MALLAIG BOATYARD SLIPWAYS LIE EMPTY AS NEW OWNERS HARLAND & WOLFF ENTER ADMINISTRATION

Mallaig has been in the national news again, this time over the purchase of the Mallaig boatyard by troubled shipping firm Harland & Wolff.
The boatyard, formerly owned by local businessman Finlay Finlayson, was sold to Harland & Wolff last summer for approximately £600,000 and Mallaig Boatyard Ltd, who operated from the site, were told by text that the site had been sold. Donald Sharman, owner of Mallaig Boatyard Ltd, said 'I got a text message on 9th September last year to tell me that the boatyard had been sold to Harland & Wolff and I got a letter the next day saying we had to be locked up by 4th December or around that date. It was a big shock because we were in the process of negotiating a new lease.'
Donald has since moved his business to Corpach but the boatyard in Mallaig has been empty ever since and as Donald himself said, the Mallaig community has been left 'with a vacant hole in the centre of the village.'
He continued, 'It was a tourist hotspot, we were supporting visitors to the Marina. Staff at the yard would put back into other businesses - we all supported each other. My business in Mallaig was sound, it was steady and we were providing a reliable service to local charter and fishing vessels.
'Mallaig is the gateway to the Western Isles, it is a lifeline to local island communities. If vessels can't run because they're broken down, those communities suffer - other businesses suffer. Harland & Wolff have destroyed a local business and the businesses that we were supporting.'
Once the most prolific builder of ocean liners in the world, Belfast-based Harland & Wolff have been in financial difficulty for some time, with their accounts for 2023 showing a loss of £43m. They went into administration in late September this year. Meanwhile Mallaig's previously thriving boatyard now lies silent, and its future remains unclear.

The boatyard's eastern slipway pictured in August 2023 - Photo by MALLAIG BOATYARD LTD

MACKINTOSH CENTRE RE-OPENING - UPDATE

There is progress being made towards reopening the Mackintosh Centre but it will not be opening this month as previously hoped.
At a meeting on 8th October between NHS representatives, Mallaig Community Council and Friends of the Mackintosh Centre, the NHS explained that although recruitment is progressing positively for re-opening the care home, there are still some staff vacancies remaining. An NHS spokesperson said, 'While we continue to recruit to these vacancies, we are progressing with Estates safety checks and reviewing staff training. We are hopeful that the first residents will be welcomed into the Mackintosh Centre from the second week in November.
'Due to the ongoing vacancies, we will be initially capping admissions to no more than four residents until we know we can safely staff the remaining beds.'

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

It's been lovely to get such a settled spell of weather after the cold, wet summer.
Next month will be West Word's 30th anniversary! Our first issue came out in November 1994. What would you like to see in the anniversary edition?
I'd love to hear from folk in the area who were born in 1994, or finished school in 1994: what are you doing now, or what memories do you have from the West Word area in the mid 90s?
If you have ideas of other things you'd like to see included in next month's issue, please let me know!
Thanks to Simon for helping out with the printing last month. The printer behaved very well while he was learning the ropes, I'm glad to say!
Kirsty Bloom
editor@westword.org.uk

KNOYDART COMMUNITY @ 25 Knoydart's residents got together in the Hall for a community photo during celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the community buyout in September 2024

KNOYDART

Well it seems the summer was better late than never with a glorious streak of sunshine in September which was so, so badly needed.
The weekend of the 14th September saw us celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Community buyout and what a lovely weekend it was. It began with a lovely Table night, for old time's sake, with the Table shelter being decked out with a collage of photos, old and new, of Knoydart folks through the years which was fantastic to peruse. Saturday dawned, and began with a community jog and a plunge into the sea off the slip at the tearoom for those brave enough! Then it was tea, coffee and cake at the hall followed by some very moving speeches from Davie and Iain Wilson, and an afternoon of activities at the hall, that included tile making, wood carving for the special K25 bench which is situated up the hill if you were to head out to Airor, as well as a time capsule, which included Polaroid photos taken that day and notes written there and then. It was buried a few days later in the grass outside the hall and will be dug up in 2049!
There was also some lovely food, including Knoydart wild venison with a Korean street food twist to it, Dave's amazing pasties and an abundance of cakes and home baking.
There had been plans for a big community photo taken outside but due to the unbelievably heavy rain that afternoon we had to squash onto the stage in the hall instead! In the evening there was a ceilidh with our very talented local musicians, followed by several different DJ sets, including the youngest ever DJ Blue Bracken (Rannoch Nunn - age 6!)
In other news, Janey's first film night went down a treat and there are two more up and coming this month. Craig and Audrey Dunn have left, which brings the school numbers down by two; however we have gained Caitlin and Connor who were here a couple of summers ago, and have moved back with their one year old, which is just lovely.
Hope everyone has a nice October,
Heather Robb

