold mine.

Captain Dan Macleod

2007-05-15T21:00:00.000Z

This really does shown how the Internet can connect people on. Janet emailed me after tracking this blog down.

She made contact to say that the Lochiel was one of her favourite ships. Her stepfather was Captain Dan MacLeod - and she spent a lot of time on her from 1963 to 1970, including many hours at the wheel. Janet copied over some amazing newspaper articles - 2 of which are poster here.

This really is remarkable. Since starting this site I have been contacted by amazing people with stories to tell from all over Scotland, England -and as far flung as Canada and Australia. This is the first some from someone who was close to the crew of the Lochiel.

Many thanks Janet.

More Lochiel Pictures

2007-03-01T19:37:00.000Z

Some new pictures of Lochiel compiled by Stuart Cameron on the Clyde Shipping and Shipbuilding -Past Present and Future site. http://www.clydeshipping.co.uk/viewalbum.asp?folder=MacBraynes+Lochiel
These ones have slipped past this radar and are quite special - especially ones of the low point in the history of the boat. She was renamed Northwest Laird after finishing on the Islay run and spent a short and unsuccessful period on the Fleetwood to Douglas (Isle of Man) run. There are 2 quite sad pictures of Lochiel painted in appaulingly depressing rust coloured preservative paint at docks in Cornwall.

Stuart writes about the background behind this picture: 'While on holiday in Cornwall in 1976 I went in search of Lochiel (still Norwest Laird at the time) I found her behind a retail warehouse in Hayle painted overall in this preservative paint'

Stuart Cameron posted this along side this post - 'Close inspection of this picture - at least the full size one reveals the name Norwest Laird on her bows. It seemed a long way from Port Ellen'.

You couldn't get more of a contrast with this superb 1939 picture of a fresh faced Lochiel sprinting along during trials off Skelmorlie - the 'Skelmorlie Measured Mile'.
Not being familiar with this i did a google search and my friend Donald's site came straight up - http://uk.msnusers.com/historyofskelmorlie/skelmorliemeasuredmile.msnw
A feast for later.

Surviving Shipwreck Memorabelia - Aerogramme and the Ebay auction house discovery

2007-02-21T21:47:00.000Z

This has just come up after a Lochiel google search. An aerogramme from Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay addressed to New Zealand that was on the 8th October ferry run when the ship went down. The aerogramme was recovered and marked up 'Damaged by salt water - Recovered from ss Lochiel sank 8/10/60'.
Auction house Spink ha put the item up for sale for over $500 dollars - a couple of bids were place for a mere $280 (wow!) - so it doesn't look like it went under the hammer. The auction item reads:

'Description:

Maritime Wreck Covers of the World

Europe

1960 (8 Oct.) M.V. "Lochiel", struck the Torraturch rocks, finally grounded 600 yards from her destination, the West Tarbert Pier in Escart Bay, West Loch Tarbert, Argyllshire, 6d. aerogramme from Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay to New Zealand marked on reverse "Damaged by salt water. Recovered from S.S. 'Locheil' Sunk 8/10/60" in red ink and with strip of Found Open or Damaged and Officially Sealed tape. Photo'

I thought this was fascinating - the fact it survived and these artifacts appear to be of interest (and high value). My daughter looked at me rather blankly when I showed her this discovery!

Tantalising New Pictures

2007-02-19T21:29:00.000Z

What can I say? Many thanks to Alastair for talking to Mr Ian Brown of Glasgow who has shared this 'photograph of the stricken Lochiel, obviously taken a day or two after the initial sinking, and obviously taken from the shore-line, I think on the east side of the loch - you can see that there is another boat alongside Lochiel, presumably a salvage vessel of some sort' - I am hoping someone may be able to identify this assisting boat.

http://almax.wordpress.com/tag/campbeltownargyll/lochiel
For more information - many thanks Alastair.

Google Earth

2007-02-06T19:30:00.000Z

The Lochiel Court of Enquiry sets the time and exact location where ship hit the fateful Tor Turc rock - 55 degrees 48 minutes and 40 seconds North, 29 degrees minutes 21 seconds West. This was at about 1220. Lochiel then struggled on - badly holed - until its 'stranding' point 55 degrees 50 minutes 25 seconds North, 5 degrees 27 minutes 8 seconds W and 1240. Click on the map - and with the amazing power of Google earth you can clearly see where it all happened.

Tantalising Possibilities.......

2007-02-05T13:25:00.001Z

Big thanks to Alisdair -mentioned in much earlier postings http://lochiel1960.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html

He has spoken fondly of trips on the Lochiel as a child (and has one of my favourite blogs -
http://almax.wordpress.com/) . He posted this really generous comment on his site after the news that the court of inquiry report had turned up:
'Wow - you certainly have hit the jackpot here - I am simply amazed at the information you’ve been able to accumulate - it is very exciting - as I’ve said before, this is one of the most thrilling stories I’ve come across since starting this blog - well done - I await developments with keen anticipation - it is great fun watching the Lochiel’s hidden history being revealed - it’s almost like time travel. (I should tell you, though I don’t want to get your hopes up too much, that I know an old man who has an extensive collection of memorabilia associated with MacBrayne’s and the Clyde steamers - when I mentioned the Lochiel to him he said that he thought he had a colour photograph of the ship under water, and he promised to search for it - I am working on this and will let you know)'.

http://almax.wordpress.com/2006/12/02/the-sinking-ship-revisited/#comment-9024

Well if underwater pictures do 'surface' it will be simply amazing. Fingers crossed and many thanks Alasdair.

Merchant Shipping Act , 1894 Report of Court (No 8013) m.v. ''Lochiel'' O.N. 165966

2007-02-02T19:11:00.000Z

Massive thanks to Morag Fyfe, Principal Search Room, Archivist, West Search Room - THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF SCOTLAND, West Register House, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DF. I wrote to the National Archives in December and Morag did some extensive digging (unearthing in the process the foundering of the m.v. ‘Glen Shiel’, on passage from Ayr to Portree in 1974 - I wonder if there is a Glen Shiel blog out there?). Eventually tracing 'among one of our private collections (GD490), a printed copy of the report of court into the circumstances attending the stranding of the “Lochiel” in 1960. This is a printed copy published by the Stationary Office in 1961.' Brilliant - I have been on the trail for this since November. She continued: 'We would be pleased to offer you a copy of this document (item reference: GD490/166) and we estimate that copies will cost £10.00'. This is public service at it best! Thanks Morag. The summary reads:.

''In the matter of a Formal Investigation held at the Judiciary Buildings, Glasgow, on the 30th and 31st days of January and the 1st day of February 1961, before Henry Stephen Wilson, Esquire, Advocate, Sheriff-Substitute, OBE, and Captain W. R. Woodriffe, into the circumstances attending the stranding of the m.v. ''Lochiel'' in West Loch Tarbert on 8th October, 1960.

