This photo brings back so many sunny memories. As children, we looked over the side to see a huge pod of porpoises leaping out of the water right next to the boat. I don't know if the porpoises are still in the area, anyone see any?
Added by David Forbes on 09 October 2007.
David sadly the old Eilean Dubh was scrapped a couple of years ago in Invergordon. It was probably Bottle nosed dolphins you saw and yes there is still plenty of them around.
I fondly remember this ferry during summer hols in the Black Isle. I was fascinated as a child watching through the engine room hatch as I think, the twin Gardners responded to the chain driven telegraphs. Also later as a learner driver being manoeuvred on board in reverse to a spot by the wheelhouse, guided by that master marshaller--I didnt know his name but he filled every spare inch!. I remember the dolphins too--happy memories.
Hi Ian, im pretty sure it was Kelvins and not Gardners that was in her. They were replaced by Perkins when she was bought out of service by Macdonald Ferries.
It was my uncle, Capt Robert Michie, who was the Ferrymaster at the Kessock Ferry in the late 1950's. Many a happy holiday was spent staying in the Ferymasters house which was located just behind the position where this photograph was taken. Early each morning I went with my uncle along to Thornbush (I think) where the other boat, Inbhir Nis, was berthed and brought it to the crossing to start work for the day. Being the nephew of the Ferrymaster I was priviledged and had the run of the place. Back and forth all day, free of charge of course. Cpt Michie was quite a guy. On one occasion when there was a long queue waiting to board a large car skipped the queue and the driver demanded to be allowed to board first. This request was refused with the driver saying "Don't you know who I am" The reply being "Yes you can still go to the back of the queue. The driver was James Robertson Justice the film star. Oh happy days
I worked on the north and south peirs and also on the Inbhir nis, in 1962 John Jack, John Linkerlater, Hughie Patience and Alex Macloud were all skippers at this time. does anyone know if any of these people are still alive, added by Bryan Poole - poolebryan@aol.com - on the 14th November 2010
Ian, the chap who could pack the boat was Billy The Boat what a man! He knew how to place the vehicles to maximise space.
Peter, eight - three backed up against the passenger cabin, one in front of the wheelhouse(two if they were minis or if Billy the Boat was working) and four drive on drive off.
Billy was shown how to load the ferry boat by Alex macLeod the skipper at that time.
Added by Bill Paterson on 22 November 2011.
Going through an abandonned home I came across an old projector. Inside the old projector were a ton of original "slide" pictures taken by J. Arthur Dixon. this exact picture was in the many photos! Very neat!!
Added by David Forbes on 09 October 2007.