ISLE OF CANNA

Ah, September! One of my favourite months of the year . . . especially when it gives us those sunny, barely crisp days with a slight bite in the wind. The rain of previous months has given way to a stillness that only September can provide. As the earth rotates on its axis, the days are slightly shorter but the skies have been a heady mix of peach, pale blue and soft yellow as the sun sets over the West End.
The season is coming to a close, the island feels less busy with visitors but the residents are all still busy with keeping the island going. We don't really stop and there is always something else to do or to be done.
The first lorry load of sheep left the island this month soon to be followed by the cattle. The young calves have outshone themselves in their ability to be destructive with a fence coming down and them still not understanding that they can go through the gap that they themselves have created. They choose instead to flex their jumping muscles, leaping over the fence instead of sauntering 10ft to the left. We've had the now familiar 72hrs of cow bellowing echoing across the island, keeping everyone well aware that separation by a wall is tantamount to high treason.
Gerry had a record sale at the market for her sheep. Not surprising with the exceptional care the animals receive and the lush fields and landscape they have to roam in. Excellent work as always from Gerry and the farm team.

Canna photos - Margaret Willington

We had the Cosmos Planetarium come for a couple of days. Steve and James delighted both residents and visitors with talks and tales of the cosmos. The planetarium was erected inside the Shearing Shed and they put on nightly shows that took us deep into the Milky Way, taught us about planets, our solar system and we are all now going around feeling a bit dizzy and singing songs about black holes and a love story between the earth and moon.

Steve and James took us outside to look at the sun through a solar telescope and up to the fank for an evening of stargazing. We saw Jupiter, Saturn, globular clusters and nebulae through telescopes, did some light painting and stood in awe and wonder at the Milky Way arching across the Canna Dark Skies. We really are very lucky to have such Dark Skies above our island. Please keep an eye out for more Dark Skies events happening in Canna as part of our Dark Skies Sanctuary Status application. Thank you to Steve and James for coming to Canna and sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with us.

Simpsons have now started demobilising the compound as they finish up the building part of the Canna House Project. The conservators have returned most of the house contents back into the house and are now busy with the final touches ahead of the interpretation and AV install team arriving next month. Canna House will be opening again in 2025.
We've made some small but mighty changes to the community shop. New shelving has replaced the old, giving us much more room to display items for sale and more space to store goods in our shop shed.
Roll on the Autumn - we're ready for you!
Margaret Willington

ISLE OF RUM

September came good and the sun came out for a couple of stunning weekends, making up for August's onslaught of rain. Still hardly any midges compared to the usual, and wasps have been mostly absent until now when they have all appeared, just to get angry looking for a warm place to go.
Rum Enterprise have successfully recruited a new visitor management team for the bunkhouse and associated businesses. They will be taking forward the management and promotion of our new Dark Sky Sanctuary status and moving ahead with the delayed phase one of the Harris Lodge restoration and refurbishment. There may well be opportunities for volunteering on this project or other things this winter - check out the website or the bunkhouse workaway profile for more details soon. Cosmos Planterarium was over doing an astronomy event for the care for carers team and also the school kids who enjoyed the mobile planterarium set up in the village hall.
Sean's usual long list of birds seen this month is short because he's been full on at Kilmory for the Red Deer rut, but he did see some Yellow Browed Warblers and a Turtle Dove.
NatureScot are doing a guided rut walk next Saturday 12th if you want to come and see the deer in action. The shop has autumn decorations up, I feel they're going big on Hallowe'en this year; Pumpkin spiced lattes are already on the coffee menu.
Looking forward to an autumn themed community meal, Hallowe'en and bonfire night.
Rum primary is writing next month's article so tune in to find out what they're up to.
Fliss Fraser