The court having carefully inquired into the circumstances attending the above mentioned shipping casualty finds the reasons stated in the Annex hereto that then stranding was caused by the wrongful act or default of the master, Captain Lachlan McDonald and the Court orders that in respect thereofthe said Lachlan McDonald be censured'.

Dated this 1st day of February, 1961 -HS Wilson Judge''.

So more of a stranding - a shipping casualty - and no mention of a more dramatic 'shipwreck' in sight. The conditions on the day were 'fine and clear and nothing untoward, indeed nothing noteworthy took place prior to her entering the loch for the run up to the pier a distance of some 7.6 miles'. The report traced in detail the course the Lochiel steered up West Loch Tarbert under the guidance of the mate - Donald Gunn, the helmsman - Donald Hamilton, and the master - Lachlan MacDonald.

The exact course can be plotted on a map and I will have a go at some point using an OS map. 'At about 1220 her port side struck an underwater reef know as Tor Turc causing extensive damage. The master immediately ordered ''Stop Engines'' and the helm to starboard and the vessel cleared the obstruction. It soon became obvious that she was making water fast.''

The report continued that ''The master tried unsuccessfully to reach the pier. Owing to the inrush of water the engines could not keep going. The vessel eventually took the ground in mid channel some 7 cables short of the pier and 2 cables off the south east shore.'' (1 cable = 240 yards).

The judge reported that after the collision the steps taken following the striking of the rock, both for the safety of the passengers and to try to save the ship, reflect nothing but credit upon the master, the officers and indeed the whole ships company. There was no panic. There was no lack of control. The boats (life boats) were got away with commendable efficiency. One passenger in evidence went out of her way to pay tribute event to the courtesy with which she had been treated by members of the crew'.

So not all bad news. But when it comes to describing events leading up to the collision it is is pretty direct. 'The Lochiel's approach as it entered West Loch Tarbert '' might more accurately described as one of pilotage than as navigation..... The master was familiar with the run having done it, he said himself, some 200 times. He admitted to knowledge of the hazards including Tor Turc rock''. There is considerable detail about landmarks that should have triggered changes of course - particularly steering for Eilean Eoghainn. ... ''the master himself with commendable frankness said in effect that in allowing the vessel to proceed with Eilean Eoghainn to starboard he had made an error of judgement. The Court considers that his failure went beyond a mere error of judgement.It is true the rock is unmarked. But the master knew it was there.''

The master ordered the course and checked that the helmsman complied with his order. ''No criticism was directed against the helmsman from any source. It falls to be observed that the Court did not find any satisfactory evidences as to the position of the Lochiel in the channel when the last alteration of course was ordered. Whatever be the explanation of this particular difficulty - and it is difficult to take the matter beyond mere speculation - the Court finds no shadow of justification for a finding of fault on the part of the helmsman''.

The Judge concluded by stating that it was not part of his brief or power o consider the cancellation of the masters certificate. And ended by suggesting that Tor Turc rock should be marked with a navigation buoy.

The master and chief officer remained on the boat overnght. She remained stranded for 12 days when she was refloated and taken to Greenock for repair

The Questions and Answers annex of the report ends pretty brutally.

Q. Was the stranding of the Lochiel caused ort contributed to by the wrongful act or default of:-

(a) Her master, Lachlan McDonald?

A. Yes.

Q. (b) Her mate, Donald Gnn?

A. No.

Q. (c) Her helmsman, Donald Hamilton

A. No.

Q. (d) Any other person or persons?

A. No.

Thoughts on this to follow. Thanks again Morag

Bristol dockside in 1988

2007-01-29T20:20:00.001Z

Bristol dockside in 1988
Originally uploaded by Dave Reynolds.

This from David Reynolds flickr site - 'Bristol dockside in 1988. This is the view looking down St Augustine's Reach, towards the Industrial Museum (the red building in the background) in August 1988. Note the crowded yellow ferry and the Lochiel floating bar/restaurant. The edge of the quayside has unaccountably disappeared and merges here with the brightly reflecting water – normally muddy brown.'

Many thanks Dave

Lochiel Slide Show On Flickr

2007-01-25T19:59:00.000Z

If you are on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com ) I have put together all Lochiel pictures that I have found. And found this excellent one of Lochiel unloading at Port Askaig.

This link should lead you to a slide show - http://www.flickr.com/photos/25029924@N00/sets/72157594498220080/

Grim Race Against Time....

2007-01-24T20:21:00.000Z

'Tired men battled non stop all day yesterday to save the crippled steamer Lochiel. And only 300 yards away on the rocky Argyllshire hore, Sunday crowds gathered to watch the grim struggle' So reads the Daily Record 10th October 1960 - just discovered in an envelope of my parents old photos. What a gem! It goes on:

'There was a grinding crash as the ship struck the rocks. Then as the water started to pour through a gaping hole in the hull amidships below the engine room, a dramatic race began to get the ship to the pier,less than 3 miles away before the flooding compete.
Abandon ship -Second engineer Danny Ferguson said: 'for ten minutes after we hit the rocks we managed to keep her going, heading all the time for the pier. ''But the water continued to rise and got into the gearbox of our diesel engine, and we stopped''. Then as the ship began to lie dangerously low in Escart Bay passengers were ordered: Abandon ship''.

All 100 passengers were landed safely and later continued their journey by special bus. ..... Watchers ashore could see the skeleton crew busy on deck as their skipper Lachlan McDonald watched.

By noon yesterday the bow was under water and the ship tilted at angle of about 35 degrees. But the tired men at the pumps were holding their won. There was a sigh of relief as they sighted the tug Flying Dipper from Faslane racing to their aid.....''

And just to get it all in perspective the bottom left hand column of the paper had some text (in red and vertical?) - Stop Press News ''SLEEP IN PEACE - K. Mr Kruschev ended his TV interview saying : We will never start a war, so you can sleep in peace'' - followed by (in black typeset) Today - Sunny intervals with scattered showers'. A grim shipwreck - denial of intention to start nuclear Armageddon - and latest weather offering - all side by side!

Lochiel and Golden Hind replica in Bristol

2007-01-23T22:15:00.001Z

Golden Hind replica in Bristol, England, UK
Originally uploaded by Dave Reynolds.

Many thanks to Dave Reynolds for letting me post this great picture of replica Drakes 'Golden Hind' opposite the Lochiel in Bristol Docks. For more of his pictures see - http://www.flickr.com/photos/15234790@N00/

Tower Belle and the Arnolfini Building, Bristol

2007-01-23T21:59:00.001Z

Tower Belle and the Arnolfini Building, Bristol
Originally uploaded by Dave Reynolds.

2007-01-18T19:57:00.000Z

To Islay by Sea on the Lochiel - Short Film Clip

This short clip is fantastic! There could be an amazing coincidence here. The day I got this film I received a wonderful email from John who told me about his 'fond memories of the Lochiel and Loch Nevis sitting at West Loch pier. My family lived in a wee cottage on the Kilberry road and looked out on the MacBraynes pier and the two steamers.' And -thinks he was 'around when the Lochiel tried to come up the loch at too low a tide and got stuck'. His father was a steam boat enthusiast and had films of the Lochiel on the Islay run. I wonder if this was one of them.

