Fishing trawler that went from Cod War veteran to a £120-a-night holiday home
IT ONCE worked the cold waters off Iceland, at constant risk of attack by rival foreign trawlers during the infamous Cod Wars.
And it would be fair to say life on-board Orlik probably wasn’t the most comfortable for the fishermen who toiled in the North Atlantic.
But the former workhorse has been given a substantial makeover and now plies her trade as a luxury B&B in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
Orlik, which fished seas hotly contested by Icelandic and British boats from the 1950s to the 1970s, is now £120-a-night accommodation for up to four on the Caledonian Canal.
She is berthed at Neptune’s Staircase, the lock which leads into Loch Linnhe and the open seas beyond and, for £2,900, two passengers can enjoy a six-night cruise.
The vessel was constructed in Denmark in 1950 and worked out of Grimsby, Lincolnshire, until the 1990s.
Owners Michael and Lorna Watt spent £300,000 converting her into beautiful accommodation.
Mr Watt, 63, said: ‘The Orlik was part of the 750strong fleet of fishing boats working out of Grimsby during the 1950s until the 1970s.
‘They’re incredibly rare boats, I reckon there can’t be more than around 50 left in the UK.
‘Because it’s a smaller boat, it would fish off the coast of Iceland during the summer during the Cod War years. Boats were at constant risk of having their gear cut away by Icelandic ships.’
Today’s guests stay in one of two luxury double cabins, each with its own private shower room and toilet, and a cosy, two-person sauna is available for those who want to relax.