ISLE OF EIGG

September has blessed us with some gorgeous weather, huge tides, quieter days and the beginning of crisp mornings. We said goodbye to the SWT volunteers who have been doing some amazing work at the tree nursery, bracken bashing in the woodland creation area, and beach cleans, as well as putting up bird boxes for Kestrels and Owls. We have had some great community orchard days, picking and storing apples, and Eigg Primary had a great trip to the Orchard. Thanks to Galmisdale Bay Cafe & Bar for some amazing Pizza Fridays, and to Dougal for getting the Pizza oven going last Monday too! A shorter one than usual from me this month, as I've been away for most of September, but please enjoy this selection of belated Small Isles Games pictures as a substitute.
Eilidh MacGilp

ISLE OF MUCK

Hello, Muck Calling . . . and I have had to pinch myself as it looks like summer has arrived!!! IKR, it's absolutely bonkers weather, stalkers have been leaving for Rum in all their tweeds and returning like they're wearing Dad's clothes as they've lost that much weight in the heat! But a truly unexpected treat for our late season holidaymakers who even managed to take full advantage of the beaches, but beware as the Jellyfish are plentiful as one unfortunate swimmer encountered . . . sore for him and much 'Friends' references from us (you need to be of an age I presume). We assured him it wasn't a Man o' War or a Lion's Mane but more likely a Moon.
But on the positive front the Loch Nevis is away for its annual servicing so will be back in service any day now . . . oh wait it's been delayed a few days!! . . . What do you mean weeks? I guess Dingbro are waiting on a part, as they say though "one ferry over the weekend is more than enough . . . might be Friday but more likely 4pm on a Sunday".
Our power scheme upgrade is now almost complete with new battery bank and another set of solar panels installed; we just need a Uni degree now to decipher the bumpf on how to keep it tickety boo and the lights on.
So lambing has come and gone, shearing, lamb run for market, calves away and all the silage and baling done so you would think the farm would have time for a well earned break but a farmer's work is a cycle that goes round so quick, as well as doing other wee odd jobs for us all (which must seem a never ending list), which reminds me - Colin, I have this leak . . .
Well that's us for this month and as I get chased once more for being late I will say goodbye folks and I will be on the hunt for a new voice to take over the Muck Calling column.
Bruce Boyd

Mallaig Lifeboat Log

3rd September 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 12:08 to the assistance of a motor yacht experiencing fuel problems SE of the Isle of Eigg. On-scene at 12:50, the yacht was towed the short distance into the lee of Castle Island, just off Eigg.
The casualty was brought alongside the Lifeboat to try and diagnose what was causing the fuel issue. The Skipper was of the notion that although the fuel gauge was reading that the tank was half full, it was actually empty. Working on that theory, the Lifeboat crew transferred about 30 litres of fuel to the yacht. To everyone's relief the engine restarted and seemed to be running normally.
The Skipper decided that they would head to Arisaig and acquire some more fuel before proceeding on their passage south to Tobermory. The Lifeboat shadowed for a short while as a precaution before proceeding back to Mallaig and berthing at the pontoon at 14:25. Lifeboat ready for service at 14:35.

3rd September 2024
A 78 year old female reported to Stornoway Coastguard that she was stranded on an island off the Back of Keppoch, Arisaig. Launched at 17:22, the Lifeboat made best speed to the area. On-scene at 17:45 the Y-Boat was launched with two crew onboard to locate the female.
The casualty was located safe and well above the channel she had walked across earlier in the day, now covered by the incoming tide. She assured the Y-Boat crew that she had been monitoring the tide with a tidal app and was surprised to find the tide in when she arrived back at the crossing point. It later transpired when the crew checked her app that she had been monitoring the tide for Arisaig, Nova Scotia and not Arisaig, Scotland - a simple mistake!
The Y-Boat collected the casualty from the island and as she was lodging in Mallaig brought her back to the Lifeboat. Y-Boat recovered and Lifeboat departed the scene at 18:51 for Mallaig. Alongside at the pontoon 18:55, the casualty made her own way to her lodgings in Mallaig. Lifeboat ready for service at 19:01.