John believes that his fathers films could still be out there with Clyde River Steamer Club members. The search has commenced.

I have just re read Johns email and clicked that he was sending from Australia. What an amazing thing this internet is in connecting us across the globe!

2007-01-18T19:40:00.000Z

More on the Lochiel History - Many thanks to Donald and his Kintyre site - http://groups.msn.com/Kintyre. Up until now the best record by far of the Lochiel sinking was his posting http://groups.msn.com/Kintyre/lochielssinking.msnw . And now more riches on the history of the boat on http://groups.msn.com/Kintyre/lochielshistory2.msnw . Here is the text:

The last ‘conventional’ passenger-cargo ship to be built for the Islay - West Loch service was the twin-screw 14-knot motorship “Lochiel (IV)”, launched on April 4, 1939 and built at a cost of £62,805. Although she had been specifically designed for the service, she spent the summer of 1939 on the Oban - Fort William station as dredging work had to be undertaken on the upper section of the West Loch and, for various reasons, the old “Pioneer (II)” continued on the Islay - West Loch service until November 15, 1940 then relieving on the Oban station till March 9, 1942 and employed on livestock sailings until October 1943 when she was laid up on a buoy off Tighnabruiach in The Kyles of Bute.

The “Lochiel (IV)”, with the exceptions of May 1942 and June 1943 on the Wemyss Bay - Ardrishaig mail service, spent the war years, from November 1940 onwards, on the Islay - West Loch service and was eventually relieved by the now elderly steamer “Robina” to allow her an overhaul in the autumn of 1946. During the war years, “Lochiel (IV)”, like some of the other MacBrayne ships, including the “Lochfyne” and the “Lochnevis” serving on the Wemyss Bay - Ardrishaig mail run, was given a black funnel and ‘horizon yellow’ superstructure, in later war years she was painted completely in grey. On a passing note of interest, Royal Mail pillar boxes in towns and cities were also given the same ‘horizon yellow’ tops, supposedly a ‘gas-detecting paint’ ( ! ) and white bases to make them more easily seen in the wartime black-outs.

World War II Tragedy - "Sylvia Scarlet", officially known as 'The Brontasaurus', came to grief at Escart Bay, near the little island of Ghallagain, in West Loch Tarbert, on Saturday, July 3, 1943. 'Sylvia' was a Dutch-built Fokker F.XXII 4-engined aircraft built in May 1935, registered PH-AJR, for KLM airlines. In 1939 she was bought by the Heston-based British American AT Services and, in September that year, was sold to Scottish Aviation at at Prestwick and registered as G-AFXR after less than a month at Heston. Finally, on October 15, 1941, she became HM159 when she was taken over by the RAF.

24 Squadron chnstened her 'The Brontosaurus' but, when she joined 1680 Flight on October 1, 1942, she had the name 'Sylvia Scarlet' painted on the port side of her cockpit. On the fateful day, with her five crew, she had taken off from Abbotsinch at 10am on a routine freight and personnel flight, via Tiree and Benbecula, to Stornaway where she arrived at 1330 and then began her return flight to Abbotsinch at 1458 in the afternoon.

It was a fine sunny day with little wind but, local thunderstorms were forecast around Oban. At Benbecula, Sylvia's New Zealand 'skipper' carried out a long series of pre-flight checks after he taxied to the end of the runway. Witnesses remembered seeing a long sheet of flame coming from one engine just as the aircraft took off and at Tiree, where the aircraft spent more than half-an-hour on the ground, there was talk about trouble with one of her engines.

She left Tiree at 1642 with five crewmen and fifteen passengers on board and around 5pm passed over the observer post at Easdale streaming a smoke trail astern. A quarter-of-an-hour later, her skipper tried to land the aircraft on the mud flats at the head of the West Loch but crashed nose-first into the water at Escart Bay and a fierce fire ensued making it impossible for the crew of the RAF rescue launch, based at MacBrayne's steamer pier, to rescue any of the plane's occupants - 14 of the occupants were eventually buried in Campbeltown Cemetery - and, several weeks after the incident, the "Lochiel (IV)" lifted the plane's four engines from the bottom of the loch.

Beyond the 'Lochiel' at West Loch Tarbert Pier,can be seen the little island of Ghallagain and the aircraft's wreck site. In 1949, the Islay schedule was extended to include regular runs to Colonsay and in 1953 LOCHIEL was given a mainmast.

LOCHIEL was duly retired in January 1970 and, on Monday 23, March 1970, was sold to Norwest Shipping Ltd, a company registered in Douglas, in the Isle of Man and, after survey at Port Glasgow, the LOCHIEL sailed south to Fleetwood.

Denny's of Dumbarton and The Fleetwood Story
Fleetwood railway station and pier had been demolished following the withdrawal of The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd's sailings from Fleetwood to The Isle of Man in 1961, Fleetwood then being redeveloped by The British Transport Docks Board, the new concrete pier and passenger terminal built opened in 1969 by Norwest Hovercraft, their original intention being to use one of the Denny-built sidewall hovercraft for new services to Douglas and to Barrow but, totally unsuited for such open sea work, the hovercraft arrived and was only used for short excursions.

Just a year after Westland’s first expermental craft, SRN 1, had crossed The English Channel with inventor Christopher Cockerell on July 25, 1959, Denny’s of Dumbarton had formed a subsidiary, Denny Hovercraft Ltd., to build a non-amphibious ‘sidewall’ (catamaran-type) hovercraft design and D2, a ‘hoverbus’ capable of carring up to 70 passengers, was launched on July 18, 1962.

Leaving the Clyde on May 29, she arrived in The Thames, 820 miles away, on June 17, 1962. Shortly afterwards, in September 1963, Denny’s went into voluntary liquidation but Denny Hovercraft Ltd. was retained as an asset by the liquidator and while work on a second ‘hoverbus’, D3, was completed, that on the third, D4, was suspended and attention focused on improving the design, this included towing the ‘hoverbus’ at speeds of up to 35-knots astern of a Royal Navy gas-turbine patrol boat on The Skelmorlie Measured Mile.

Despite carrying many thousands of passengers on The Thames and Denny’s liquidators doing their best to improve the prototype D2, she failed a series of evaluation tests with the Interservices Hovercraft Trials Unit and was laid up in 1964, the only way ahead now was for Denny’s liquidators to try operating a ‘hoverbus’ for themselves and hope to persuade an operator to purchase either or, hopefully, both the two craft now renumbered as D2-003 and 2-004 and in 1968 Denny’s liquidators formed Norwest Hovercraft Ltd. for that very purpose.

After being overhauled at Poole, D2-003, under the command of Sir John Onslow, Bart., made the longest ever non-stop voyage for a ‘sidewall’ hovercraft, leaving Poole on July 4, 1968 and arriving at Fleetwood the following day.

