Twenty-eight members of the West Highland Steamer Club gathered in Oban this morning to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of the Club. Those gathered were looking forward to a celebratory lunch during a double return trip to Craignure on board ISLE OF MULL. Club President, Arthur McDonald chaired the event.

Although the skies were grey and overcast, the weather was kind to us as the rain stayed away and a slight breeze ensured a smooth crossing.

After lunch Arthur gave a brief history of the Club .The inaugural Club meeting took place at a house in East Kilbride on 4^th December 1967 before moving to rooms in the old Transport Museum.  Arthur spoke of his interest in the Western Isles fleet of MacBraynes and paid tribute to Jim Aikman-Smith, who died in 1996, and to Hamish Stewart, who died in 2006.

Arthur concluded his address with a Toast to the Club.

The Guest Speaker was Councillor Duncan McKintyre from Argyll and Bute Council. Councillor McKintyre has a particular interest in transport issues. He opened his address by taking us back to the days of The Caledonian Steam Packet Co and David MacBrayne Ltd.

Councillor McKintyre not only spoke about the achievements of Caledonian MacBrayne, but also about the challenges that lay ahead. He mentioned Road Equivalent Tariff, which has still to be evaluated, and the Mallaig – Lochboisdale ferry, which is on hold.

Councillor McKintyre finished by stating how important it was that Clubs such as the West Highland Steamer Club continued to flourish.

Iain Quinn gave the Vote of Thanks. Iain told us about the ships, which were in service with MacBraynes during 1967. A mixture of passenger ships, cargo ships from Glasgow, passenger/cargo ships and three recently introduced passenger ferries served the islands.

He went on to tell us about the cost of travelling to the islands in those days.

Iain reminded every-one about the reason why the Club was established. A number of shipping enthusiasts found more of interest among the Western Isles than on the Clyde, a belief which remains true to this day.

Iain paid tribute to three individuals out with the Committee, who work tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of the Club, namely Derek Crawford, Ian Colquhoun and Iain McPherson and asked those assembled to afford them a hearty round of applause.

Iain concluded his Vote of Thanks with a Toast to Caledonian MacBrayne.

Arthur McDonald closed the event by presenting a framed photograph of ISLE OF MULL, a ship which will soon be celebrating twenty years of service, to Caledonian MacBrayne.

We returned to Oban in time to pass CLANSMAN at close quarters powering out of the bay outward bound for Barra.

Thanks are due to Robin Love, who organised the event, Caledonian MacBrayne Regional Manager Ian Fox, Captain Kenny Elder, Chief Steward Neil McMillan and the Catering Staff who produced such an excellent lunch.

The 40^th Anniversary celebrations continue on Friday 23^rd November with an organised visit to the Clydeport Control Tower, Greenock.