14th September 2024
At 13:35 the Lifeboat was requested to launch to assist yacht Sleepy Warrior which had reported engine difficulties south of Arisaig around 12NM from the station. The weather at time of launch was SSW F6-8, with poor visibility and rough seas expected; conditions were forecast to decrease as the afternoon went on. On leaving the berth the lifeboat proceeded at best speed towards the casualty. Initially navigating a course closer inshore, where the land provided a lee from the worst of the weather conditions, until a course change towards the casualty vessel's reported position necessitated a move further offshore. The casualty was picked up on radar at approximately three miles out, where it was noted that the position was further east than reported. The lifeboat's course was changed to intercept the yacht and the casualty was then sighted visually at a range of three-quarters of a mile. Once on scene at 14:30 communication was established with Sleepy Warrior where it was ascertained it did not have engine trouble, but the genoa sail had become jammed so could not be furled and was flapping in the wind with all lines parted. Sleepy Warrior was slowly making way to calmer waters at just over two knots under her own engine power. Wind on scene was blowing steady F8 SSW with rough sea conditions, so after discussion with the skipper it was agreed that as the vessel was managing to make way towards the anchorage in Kentra Bay, the lifeboat would stand by rather than attempting to establish in the current conditions. As both vessels approached closer to land and calmer waters, after further discussion the Sleepy Warrior carried on under her own power to the anchorage where it was able to anchor safely. After ensuring that all on board were well, and that the crew would be able to fix their sail before continuing on their way when weather conditions improved, the lifeboat departed the scene at 15:35. The lifeboat was refuelled and ready again for service at 16:45.

16th September 2024
As part of an ongoing search for a missing person, the Lifeboat was requested by Stornoway Coastguard to transfer the local Coastguard team to the head of Loch Nevis at 13:52.
On-scene at 15:56 the four CG team were landed at the beach adjacent to Sourlies Bothy. The Coastguard team spoke with other walkers who were either staying in the Bothy or camped outside to enquire if they had seen any trace of the missing individual. One group who had just arrived using the same route reported that they had not met or seen anybody else on their walk in.
Meanwhile the Y-Boat crew searched the river estuary at Sourlies and along the foreshore towards Camusrory estate settlement.
After the Coastguard team had extended their search into the Glen by a further two kilometres and nothing found, they requested to return to the Lifeboat. Departed scene at 18:10 for Mallaig.
As the search area is a notorious blackspot for VHF coverage, once the Lifeboat exited the loch the Coastguard were informed of what had been undertaken by both crews. With nothing found the Lifeboat was requested to continue for Mallaig and stand down. Police Scotland to continue with further enquiries in the search for the missing person. Lifeboat moored and ready for service at 18:42.
The missing person in question was found safe and well on 17th September - Ed.

News from Mallaig Harbour

After a fairly miserable summer weather wise, September was a much better month, with some glorious days. Unfortunately, the good weather was absent on the day that we had Le Dumount D'Urville due to anchor off the Harbour and put her passengers ashore. The vessel takes a maximum of 184 passengers in 92 staterooms and suites, and has a crew of 118. She was built in 2019, and is designed to be environmentally friendly as far as possible, including low energy lighting throughout the vessel and low fuel consumption enabled by the Hydrodynamic design and diesel engines assisted by electric turbines. We'd had a call at short notice to accommodate them, with various local organisations, including the MAaD Pipe Band and the RNLI on standby to entertain the passengers. In the end, none of the passengers came ashore, and the vessel only stayed briefly before heading off again for the more sheltered waters of Fort William!

I feel like every month I have another ferry disruption to report, and this month is no different. The Lochnevis was due back in Mallaig on 22nd September, but issues with one of her engine blocks have meant that she is now not due back until 9th October. The Lord of the Isles has also been redeployed to the Islay route, from 26th September until 9th October, so at the moment, the Coruisk is operating the Mallaig/Armadale route, the Mallaig/Lochboisdale route is cancelled, and the Loch Bhrusda, supported by the Sheerwater and Larven, is servicing the Small Isles. We have submitted the business case for the Overnight Ferry Berth to Transport Scotland, and hope to hear shortly if we have been successful, so that works can start when the Winter timetable is operating.