Though the intention had been to operate a service between Fleetwood to Barrow-in-Furness, pulling visitors from Blackpool to The Lake District and vice versa, a theoretically lucrative proposition to this day, the only return trips were on Monday, August 19, 1968, it being suddenly considered more profitable to run 30-minute ‘cruises’ out of Fleetwood alone.
Unable to certificate the hovercraft for the Fleetwood - Douglas service, the new company chartered the small Norwegian ferry STELLA MARINA and ran her with some success through the summer of 1969. The ship's accommodation was attractive and modern compared to the traditional IOMSP vessels but, having been sold by her original owners, the STELLA MARINA was not available for the 1970 season and Norwest purchased the elderly and slow David MacBrayne motorship LOCHIEL which was noticeably inferior to the IOMSP competition running from nearby Heysham.

Whilst their new acquisition was being overhauled and refurbished, Norwest chartered The Isles of Scilly SS Co QUEEN OF THE ISLES to begin the 1970 sailing season, the LOCHIEL , after massive overhaul on the Mersey, emerging as the NORWEST LAIRD, registered at Douglas.

NORWEST LAIRD bravely sailed through the summer of 1970 on her new owners' principal route Fleetwood to Douglas; she was not a success, day trippers had to walk the whole length of Douglas' pier to 'get ashore' and she was withdrawn on August 18, 1970. Her Class III Board of Trade Certificate forced her to sail at all times within eighteen miles of land - the 'dog-leg' crossing took around six hours and neither the ship nor the excursion appeal to day trippers who, in the previous season, had enjoyed 'the luxury' of the STELLA MARINA and the NORWEST LAIRD made only fourteen trips to Douglas that season.
Because of the law, the ship's owners, Denny's liquidators, were at best 'cash-strapped' and on at least one occasion, the ship's crew and the passengers had to have a 'whip-round' before arriving in Douglas so that the engineers could buy some fuel to get the ship home to Fleetwood !

Whereas the Isle of Man excursions proved a dismal failure, the NORWEST LAIRD operated a number of highly successful evening excursions to Barrow-in-Furness - that route almost certainly viable (particularly as a car ferry route - "Streakers", where are you going when CalMac sells you ? ) to this day, providing day trips between Blackpool and Lake District for the tourists and a car ferry service providing an alternative to the 70-mile trip round Morecambe Bay !

Interestingly too of these evening cruises 'across the bay', it might be mentioned that the ship's old passenger sleeping cabins were put to full use, complete with steward cabin service, the cabins booked by 'enterprising young ladies' to entertain their numerous and generous 'gentlemen friends' !

Denny's D2-003 had also followed to Fleetwood in 1969 and, though a trans-Mersey service was also considered, the companies were put into liquidation in 1970 and D2-002 shipped to Jamaica to open a new route between Kingston and Palisadoes International Airport for Jamaica Hovercraft Ltd..

A year later NORWEST LAIRD was still laid up in Glasson Dock, near Lancaster, having undergone the indignity of “arrest” for non-payment of harbour dues and yet a third career beckoned for the Highland veteran for, late in 1974, the NORWEST LAIRD was acquired by Courage (Western) Ltd, part of the brewing concern and was towed to Hayle in Cornwall to be renovated in leisurely fashion for use as a floating bar and restaurant in Bristol.

Her engines were removed in 1975 by the splendidly titled Stanley Ferry Dismantlers Ltd and three years laters, in 1978, the ship reached Bristol where she opened as the OLD LOCHIEL.
She became a very popular haunt and survived till the closure of the business in 1994 and, sold for scrap in November 1995, was subsequently broken up at Bristol that December - a grim reminder both of Britain's general contempt for our maritime heritage and that a static preservation role is no guarantee of a famous ship's survival. ''

And many thanks also to Donald for pointing out that the last picture on the blog was not the Lochiel - instead the Fenella http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/IOMSP4.html - many thanks Donald.

2007-01-18T00:35:00.000Z

Bump .... As Mrs L. Sat Knitting

This just unearther from a pile of stuff.

Sunday Express Reporter 10th October 1960

''Mrs Masy Lawrie was sitting in the lounge of the Lochiel knitting socks yesterday when the first ''bump'' came.

''No one seemed to realise there was anything wrong'', she said last night in Gourouck where she and other passengers had been taken in the Loch Fyne after the Lochiel hit a rock.

''There was another bump,'' she went on. ''The crew told the passengers to get into the lifeboats. Everyone seemed surprised but there was no panic''.

Lights Out

Mrs Lawrie of Craigmountloan, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, was returning with her 14 year old daughter Wilma after a week's holiday in Islay. Mr James Manley (65) of West Clyde Street, Helensburgh had been at Port Askaig to see his grandchildren. He was standing on the front deck when the ship struck.

He said: ''The lights went out, then came back. We hit something else and the lights went out completely. I didn't realise anything was wrong until the chief engineer came up from below drenched. As we were going ashore in a boat I noticed 2 cars in the ships hold. The water was up to the roofs.''

Mr William Cranston of Byres Road, Glasgow, had been on holiday with his wife Nessie and baby son Stephen (13months). With them in the ship was his mother, who lives at Bridgend.

Said Mr Cranston: ''Stephen was in a carry cot and we just grabbed hold of it and made for the boats''.

Most of the people who arrrived at Gourock last night went by train to Glasgow''.

Sunday Express

And this picture of me on the train to Glasgow after the sinking - apparantly unphased by the experience.

2007-01-10T21:06:00.000Z

Decline and Fall 1970 -1980's (and brief name change)

In 1970 the Lochiel was replaced on the Islay run. By then she was considered unsuitable - other island communities were being served by modern, fast roll on roll off boats. Lochiel was dated and slow. From Ships of Calmac - http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/h_lochiel.asp

'By 1970 the LOCHIEL's engines were all but finished and it caused little surprise when at STG insistence the 1954 Clyde car ferry ARRAN was transferred to MacBraynes to assume the Islay service after substantial refit.

LOCHIEL was duly retired that January and on Monday 23rd March 1970 she was sold to Norwest Shipping Ltd, Douglas, Isle of Man. After survey at Port Glasgow she sailed to Fleetwood, briefly revived the Fleetwood-Barrow route, and after massive overhaul on the Mersey emerged as NORWEST LAIRD, registered at Douglas. NORWEST LAIRD bravely sailed through the summer of 1970 on her new owners' principal route Fleetwood to Douglas; she was not a success and was withdrawn on 18th August. Her Board of Trade certificate forced her to sail at all times within eighteen miles of land – thus extending passage to a laborious six hours – and it is little surprise to note that she made only fourteen trips; her new owners went bankrupt. A year later NORWEST LAIRD was still laid up in Glasson Dock, near Lancaster, having undergone the indignity of “arrest” for non-payment of harbour dues.'

2006-12-21T21:25:00.000Z

First Hand Lochiel Sailing Experience

This email from Elizabeth who told me of her first hand experience of sailing on the Lochiel - not a comfortable ride!

