Harbour News: March 2020
It has been another month of poor weather, with none of theboats really moving until the last week of February. However, this has allowedus to undertake some maintenance in the Harbour and at the pontoon. This hasincluded some new safety fencing for marshalling ferry passengers, ready forthe new season. As I am writing this on Monday 2nd March, the LochBhrusda is on the first day of the additional sailings to Skye. Looking out mywindow, there has been a wee queue of cars for each sailing, which isheartening to see. These additional sailings in March are on a trial basis, sohopefully they will be well-used and become a permanent addition to thetimetable.
Although it has been a month of poor weather, we’ve had lotsto cheer us up in other different ways. Fort William Shinty Club have beenposting photos of one of their shinty balls in various locations throughout thearea, and featured the ball at Mallaig Harbour on 4th February. Peatand Diesel released the video for their new song ‘Island’ on 18thFebruary, and among many other views, there is a nice aerial shot of theHarbour, and also on 18th February, we were the lucky recipients ofa crochet flower. You may have been fortunate enough to come across one ofthese flowers (ours was number 31), which have been left throughout the localarea. Each is attached to a gift tag which says, ‘if you find this flower,please feel free to take it home. I hope it makes you smile#yearofhappyflowers2020’. Ours has certainly made us smile, and it is nowhanging in the office to make other people smile so thank you to the mysterycrocheter!
On the 21st February, Fort William and MallaigCoastguard Rescue Teams used the pontoons to practice Water Rescue Assessments.It was a cold, miserable night, so they were hardy but I suppose you don’t getto pick the conditions for a rescue which means you have to practice in all weather!
I keep plugging the #yearofcoastsandwaters2020 but therereally is a lot happening, and it’s a great opportunity for local businesses toget involved in promoting the area. Highlands and Islands Enterprise arerunning a series of workshops – ‘Immerse Your Business in West Coast Waters2020’, including 2 days in Fort William on 23rd and 24thMarch. There is no cost to attend these workshops but you do have to book – youcan find the details at www.hie.co.uk/events-and-training.Sail Scotland have also produced a series of 360˚ videos #MustSeaScotland topromote sailing, as part of the year, and these include Canna and the Isle ofSkye. You can find them at https://sailscotland.co.uk/news/posts/2020/mustseascotland-360-videos/.
Not strictly Mallaig Harbour related, but it’s great to seethat a new Community Council for Mallaig has been formed at the third attempt.I know the effort that Audrey put in to promoting the nominations, so it’sgreat that this has paid off.
Last month I mentioned the upcoming Board vacancies, and you will see an advert for these under Vacancies on this website or in the West Word. This year we have two vacancies to fill as we lose Johnny MacMillan and Allan Henderson, who have both served their maximum term. We’re very grateful for all the support they have given over the years. The Board meets 5 times each year, usually on a Friday morning and as I said last month, I am happy to have an informal discussion with anyone who thinks that they might be interested in applying, or would just like more information.
Jacqueline McDonell