I've been fortunate enough to have two trips away this month on Harbour business. I was a guest of CMAL at the Scottish Maritime Cluster's reception on the Royal Yacht Britannia on Wednesday 18th September, where we heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop. It was good to hear the Scottish Government's commitment to the Maritime Sector, and to have the chance to network with others working in the sector, including some who I had only 'spoken' to via email previously. The week after, on 24th and 25th September, and with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, I was in Rotterdam for the Smart Connected Ports Conference. This was a really interesting two days, looking at how technology is changing the way ports operate. While some of the discussion was aimed at ports much bigger than us, there were several ideas that could be replicated in Mallaig. Some of the discussion was about using technology to allow for better planning, whether that is through the monitoring of infrastructure and the seabed with sensors and remote cameras to allow you to plan maintenance effectively, or using radar and artificial intelligence to virtually support berthing manoeuvres. There was also lots of discussion about de-carbonising port operations, and maximising the use of renewables. It was certainly an eye opener for me, not least when the Port of Algeciras spoke about their ferry operations. In the three months between June and September, they have four ferry companies operating 90 daily rotations. These ferries carry 2.9 million passengers, 650k cars, and 76,000 trucks through that three month period. In the summer months we have about 12 rotations a day, and in a whole year, we have 316,000 passengers and 79,000 vehicles using the ferries through Mallaig!

The 1st October saw the retiral of Micheal Ian as Coxswain of Mallaig RNLI Lifeboat, following Tony Skea's retiral as Mechanic earlier in the year. Both positions have been advertised, but until recruitment is complete, there will be various people covering to keep the boat on service. We've been lucky to enjoy a good working relationship with both Micheal Ian and Tony over the years, and we wish them both well for the future!

I mentioned last month that we would need to re-recruit for a Deputy Harbour Master, and the advert is in this month's West Word. We've decided to put more emphasis on the need for a good understanding of the operations of the Harbour, rather than on qualifications held, and we would really welcome local applicants. Both Pimmy and I are more than happy to have a chat with anyone who might be interested in applying, and if you think you might have the right skills, but are unsure what the job might entail, then please do get in touch. You can phone the office on 01687 462154, or email jacqueline@mallaigharbourauthority.com.

Lastly, I want to mention The Screen Machine's Fundraiser. It was launched on 3rd September, and has a target of £100,000 towards replacing the Screen Machine, and keeping our mobile cinema operational. You can read more, and donate if you have a few spare pennies, at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-our-screen-machine. We are always delighted to host The Screen Machine on the Harbour, and have made a wee donation to help them towards their target!
Jacqueline McDonell 01687 462154

On and Off the Rails

How can I not start my column without mentioning the Johnny Nash song 'There are more questions than answers', which is ear-worming away in my brain this past month? Like the elephant in the room, you know it's not in the room, but it won't go away!
'Decisions' in the making on so many rail related issues are still not yet known and 'answers' to those, when made, may not be what we want to hear; but I hope what I have gleaned so far makes for interesting reading.