'I often travelled on the Lochiel as a child and teenager and it was not a pleasant experience apart from on a flat calm day. As well as pitching bow to stern, it rolled from side to side being such a flat -bottom boat to accommodate the shallow West Loch Tarbert. Captain Beaton was a fine man from Skye who enjoyed a challenge and took the boat out in all weathers and was known to curse at times that it was "another bugger of a calm day" I occasionally was invited up onto the bridge and I was also very friendly with the cook, Donald Sinclair and the chief steward Hugh Lavery. Donald's father had been cook on the Pioneeer and I think Donald served over forty years on that run.'

Many thanks for this Elizabeth - it was pleasure hearing from you. The power of the internet really is amazing. Elizabeth told me how she knew my father and aunt as children. I will be in touch with more questions!

I couldn't find any pictures of Lochiel twisting and turning in tough seas - so how about this one leaving Port Askaig, Islay in fine weather?

People often say we are who we are as a result of the the sum of our experiences. I am sure the experience of sailing on this ferry, even as a baby, must have had some impact on who I am now. It can surely be no accident that I love ferrys - and the rougher the better! I can recall several really stormy ferry crossings - the wildest being December 1988 - the first time Janet, my new girlfriend (and now wife) visited Islay. The regular ferry was being refitted and a smaller vessell was covering the run. It was all calm as we set off from Kennacraig - until the boat nosed out of West Loch Tarbert and started to pitch and rock and roll. Trays of Christmas dinners instantly flew off the tables in the restaurant and a good percentage of those that had been digested- well I'll spare you the details. The bow smashed into the waves and spray carried the entire length of the boat. Standing on deck was certainly a bracing experience - one that the late Captain Beaton would have appreciated. When we arrived in Port Askaig we found that out planned onward ferry to Jura was cancelled due to the rough seas. We spent the night in Port Ellen and got to our house in Ardtalla a day late.

With the benefit of 46 years hindsight.... I definitely put my sea legs down to those early Lochiel journeys! I am a keen dinghy sailor - and the windier the better! My first 'proper' sale was with my uncle on St Marys Loch - at the age of 8 or 9. We started out bobbing along the loch with a gently following breeze taking in the stunnning views of the hills and heather under a glorious blue sky. Without warning a shaft of wind came hurtling down on the of the glens and we were picked up and blasted down the loch - planning at top speed. As a child you have absolutely no idea of the skill it takes to sail a boat at such speeds with exquisite control - but it felt perfect! The blast of wind stopped as quickly as it had started - only to be repeated again and again from different angles as the wind funnelled down the many glens that fed the loch. It was an experience that could have been traumatic and put me off boats for the ever - no chance of that.

Not quite as windy as that summer day on St Marys Loch - but a marvellously relaxing sail around Fowey harbour, Cornwall in our red sailed Mirror dinghy this summer.

2006-12-19T21:38:00.000Z

Lochiel's last Days in Bristol - More Detailed and Accurate Information

Many thanks to Steve Hedges for clarifying these details:

'The Lochiel ended her days in Albion dry dock not Pooles Wharf. She was partially stripped at Pooles Wharf then towed across to the Albion dry dock ( I assisted this move with our work boats + a contracted tug) The task of looking after her during her time as a pub would have been undertaken by the following :

A marine surveyor employed by the BreweryThe Insurance Company of the ship
Fire Service
City Council Licencing Section
Harbour Office.

I undertook one bilge inspection only and that was prior to her tow from her operating berth at St Augustines Reach to Mardyke wharf where the sale process was carried out. My responsibility was only to ensure that she was not leaking badly in case she sank at her new berth as mains services were disconnected at her old wharf whch would have supplied power to her bilge water pumps.

I can confirm that she was dry at the time of inspection and appeared to be in good condition below the waterline which ,considering her age and previous life, was a sign of her build quality. The tow to Mardyke was carried out by Mackenzie Marine with their Bristol based tug + assist from harbour work boats. Hope that helps'.

Certaitainly does. Thanks Steve

2006-12-17T21:25:00.000Z

Lochiel's Last Years in Bristol Harbour

A big thanks to Steve Hedges of Bristol Harbour Port Authority for being so helpful with information about Lochiel's last years in Bristol Harbour. Just to recap what I knew already.... This was the last chapter in the book. After being replaced as the Islay ferry in 1970 she had as short and unsuccessful period on the ferry route between Fleetwood and Douglas, Isle of Man. I presume she wasn't designed for what must have been a fairly exposed route - (previous posts from people who sailed in her have told about how it pitched all over the place on the Islay run).

Rather that being scrapped the engines were stripped out and she was towed to Bristol for her next career as a floating bar and restaurant. I have managed to find these 2 pictures.The ones in red are taken in the 1980's and the blue with cream top was the last colour scheme in the early 1990's. I mentioned in a previous post that these David Reynolds photo tags - http://www.flickr.com/photos/15234790@N00/tags/lochiel/ really are superb. Especially the one of the Lochiel opposite a replica of the Golden Hind.

David Hedges filled in these details for which I am most grateful. The Maritime Coastguard Agency have responsibilities to ensure it is protected and has regular inspections to ensure it is a safe sea going vessel. When the Lochiel became a floating restaurant its protection was removed and it came under the jurisdiction of the council and fire service. David had responsibility for inspecting the boat and had to frequently scramble around the bilge and former engine area to make sure they were in good order.

He described the Lochiel as being a reasonably stylish craft - certainly for one dating back to the late 1930's . The diesel engine and short funnel would have marked the boat out as very modern for her day. When the boat operated as a restaurant for one of the large chains (Whitbread, Courage of Bass?) she was a good condition. As the 1980s rolled on her appearance did deteriorate .There was one repaint (from red to blue) but her condition in the final years in the early 1990's was described as tatty. He recalls that the boat was taken out of service in 1994 and scrapped the following year. David mentioned that there was a brief campaign to save the Lochiel and the story was covered by the Bristol Evening Post. (More on that shortly).

The process of scrapping a boat is usually undertaken in specialist docks. The normal destination for Bristol ships would have been Swansea at the time. Because the Lochiel's structure had been so seriously altered - the engines and bulkheads had been removed - it would not have been safe to tow the boat to Swansea. There would have a been a real risk of the boat breaking up and sinking in strong seas. The job had to be done closer to home. The contract was put out locally and the cheapest tender accepted. I think I have got this right - a Bristol company David Hedly won the contract. The fixtures and fittings were stripped out first leaving the remains of the hull. This was taken to Poors Warf where it was broken up. David mentioned that he saw the remainder of the Lochiel cut in half and at Poors Warf dry dock - does a photograph exist of these last days? The steel was then have been removed and sold for scrap.

David wasn't aware that the Lochiel had sunk in 1960 - so this part of her reputation clearly wasn't widely known.

