This is how good business works – a company welcoming competition [and from a former employee], knowing that the more good quality businesses there are in any sector, the more the public become aware of the opportunities and services offered by that sector.
Here, we’re talking about small-boat cruising – the only way to get up very close and personal with Argyll’s – and the spectacular west coast of Scotland’s – simply fabulous coastlines, island archipelagos, scenery and seascapes.
Majestic Line’s service, with two beautifully converted former trawlers [pictured throughout this article], began in Cowal’s Holy Loch with the sister vessels. MV Glen Massan and MV Glen Tarsan. Whether they ever saw duty with nets we don’t know, but both vessels were built by the Irish Government to assist the fishing industry. They are built from iroko on oak and are 85ft in length. Their size allowed them to be converted to high quaility, spacious and comfortable accommodation for cruising in Scotland, while providing access to idyllic coastlines and inlets denied to larger ships.
Now, Iain Duncan, who has worked for The Majestic Line since it started up ten years ago, serving as Skipper for the last five years, has started his own small boat cruising company, Argyll Cruising, sailing out of the Holy Loch.
And The Majestic Line is delighted. A month ago, in October 2014 The Majestic Line was the Central South West Regional Winner in the Scottish Thistle Awards in the ‘Best Holiday Accommodation’ category and Marie McGhee, the company’s Sales Manager, picked up the “Discovering Scotland” award.
The company is of course very sorry to lose one of its most popular Skippers but is also pleased to see small boat cruising develop into a stronger sector in Argyll and the Hebrides; and seeing Iain following his dream of running his own cruising company.
Andy Thoms, Majestic Line founder-owner says: ‘We started out ten years ago because we recognised that small boat cruising is the perfect way to explore the west coast of Scotland. We pioneered a new market, creating a unique small ship cruise ship experience which has proved popular with guests from across the world’.
‘Iain, who was born in Stonefield Castle on Loch Fyne, has spent much of his adult life sailing and working the waters and environment of the Clyde and Argyll coast and we are delighted he will be offering cruises to the Isles of the Clyde, Arran, the Kyles of Bute and out to Ailsa Craig.
‘We are very grateful to Iain for his excellent service as Skipper on our vessels and the hospitality he provided to our guests. We wish him well in his new venture.’
Iain says: ‘The Majestic Line gave me a great opportunity, encouraging me to take on the position of Engineer on their vessels and then supporting me to getting my Skippers qualification. It is typical of the warmth of the company that they are happy that this has now led to an opportunity for me to develop my own cruising company.’
Iain is supported by his son Jamie who has recently completed a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. Together they will offer 3-night and 6-night cruises out of Holy Loch on their traditional vessel Splendour, carrying 7 guests.
The departure of Iain leaves an opening for another Skipper to take on one of the most unique jobs on the West Coast of Scotland. Applications, please, to The Majestic Line, but please note that Iain will be a hard act to follow – and it is something of a dream job to sail these waters and explore this unendingly beautiful and intriguing place – for work.
While The Majestic Line is finding someone to replace Iain, the man himself will be getting set up for his inaugural cruising season in 2015.
All of the Argyll Cruising cruises will depart from and return to the Holy Loch Marina. They will be exploring the mysteriously beautiful Kyles of Bute, with options to visit Loch Fyne, Loch Riddon and remote Loch Striven. The Cumbrae Isles, the Island of Bute and the Island of Arran are all within easy reach and best seen from the sea.
There is so much little-known history to connect with in these cruises, seeing another and different world beyond the one you see today.
For instance, the long and secretive Loch Striven saw wartime experiments in developing the X-Craft that succeeded in delivering a terminal blow to the Bismarck’s sister, the Tirpitz, under camouflage netting in a Norwegian fjord; and it was the site for the development of the Highball, Barnes Wallis’s forerunner to the bouncing bombs dropped on the German dams.
Cruise stopovers and anchorages are selected for their beauty, tranquillity, natural environment, wildlife – and the opportunity to go ashore for a walk or visit a remote historical monument. Many of the stopovers can only be easily accessed from the sea by our smaller vessel. Splendour can carry, by arrangement, kayaks and bicycles on her foredeck.
Both Argyll Cruising and her model, Majestic Line, major on the quality of the food they serve.
Both, in addition to their normal cruises, will do bespoke cruises for private charters. Argyll Cruising with Splendour, can accommodate up to seven people; and The Majestic Line can accommodate up to 11 in Glen Tarsan or Glen Massan [Sir Alex Ferguson has got there before you]; with both boats available to cruise in company with larger private groups.
Some of this is is achievable dreaming.
Note: Since Argyll Cruising has not yet done its first season in Splendour, we are using photographs here [with permission] from The Majestic Line’s cruises to illustrate the serious and special pleasure of high end small boat cruising.