ScotRail
Locally, every day, I have been asked 'When is the 10.10 Sunday train out of Mallaig restarting now that the long running pay dispute has been resolved?' - or - 'Are we not getting it back?' The removal of this train from service (due to the temporary timetable issued to provide stability!) has hit us hard. At long last, ScotRail announced on the 1st October that services would return to normal on 7th October - which means the first 10.10 Sunday train will run on Sunday 13th October. The temporary timetable came about because of industrial action and to restart the full timetable, ScotRail needed to ballot members to find out how many staff were willing to work Sunday (rest day - lieu day - or holiday) overtime. This is a practise which has been in place since the 1960s and going forward forms part of the deal.
Every Sunday people resorted to hitchhiking on the main road in droves to try and get to Fort William where the service has been running from, to get onward travel. As there is no Sunday bustituition anyway it has been stressful. Do you see what I mean? I think it is called democracy. To be fair the ballot only closed on 25th September . . .
It has proved that every train in and out of Mallaig is vital to us and our guests.
Meanwhile, to lighten the mood, Glasgow Central railway station has increased retail sales, putting it ahead of Edinburgh Waverley, which is Network Rail's only other Scottish location. In particular sock retailer 'Soctopus' who Network Rail say 'diversify the retail experience for passengers' at Central has helped! Mind how you go!
Elsewhere on ScotRail services the 'Off Peak all day fares trial' came to an end on 27th September. This did not apply to Mallaig. We run on an off peak ticketing service all year round, but check with the booking office at Mallaig and Fort William for the best ticketing deal. I know that 'split ticketing' if travelling long distances can be valuable, plus other deals.
Trade unions and environmental groups have launched a petition demanding the permanent abolition of peak fare pricing. The petition is led by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and includes a number of unions and environmental organisations. They argue that return of peak fares contradicts Scotland's ambitions for sustainable travel and investment in public services.
STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham said: 'Reintroducing peak fares is a slap in the face for working people across Scotland who depend on affordable public transport to get to work. This decision blatantly contradicts the government's own commitments to reducing carbon emissions and creating a fairer society.'
Imogen Dow, Friends of the Earth Scotland's head of campaigns said: 'Transport is Scotland's biggest source of climate pollution so if ministers are serious about getting our climate commitments back on track that means changing the ways we travel. We urgently need to move as many journeys as possible from cars to sustainable transport. Making sure our public transport is affordable, accessible and reliable is essential to addressing climate change as well as tackling toxic air pollution from traffic.'

West Coast Railway Company
With really good weather to make up for the poor summer (was it even worth calling a summer?) the afternoon Jacobite service departed Mallaig for the final time this year on Friday 27th September. A long, low whistle and plenty of white steam into the azure blue sky. It (from my own point of view) has felt like a very unsettled season. There have been many changes of staff, coaching stock, caterers, and many articles written about the service in the railway magazines. The one constant has been - in the main - the two Black 5 locomotives supplied by Ian Riley - but even then there have been diesel supplements (which legally can happen) including in the last week of operation. The crews have to be applauded for their dedication. It has been a time of uncertainty and change and as we said our goodbyes for this year it felt that, as one in Mallaig, we need to look forward to happier times, both for us and for West Coast to be able to be proud of what the future holds. As one Mallaig sage said, 'Things arn't what they was'! 'We need to be proud of showing ourselves off to every train that comes to Mallaig', he said, 'not just holding our breath whilst we await the next twist and turn.' I had to agree with him. Too many visitors are disappointed and it rubs off as our shops and outlets have to placate them. We really hope that we can go into 2025 feeling positive that WCRC can make us feel proud of them for what they deliver to Mallaig. It should be a pleasure to add our value to make travellers happy - not have to placate them.
Just now, the morning service continues to deliver guests, seven days a week, until Friday 25th October. I really hope that WCRC can understand how Mallaig really wants to be going into 2025 with them as a flagship company. Let's hope we are all 'singing from the same hymn sheet'. Phew - I feel quite emotional.
To conclude this part of my column here are some of the pertinent facts.
WCRC operate out of Carnforth as a limited company in England (trading as The Jacobite). In order to operate on the main line in Scotland, including our branch line, they are required to have a Track Access Contract (TAC) to trade. On Friday 13th September Riviera Trains announced that it had entered into a rolling stock sale agreement with WCRC. The sale covers approximately 60 coaches, including both of the operational and CDL-fitted 'blue and grey' liveried Mark 2 fleets that are extensively used by a wide number of rail tour promoters. (I know of two - 'Pathfinder Tours' and 'The Railway Touring Company' - both of whom use locomotive power (steam/diesel) from WCRC already to haul these sets.) It is expected that the fleet in its entirety will move from its current base at Burton on Trent to the WCRC facility at Carnforth in due course, with future operations being handled out of the WCRC depots at Carnforth and Southall. Riviera Trains' owner, Barry Cordell, and his operation manager Charles Paget, said they are pleased to secure the future of the vehicles, having played a pivotal role in the provision of locomotive hauled coaching stock for ad hoc operations and special trains for many years. This sale marks a momentous occasion for Barry, who with over 30 years involvement in the charter train business, has taken the decision to step back from mainline operations.
Charles Paget has been an integral part of Riviera Trains for the past three decades and will join WCRC as its business manager. He will play a key role in ensuring continuity, managing relationships with the valued customers of Riviera Trains, and overseeing the ongoing operations of the acquired assets.
Barry's partial retirement will allow him to focus further on his Pathfinder railtours business, which is unaffected by the sale and will continue to operate as usual. Pathfinder will continue to use the former Riviera Trains rolling stock, under WCRC ownership, in its tour and excursion programme. WCRC already has the largest fleet of locomotive-hauled coaches in the UK, comprising about 200 vehicles.
James Shuttleworth, West Coast's commercial manager, said: 'The ambience and the atmosphere of the train are better served by the use of Mark 1s, there's no doubt. And there's no physical reason why we can't still use them other than the locking regulations. But this deal with Riviera at least guarantees the availability of rolling stock and gives us more trains to run.' He also said, 'West Coast will continue to lobby the ORR for an extension to an exemption from the central-locking rule that had been in place for the previous two decades. We either press for an exemption for the Mark 1s, fit central door locking or simply not use them again, which would be a pity.'
The ORR said (on 19th September), 'Mark 1 coaches aren't safe because passengers can open doors while the train is moving.' In conclusion I think as I said in my opening piece, 'there are (still) more questions than answers!' Big sighs all round, methinks.

