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| October 2004 news The President, Duncan Wilson, opened the meeting, at 19.30, by welcoming the members to a new season of winter meetings of the West Highland Steamer Club. The meeting opened with an EGM to confirm the appointment of Mr. N. John D. Whittle as Honorary President, a position that has remained vacant for some time. Mr. Whittle was proposed by Ian McCrorie and seconded by Lawrence McDuff. Duncan thanked both gentlemen and declared Mr. Whittle to be Honorary President. Duncan introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr. Bill Davidson, Chief Executive of Northlink Ferries. Mr Davidson started by giving a description of the three passenger ships in his fleet, HJALTLAND, HROSSEY and HAMNAVOE. By using a PowerPoint presentation he showed an excellent selection of both exterior and interior photos of the ships. He went on to give an account of freight operations. Northlink employ their own freight ship, the Hascosay and charter other tonnage as and when required. Mr Davidson continued his presentation by showing slides of the ships under construction in Finland. They were built in dry docks and in the open air. He expressed his admiration for the shipyard and feared for the future of British shipyards. The Finnish yard is the only one he has come across which uses masking tape to make sure the paint lines were absolutely spot on. A detailed account of the shipping operations followed. The running of the ships is contracted out to a number of concerns, among them Caledonian MacBrayne, who manage the ships. Mr. Davidson was keen to point out that, although CalMac were shareholders in the Company, Northlink management still kept a close eye on the performance of their contractors. A lively questions and answers session finished the presentation. Topics raised included Pentland Ferries, access to Aberdeen Harbour, problems with paintwork and freight operations. Lawrence McDuff gave the vote of thanks. The meeting continued with Club and shipping news. Ian McCrorie gave details of recent shipping movements around the Highlands and Islands. Hamish Stewart gave notice that all orders for photos would be sent out the following week. Club Calendars were on sale from Treasurer Robin Love, price £4.50. Robin was also collecting subscriptions for the following year, which remain at £12.00. Duncan closed the evening by giving details of next months meeting, which is the Presidents Address and takes place on Friday 26th November. The meeting closed at 21.30. Duncan Wilson 30th October 2004.
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Contact WHSC: info@westhighlandsteamerclub.co.uk