I contacted the Bristol Evening Post team to see if they had records of the campaign to save the Lochiel. When I am in Bristol next a visit to the Central Library is on the cards to take a look through their micro fiched old Evening Post papers. The paper and some of its sister publications did agree to carry a letter from me asking for any leads about the Lochiel in Bristol and the campaign to save her. If anyone reading this has any info I would be so grateful for any suggestions - please do feel free to leave comments below.

Thanks again to Steve Hedges at Bristol Harbour.

2006-12-08T18:00:00.000Z

Lochiel Memorial - Port Ellen

Now this post really was an interesting find. Ashley Gill put an article up about a Waverly trip around the Hebrides in 1998. http://paddlers31.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/articles/westisle.htm . On 9th May the Waverly moored up at Port Ellen. This coincided with:

‘a small remembrance ceremony took place for the former Islay mail boat, Lochiel which served the island in the 1950's and 60's. In a small park a mast had been erected and a few artefacts from the boat had been collected together for display, including the builders plate, life belt and capstan. An enthusiast hoisted aloft the ships name pennant on the mast.’

Fantastic. I would be interested in tracking down the enthusiast and to take a look at the memorial. Something to look forward to when we visit Islay next..

2006-12-08T08:26:00.000Z

This From David Suarez - Lochiel Modelling Genuis

I had this wonderful email from David Suarez this morning. He is the creator of this marvellous working Lochiel model:

'Dear Steve: The first thing is thank you for your mail. I am proud of that utilize my photography’s to illustrate your web site.
I make the lochiel because I do not want to do a Spanish ship and was looking for something different; when I saw it I fall in love of and with his long history. I like the history of the big transatlantic British companies and so much the cunard as the white star they are a motive of study for my I ask him to forgive my English evil and thank him for everything. I stay to his disposition for any thing. A greeting for you'.

Fantastic is all I can say!

2006-12-05T08:11:00.000Z

Lochiel Bristol Blue Phase

Lochiel moored in Bristol - the only picture I have found with her in blue. Picture courtesy of A Scouller.

2006-12-04T20:30:00.000Z

Amazing Thing Google Earth

Quite fightening really - when we google earthed our house you could make out the wheelbarrow in the garden. In the wrong hands - serious freedom issues..... But very handy- below a close up of West Loch Tarbert.

This close up is pretty helpful - will do some work to highlight where the spot where Lochiel went down. According to the Kintyre forum article 'the little ship had run into Sgeir Mhein, an unmarked skerry submerged at high water about a mile from West Loch Tarbert Pier , which normally merited a dogleg in the otherwise straight in up the loch.'

2006-12-04T08:30:00.000Z

The Boat Builder - Wiliam Denny and the Blue Elephant

A great link - http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb~hfd.html#denny on the history of the Lochiel builder - William Denny and Son of Dumbarton. 'William Denny & Son, Dumbarton - white flag, blue elephant. This is an old-established firm of shipbuilders, having been founded in 1840. Their flag was quite unusual in having for its emblem an elephant. This device was taken from the civic arms of Dumbarton, bit also served to symbolizes the strength and solidity of the company's products. Denny's became famous as builders of short-sea passemger vessels and similar craft in British waters, and at one time, a very large proportion of the cross channel ferries and similar craft in British waters had been built by them. Their flag is no longer to be seen, for the company closed down during the 1960's.Source: Loughran (1979) "A Survey of Mercantile Houseflags & Funnels".Jarig Bakker, 4 April 2005'

2006-12-03T20:15:00.000Z

Desperately Seeking Dan –

This wonderful email pulled off the excellent Paddle steamer site guest book comments - - http://website.lineone.net/~tom_lee/gbook.htm. From Mr Matheson:

‘I was born and brought up on Islay with grandparents living in Glasgow so summer holidays involved a trip out on Lochiel (skippered by my uncle "Big" Dan Mcleod of legend (also known as "Desperate Dan"). On arrival at West Loch Tarbert we bussed across to the East Loch, there to catch the St Columba or, Lochfyne onwards to Gourock. This leg of the journey involved a leisurely sail to numerous ports such as Ardrishaig, Tighnabruach, Rothesay, Innellan, Dunoon and others to many to recall. Looking back I cannot believe that half a lifetime has come and gone since those days when I could watch the passage of so many legendary ships as we ambled through the Kyles. My brothers and I will carry those happy memories with us always.’

Before this mail I had only been aware of the first skipper - Mr Beaton (some very dignified pictures posted in an earlier blog). So here we have the second – ‘Big’ Dan Mcleod. Of course my first thought was ……..... was it his watch on the 8th October 1960. More digging to do. If anyone out there (including Mr Matheson - my email to him bounced back) can cast any light would be delighted to hear.

2006-12-02T18:00:00.000Z

More on Captain Lachlan Beaton – Lochiel’s First

A little more about Captain Lachlan Beaton. He really does cut a dashing pose.

Plenty of gravitas – I get the feeling of a man at ease with his own skin.

I can’t remember where I copied these pictures from. The Master Certificate of Competency is a real gem.

2006-12-01T16:00:00.000Z

Captain Lachlan (Lachie) Beaton 1886 - 1970 - The First Lochiel Captain

Info from - http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/crew_feature_1.asp

1920 (approx) Mate on Plover with Captain Robertson (Squeaky).
1928 Master on MV Lochinvar on Mull run. Tobermory-Oban
1928 to 1934 Master on MV Lochinvar. Tobermory - Oban. Also PS Mountaineer running cruises out of Oban & PS Fusilier on Portree - Mallaig service.
1934 Winter Master on PS Fusilier - Portree run. Summer on PS Pioneer & MV Loch Nevis Islay - West Loch Tarbert.
1935 PS Pioneer as Master Islay - Gigha - West Loch Tarbert.
1939 Master MV Lochiel Islay Service.
1940 MV Lochiel Fort William to Oban (Summer only).
1940 - 1951 MV Lochiel on Islay run.

2006-11-30T19:30:00.000Z

8th October 1960

This amazing post from the Kintre forum (http://groups.msn.com/Kintyre/lochielssinking.msnw)

