The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pirate ship ‘invades’ Arbroath harbour.
ANGUS: Families flock to investigate The Bearded Lady berthed at Arbroath
Land-lubbers have been gathering at Arbroath marina to catch a glimpse of a “pirate ship” berthed in the harbour.
The Bearded Lady has been docked in the Angus town for two weeks on its way from its former home on the Caledonian Canal in Inverness to warmer southern waters.
The boat will remain in the harbour for around another week before sailing south to London.
Its piratical appearance has captivated local families with many taking day trips to get a photograph of the bizarre boat.
Owner and “professional pirate” Paul Homer, 56, said he bought the ship two years ago, but the attention still comes as a surprise.
He said: “We always get a reaction. The entrance to Arbroath harbour is really difficult. I was bringing her in, worried that I might crash, and I wondered why everyone was looking at me.
“It was really run down when I bought it, but rather than change it, I thought instead I would really ham it up. PAUL HOMER
“Then I remembered – I’m sailing a pirate ship.”
Paul, from London, said he has lived on narrow boats since he was 20.
“What I usually say to people is, who would believe that an actual pirate would sail a ship like this. By the time they realise, it’s too late,” he joked.
“It was really run down when I bought it, but rather than change it, I thought instead I would really ham it up.”
Among Paul’s renovations is the figurehead that gives the ship her name – the carving of a topless lady, complete with full beard.
He said he has enjoyed the reaction from the people in Arbroath, though he admits there have been disappointed faces when he hasn’t appeared in full pirate dress.
“I really enjoy living on the boat. It’s a great lifestyle and people are friendly and welcoming and I don’t think that’s just because it’s a pirate boat,” he said.
Phil Petrie, 42, brought his family to the harbour for a closer look.
He said: “I wanted to come down and see it as soon as I heard. We just jumped on our bikes and came down for a little while. It’s a bonnie little thing and it’s very unusual.”
His daughter Lucy Petrie, 8, said: “I think it is cool, even though I’m not so sure about pirates.
“I like the mermaid on the front.”