Oban and Connel
GUIDES from Oban and North Connel enjoyed a tour round naval warship HMS Quorn when it was docked at North Pier, Oban.
The Guides were shown round different parts of the ship, a minehunter used to keep shipping lanes open and clear dangerous mines.
The girls were shown the submarine which is dispatched to blow up mines and were taken to the operations room where they were shown how the submarine was navigated in the water and brought back to the ship.
On the bridge, Lieutenant Jonathan Eastburn showed the guides how the ship was steered and they were offered the chance to sit in the Commanding Officer’s chair.
Finally, in what was a highlight for many, they were shown the firefighting gear. Guides also met the ship’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander John Cromie, who was keen to point out careers in the Royal Navy were not just for boys.
The ship berthed in Oban after carrying out surveying work on the Clyde.
Lieutenant Eastburn explained: ‘ We’re here to get supplies and a bit of a break. It’s good to come into different ports and get the chance to show people round the ship. We are proud of her and the ship belongs to everyone.’
He was also glad to be back in Oban: ‘This was the first port I came into when I joined the Navy. I’m navigator now so it was nice to get to steer her in here.’