'On October 8, 1960, MacBrayne's Lochiel sank after it struck a rock when trying to enter West Loch Tarbert
Alexander McCutcheon had travelled across to the mainland on the Thursday, two days before the Lochiel's fateful trip and finding that he needed his car, he arranged for his brother-in-law, Peter McSporran, to send his Ford Popular over.
When he arrived at the pier at Port Askaig, Peter McSporran handed over the car to the company's official and, after paying the agreed freight charge, he left, holding a receipt for the money, but wasn't asked to sign a "risk note".
Both Peter McSporran and his brother-in-law Alexander McCutcheon were used to sending goods to the mainland using the MacBrayne vessel and had on other occasions signed a "risk note" limiting the company's liability by incorporating the printed conditions into the agreement but, on this occasion, nobody in the MacBrayne office had asked for any signature or even mentioned a "risk note".
It was the time of the autumn cattle sales in Tarbert, the weather was calm and the visibility good and, as the Lochiel was making her way up West Loch Tarbert full of cattle and sheep, a rippling tremor ran through the ship.
Several plus-foured members of the gentry were sipping tea in the comfort of the forward lounge when the door of the engine room emergency escape route that opened into the saloon burst open to reveal a dripping second engineer. 'My God we're sinking !' he shouted, and disappeared towards the bridge. After a few moments silence there was the sound of a cup being replaced onto its saucer. 'I suppose we should go and see to the dogs', someone said.
The little ship had run into Sgeir Mhein, an unmarked skerry submerged at high water about a mile from West Loch Tarbert Pier , which normally merited a dogleg in the otherwise straight in up the loch.
In absent-mindedly steering by eye rather than by chart and compass, the vessel struck the rock a glancing blow with her port side, opening up a huge gash in the engine room. The cattle sales had nothing to do with the cause of the accident, but was rather the direct result of the regular helmsman being away, singing at the Mod.
The master did his best to make for the pier, but as water rose over the main engine air intakes, she stopped and drifted into the mud just north-east of Eilean da'Ghallagain. There was no immediate danger since the vessel had sunk as far as she was going to and the main-deck was still above water, the mess-room boy, left behind in the mess-room having his tea, decided that there was something wrong when he felt water round his feet.
Passengers wandered around in bemused fashion as the crew frantically tried to disturb the lifeboats comfortably settled on their chocks since the last Board of Trade inspection and someone with a compassionate turn or mind released seventy-five sheep from their pens, the relieved animals adding to the surreal scene as they scampered around the decks.
The bar was in those days in the forepart of the vessel, the part which was disappearing under water. The valiant barman stuck to his post, with water nearly up to his armpits, salvaging the contents of the bar and handing out bottles of booze to all comers although the sea was lapping their waists, prompting one daily paper to headline the event 'Drinks for All As The Ship Goes Down'.
Within an hour, lifeboats rowed by some of the crew and some happy passengers ferried Tarbert fire-brigade men and pumps to the ship. One elderly seaman summed up the situation: 'Yon was a terrible experience altogether. I jumped into a lifeboat and there was no room for me, it was full of passengers and sheep'.
The fire-brigade pumps were raised aboard by the ship's derrick and swung in through the forward windows and, in time, the pumps achieved enough reduction in water level to allow the watertight door between the engine room and the propellor shaft tunnel to be shut.
Among the items lost or irretrievably damaged was Alexander McCutcheon's car . On every occasion, whether he was doing it for himself or on behalf of his employer, Alexander McCutcheon had been required to sign a "risk note" imposing conditions on the contract of freight and seeking to restrict the shipping company's liability but, not on this occasion for the car had been delivered to MacBrayne's Port Askaig office by Alex's brother-in-law, Peter McSporran and Peter, after paying the agreed freight charge and handing over the car to the company's official, had left, holding a receipt for the money, but hadn't been asked to sign a "risk note".
MacBrayne's conditions of carriage were displayed in the office on Islay as well as elsewhere and most regular users of the service were aware of there being such a notice but few probably had troubled to read it or to consider its meaning.
The sinking of the Lochiel was entirely due to the negligence of members of her crew and Alex McCutcheon now endeavoured to recover the cost of his Ford Popular from the vessel's owners, its value agreed at £480 but the shipping company refusing to pay, they pointing out that both Mr McCutcheon and Mr McSporran were well aware of the conditions of carriage and Alexander McCutcheon then taking his case to court.
At the initial hearing of the case before Lord Walker it was established that Clause II of the printed provisions was sufficiently clear in its terms as to exclude any claim for the loss of the car even if it arose from the company's employees' negligence. The crucial question was whether the conditions of carriage applied when Mr McSporran had not, on this occasion, signed a "risk note".
The ferry owners contended that as both men knew the basis on which cars and other goods were transported the fact that for once no "risk note" had been completed did not matter. The presence of clear notices on the pier and in the ferry office meant, in their view everybody knew of and accept restriction of liability.
Mr McCutcheon's lawyers maintained that the previous dealings of either Mr McSporran or their client had nothing to do with what happened. This was, they argued, a new agreement under which David McBrayne Limited agreed to port the car to West Loch Tarbert and in return received payment from Mr McSporran acting as agent for his brother-in-law. No special conditions were agreed to nor accepted and no document was signed changing the normal rule that a negligent party should pay for any loss caused by carelessness.
After hearing evidence and considering all the documents, Lord Walker rejected the ferry company's contentions and awarded Mr McCutcheon £480. They however appealed and two years after the Lochiel sank three judges listened to two days of legal argument before agreeing that Mr McCutcheon was bound by the normal conditions of carriage and that accordingly David McBrayne Ltd could escape any liability. Poor Mr McCutcheon was now faced with a massive bill for both sides' legal expenses and no recompense for his lost car.
In the hope that the adverse decision could be reversed, the car owner sought and obtained leave to take his case to The House of Lords. There for a further two days the issues were closely debated and reference made by both QCs to numerous legal authorities and text books.
The issue was however summarised by one of The Law Lords when he pointed out that had the company's form been signed by Mr McSporran there would never have been any claim. However, "by a stroke of ill luck. . . . . . upon this day of all days they omitted to get him to sign. What difference does that make ?"
The answer, said Lord Devlin, would be a short and simple "None" if the Judges were able "to escape from the world of make-believe which the law has created into the real world in which transactions of this sort are actually done".
Fortunately for Mr McCutcheon, Lord Devlin and his four colleagues felt unable to look beyond the fact that Mr McSporran on this one occasion had not accepted the "risk note". They therefore held that no contract existed preventing David McBrayne Ltd being liable for the incompetent navigation of the crew of the Lochiel.
The ferry company had to pay for the lost car as well as the cost of five days in court. This had involved six firms of solicitors as well as four counsel. There can be little doubt that October 8, 1960, was an unlucky day for the ferry operators. Not only did they lose their vessel due to a blunder by members of the crew, they also incurred a substantial liability because another employee forgot to ask Mr McSporran to sign a form.
Their feeling of frustration must have increased when they saw Lord Devlin's comment that the form which would have saved them was "not meant to be read, still less understood !"
The Lochiel, her hull full of mud, was eventually salvaged by the salvage vessel from the ex-boom defence base in Greenock and returned to service the following spring with a black line inside her engine room, which marked the high watermark on the day of the 1960 autumn sales at Tarbert.
The master lost his job and fetched up as pier-master at Lochaline, not quite the West Highland equivalent to being exiled to Siberia and the Lochiel chugged happily up and down West Loch Tarbert for most of the next decade. '

2006-11-29T06:32:00.000Z

More Bristol Docks Pictures

Bristol based photographer David Reynolds has posted 3 beautiful pictures of Lochiel in Bristol dock area during the 1980's - http://www.flickr.com/photos/15234790@N00/tags/lochiel/ - they are definitely worth a look. (Can't copy them onto this page unfortunately). The one of Lochiel opposite Drake's Golden Hind is stunnning.

