The Usual Suspects... Rogues Gallery!
Pictures of Contributors to this website.
Mike MurrayRYA Yachtmaster and Corryvreckan Whirlpool Guide |
Rebecca BarnettArtist and Illustrator |
Mike moved to Crinan in 1975. He got involved with a man called Donald Ross who first laid moorings in Crinan Harbour in the 1960s.
Donald had a wonderful vessel called 'Cyclops' which he had rescued after the war near Greenock, brought to Crinan, re-engined and used to lay and maintain moorings, and transport sheep and cattle to and from the islands.
Cyclops is a 42' Naval Pinnace, built in Portsmouth in 1916, she was originally powered by 28 sailors with oars and possibly served with the 'Royal Sovereign', which was built in Portsmouth in 1914.
A Pinnace was carried aboard a capital ship for victualling and ship to shore services.
Donald taught Mike everything about moorings and also passed on his intimate knowledge of the islands. Eventually, in the early 1980s Mike bought the boat and mooring business from him and continued in like manner.
For 18 years Mike used the boat to earn half a living and to go scratting about the west side of Jura and other offshore islands.
New regulations, which came into force in the late 1990s, made 'Cyclops' redundant. Mike gave her to the Portsmouth Naval property Trust and she has gone 'home'.
He sold off the moorings and bought the catamaran 'Gemini' to start running sightseeing and wild life trips out of Crinan, specialising in trips to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
Mike ran and developed that successfully for 8 years and sold the Gemini Cruises business in 2005.
As an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, Mike is now offering his services on a personal basis to private charters. Please see Argyll Yacht Charters website page for more details.
Alternatively, Mike Murray is available as a guide / helping hand to anyone who wants to visit the Corryvreckan Whirlpool area for the first time.
I am indebted to Tim Hedley, my neighbour [pictured, above right], for taking David [pictured, left] and myself out on his Rib to get some photos of the Gray Dog.
Rebecca Barnett
Rebecca studied at Duncan of Jordanstone Art School in Dundee and graduated in 2004 with a 'BA(Hons) Animation & Electronic Media' Shortly after graduating her 2 minute animation 'Elemental' was selected and screened at Bradford animation festival.
Since finishing university Rebecca has been living in Lochgilphead and working on a veriety of freelance artworks and private commissions. She is also currently working full time in the graphic design department of a local company called 'Midton Acrylics' doing various designs for acrylic trophies and awards. Within this job Rebecca also keeps a keen hand in sculpting and model making.
Most of the artwork is done in spare time and is heavily influenced by mythical legends and folklore. If you are interested in viewing or learning more about Rebecca's work please contact her via e-mail or see Rebecca's website pages.