Recollections of Bill Johnstone

They also bought a 35 year old pilot vessel called the Cumbrae.

Me and others sailed it from Troon to Invergordon. The route was meant to be via the Crinan canal but after we got through the sea loch and the 1st lock the next loch gate would not close.

The Cumbrea had the wrong LOA in her registration for 35 years.!

We then holed up in Campbeltown for 3 days waiting on weather before going round the Kyle.

Interesting trip up to Oban and through Caledonian canal.

Great and boozy trip.

Invergordon

Troon

Campbeltown

Recollections of David Aris

This ex pilot cutter was intended by MOIRA to provide a ferry service to rigs, moored astern of the ship, hence under the Manitowoc crane, and also to Invergorden where MOIRA had rented an old stone building as a store.

The cutter was propelled by a very old design diesel engine which needed much time, forget how much, to warm up and become available. Hence it was useless and we used one of our lifeboats for this service instead.

Later, on instruction of the Official Receiver, I sold this boat to someone to convert to a private cruiser!

When the MOIRA organisation was set up, a shore based organisation was given the contract for the catering. B &C quoted for this but lost.

Odd that B & C could cost for any type of vessel, from Windsor Castle, first class, to a tanker or a Clan cargo with Indian crew.