From that to the totally surreal - I unearthed this picture after doing a Lochiel google. A Spanish modelling website - the creator/artist is David Suarez and he has posted 2 of his model creations . A submarine and the Lochiel. Here is the text in English:

'T.S.M.V. Lochiel is the name of the boat used like ferry of passengers between islands in the north of Ireland, foundling the 4-April of 1939 peso 577 metric ton Capacity 599 passengers 2 diesel engines of 8 cylinders and 880 Cv each one. Speed 12 knots.The scale model this constructed according to planes that appeared published in the English magazine Model Boats in December of the 2002 on a scale 1/75. In order to make it navigable was equipped it with a motor Graupner Sped 500 with reducing and exit to two contrarrotatorios trees that move two helices of brass of 2cm and four shovels, the 120 variador is rocraft Up de Robbe and the 7,2 battery of v. It has diesel sound as well as navigation lightses. The helmet this constructed in wood of ocume of different thicknesses and all the elements has been handmade except some in which I did not have but remedy that to go to the store. Diverse materials like softdrink cans, putties of two components, steel rods removed from a windshield wiper etc. were used Sails well, the motor gives too much power him reason why it is necessary to always go to the minimum of rpm. The original rudder according to plane had to be replaced by another but generous one since he was sluggish in the turns. The final result to judge it you'.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.modelismonaval.com/magazine/davidsuarez/index.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DDavid%2BSuarez%2Blochiel%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D

Complete with models of the crew! Up until now i cant say i have ever had any iterest in this - but now i want to know more. I have just emailed Mr Suarez!

2006-11-23T15:47:00.000Z

Sad to Say - Banksy Grimreaper and the Wrong Boat

Thanks to Jack for getting this straight. The Bansksy grafitti on the boat in Bristol dock was not on the Lochiel (very sorry to say - it would have been a great story).

Confirmation is here - http://www.myspace.com/thetheklasocial .

But the guy really is a genius - here is an even better picture of the artwork.

2006-11-22T19:20:00.000Z

West Loch Tarbert Pier

Lochiel used to depart from West Loch Tarbert pier

Here is a current picture of the pier.............................. and a shot from the past.

I wonder if this shot of the Lochiel at Oban on her first run in 1938?

Leads I am interested in following up are:

The public enquiry - I am trying to track down records of the enquiry which was held in Glasgow in 1961 (my father attended)
Passenger lists for 8th October 1960 - to see if it might be possible to identify other 'survivors'.
More information about the boats 'decline and fall' - my impression (maybe wrong) is that of a vessel that never quite achieved.
It sank - would there have been a stigma from then on?
It didn’t get called up during the war - was it too slow?
It was renamed in the 1970’s as Northwest Laird? Surely this must have been a shameful experience?
It was sent of a journey between Fleetwood and Isle of Man that took hours because it wasn’t licensed to travel miles off shore.
'Impounded ' for non payment of harbour taxes?
Stripped of its engines and became a floating pub/restaurant in Bristol (actually this bit sounds good).
Scrapped in Bristol 1995 - without a trace?

Anything references/signposts that could cast light would be most appreciated.

2006-11-21T17:54:00.000Z

Some History
OK – Some history. This information from Caledonian Macbraynes site. (http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/h_lochiel.asp) . Lochiel was the forth of a distinguished stable. The three previous boats were single screw steamers and had served Islay. I have been able to track this picture of Lochiel (III).

Lochiel (IV) didnt start service on islay because the pier at West Loch Tarbert wasnt completed. I think this may be one of the earlierst hots of Lochiel at Oban where it started servic\e (in 1939).

Lochiel (IV) was built by William Denny & Brothers Dumbarton, Yard No 1341. Engines by Davey Paxman & Co Ltd Colchester. She spent most of her life on the Islay service

Described by Cal Mac as follows:

‘She followed the increasingly utilitarian dictates of the day: LOCHIEL had a raked stem, cruiser stern, single funnel, steel mast, derrick and cargo-hold forward. Her accommodation – originally two-class – comprised the usual lounges, dining saloons and smoke-rooms, with purser's room and ticket office. There was a cold store on her lower deck, for refrigerated cargo – a MacBrayne first. On this deck, too, her officers were berthed; the crew quarters were in the forecastle at main-deck level. She was deliberately built with a clear area of plated main-deck forward for carriage of cars or cattle. LOCHIEL also bore three lifeboats on Welin, Maclachlan davits and all her deck machinery – capstan, winches and so on – was electrically powered. Her engines, rather as aboard LOCHNEVIS, were flexibly mounted to reduce vibration and noise nuisance. Another innovation was the use of oil-operated reverse reduction gearboxes, rather than an additional, heavy reversing engine - “the principal elements in the gear-boxes,” notes G E Langmuir, “were constant-mesh helical gears, oil-operated friction clutches and their control-cock.” LOCHIEL achieved fourteen knots on trial but the required service speed was only twelve knots. Her total cost was £62,805.’

2006-11-20T16:59:00.000Z

Lochiel Clips - Leaving West Loch Tarbert

Filmed around 1955 - definitely pre shipwreck era.
I got this from Scottish Film Archive - it is a superb 20 minute film of life on the Mull of Kintyre.
For full details are:
Film - Date: 1955c Director: filmed by Iain Dunnachie Ref No: 2767 Genre: amateur, documentary Sound: sound Running Time: 9.30 mins Fiction: Non-Fiction Colour: col Original Format: 16mm Sponsor: unknown Production Company: unknown

Price of DVD - £13.50. Scottish Screen Archive, 39 41 Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park
Glasgow, G52 4LA Phone : 0845 366 4600. And super efficient it was too.

I think this excellent photo must have been a around same time. Definitely not roll on roll off.

2006-11-06T22:45:00.000Z

Lochiel

At the tender age of 13 weeks my parents took me to see my grandparents who lived on the Isle of Islay. This was their first chance to see me - and by all accounts it was a good visit. Things turned a tad more challenging on the return jourtney to the mainland on 8th October 1960. The vessel Lochiel hit the rocks and sank. For the past 12 years this front page of the Daily Record for 9th October has hung on out hallway My one and only front page story - celebrity status for me peaked early. Over the last few months that I have felt compelled to learn more (big thanks to Almax - http://almax.wordpress.com/2006/09/16/the-sinking-ship-8th-october-1960/#comment-1675 ) for posting some pictures I never knew existed on his superb blog.

My parents have spoken about the sinking but they didn't know that this picture existed. More to follow on the chequered career of this boat.

It ended its days as floating bar/nightclub in Bristol docks in the 1980s and was scrapped in 1994. I stumbled accross the Lochiel in 1986 and had a couple of drinks on board.

Imagine my amazement when I browsed through Banksy's recent grafitti artsit book Banksy Wall and Piece (www.banksy.co.uk) and got to some of his work in Bristol. You've got it - he hit the Lochiel. And with a brooding dark grim reaper rowing silently past the hull. I've just emailed Banksy to tell him that the boat almost came to a sticky end - to get a reply from the master of grafitti..... would be ......

More to follow on things Lochiel.