On the SS Folda

“I was interested to read about the SS Explorer,” emails John Cook. “It was the fact that it was the last steam ship trawler. In 1954 I was ordered to join the SS Folda lying in Leith. I had just finished my training at Gravesend, Kent, and was eagerly looking forward to joining my first ship.

“I, of course, expected to be joining a huge passenger liner and I must admit I was more than a little disappointed when I got my first look at my ship. It was a little steam ship of, I think, 695 tons. It sat so low in the water, I was able to just step aboard her.