West Highland Pullman future dates - plus
On Saturday 21st September, having travelled from Watford into Fort William the previous day, arriving at 6pm, came the five carriage West Highland Pullman - luxury trains to the Scottish Highlands - operated by Locomotive Services Limited (LSL). It was the best weekend of the summer! So warm, blue sky etc. The leading loco now with a new name plate Loch Morar (see photo) replacing The Midland Pullman. The attentive and uniformed door stewards wait for the central door locking to click off; the tinted windows allow guests to look out from their Pullman seats, but they cannot be seen by the photographers filming and taking pictures and following by road.
Even though they only had an hour's slot (due to pathing) it was good to see them returning with armfuls of goodies from Kenny's bookshop, the RNLI shop, Toys & Gifts and the Art Gallery. Blister plasters from the pharmacy needed for new shoes!, Scottish shortbread in tins for presents along with Tunnocks Tea Cakes and chocolate ginger biscuits - It was hilarious what they managed to fit in, along with visiting the Heritage Centre, and stopping to listen to the pipes being played. Mallaig, you did the guests proud. Then in the blink of an eye they were gone - vowing to return! The guests were returning to Fort William to witness the Shinty Cup Final in the afternoon. They won't forget us - nor should they.
Future visits into Mallaig with this train are:
Saturday 12th October from St Albans/Chesterfield; Saturday 19th October from Stoke on Trent/York; Saturday 26th October from Exeter/Cheltenham Spa; Saturday 2nd November from Potters Bar/Doncaster. The itinerary for the early part of 2025 is being planned. The whole concept is travelling in style with attentive staff to take care of the guests - and it works. All of the dates listed are into Mallaig at 10.47 and departing at 11.34.
Ahead of these dates the train visits Fort William this coming Friday, 4th October, arriving into Fort William at 13.58 and departing at 15.36. A one-day experience from Lancaster: it is shown as leaving Lancaster at 05.05 and arriving back at 23.53. What a splendid journey to experience.

Model Rail Scotland 2025
Calling all model railway enthusiasts. Supported, amongst others, by Hornby and Peko, Model Rail Scotland is due to be held in Hall 3 at the S.E.C. Glasgow during the weekend of 24-26 February. With over 40 working layouts, upwards of 35 trader and 20 society stands, this is an exhibition not to be missed.
Entry tickets are available for each day at £15 Adult, £5 Children (5-16 years), £35 Families (2+2). To save queuing book pre-printed tickets at www.modelrail-scotland.co.uk, or cash/card at the ticket stands.
Advance ticket holders can enter 30 minutes prior to general admission time, at 10.00am rather than 10.30am.

Stop press - more dates!
West Coast Railways' website are now advertising a special evening service on Monday 14th October, from Fort William to Mallaig return, hauled by a vintage diesel engine. Departing from Fort William at 17.43, the standard return fare is £65.
Also the Midland Pullman have just advertised their Winter West Highland Pullman services on their website, and the train will be visiting Mallaig on the following Saturdays: 25th January (from St Albans), 22nd February (from Watford) and 22nd March (from Swansea).
I mentioned in last month's West Word about the branded mugs. What I didn't expect was to get phone calls asking me to purchase and post the mugs out to colleagues who want them!! I already send out packages each month to them. Still, it keeps me busy! Tee hee!
See you on the train,
Sonia Cameron

Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District (MAaD) Pipe Band hold Tune Composing Contest

Generous prizes have recently been awarded to the winners of the Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District (MAaD) Pipe Band Tune Composing contest. The tune composition competition, in honour of the passing of a very kind benefactor, Dr. Gordon Barr of Roshven, Lochailort, has produced a number of great new tunes. The MAaD Pipe Band intends to use some of them in their medleys and sets.
The contest rules were really quite simple: the tune submissions had to be entitled 'Dr. Gordon Barr - Roshven.' Further, any time signature or tune type was accepted. Submissions were judged anonymously by the accomplished traditional piper, Angus Nicolson, Fort William, formerly of Sleat, Skye.
Three prizes were awarded. First prize, with his 6/8 march was Dougie Beck of Mallaig. Along with the prestige of winning, Dougie was given £150, a choice of pipe music books and a McCallum-Long Practice chanter. Second prize went to Graham Buchanan of Kentra, near Acharacle. He received £100, and a choice of pipe music books. Third prize went to Angus Iain Hunter of Glenfinnan - £50, and a pipe music book. These generous prizes were donated by McCallum Bagpipes Ltd, The National Piping Centre, Finlay MacDonald, Sabhal Mor Ostaig College on Skye and of course the family of the late Gordon Barr.
The awards were presented at a gathering in the Lochailort Inn on 5th October 2024. Gordon's family members were in attendance, as were several members of the MAaD Pipe Band who let the music flow throughout the afternoon. A framed copy of the winning tune was presented to Gordon's family who assured everyone that it will be given pride of place at Blair's Cottage, Roshven.
Allan J. MacKenzie

Birdwatch September 2024 by Stephen MacDonald

Weather-wise September had several spells of calm, clear weather with warm sunshine during the day. The wind was mostly from an easterly direction, occasionally from the north or northwest.
Pink-footed Geese were reported virtually throughout the month, on passage from Iceland to their wintering grounds further south and east. There were numerous reports of large numbers around the 10th, 11th, and 12th, coinciding with strong northwest winds, then again during the last week large numbers were reported. Nearly all reports are of birds flying overhead, but three Pink-feet were seen resting in a field at Traigh on the 4th.
The first reports of Whooper Swans were during the last week, when 16 were seen heading down the Sound of Sleat on the 24th, and on the 26th, when four were seen resting at the mouth of Loch Ailort near Roshven.
Still a few Waders on passage. There were reports of small flocks of Sanderling, Dunlin and Ringed Plover from the shoreline by Traigh and Back of Keppoch. The Morar estuary had four Greenshank, ten Redshank and two Bar-tailed Godwits on the 22nd. Turnstones were seen regularly at West Bay, Mallaig and Traigh.
Curlews were widely reported and there were a couple of Black-tailed Godwits at Traigh golf course during the first week. Still a few Arctic and Great Skuas reported in the Sound of Sleat, along with Kittiwakes and Gannets. On the 21st an adult Sabine's Gull was seen from the MV Sheerwater near Sleat Point.
An excess of 150 grounded Manx Shearwaters were recovered, mostly during the first two weeks of the month from around the area, with a larger proportion than usual found in Arisaig this year. The mostly fine clear conditions and offshore winds were favourable for the chicks fledging at night and prevented many more being grounded.
A Kingfisher was seen on Loch nan Eala, Arisaig on the 8th.
A Cormorant ringed as a chick on the 25th June 2024 on the Traigh Islands was shot by hunters on the Faroe Islands on 1st October, 567km north of here. Seemingly this is the first recovery of a British ringed Cormorant in the Faroe Islands.