TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO Friday December 10, 1993

Prince Andrew at the helm

His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, Commanding Officer of HMS Cottesmore mingled with fellow officers and guests at a private cocktail party on board his vessel in Campbeltown Harbour, last Thursday evening. The cocktail party, hosted by the Commander of the 1st Mine Countermeasures Squadron, was held at the close of a week’s naval manoeuvres off Kintyre. The Duke of York, who is ranked Lieutenant Commander, commands the 60-metre Huntclass mine countermeasure vessel. He was sailing in company with his sister ship HMS Cattistock. Among those invited were civic officials, district councillors and local people repre- senting the farming, fishing and business communities. Guests included the new Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Col. Archie Fletcher of Dunans, Glendaruel, chairmain of Argyll and Bute District Council, Councillor George McMillan, chief executive of Argyll and Bute District Council, Mr Michael Gossip, Commander Joseph Schwarzel, Commanding Officer of the US Naval Special Warfare Unit Two, Machrihanish, Col. Hector MacNeal of Lossit, Campbeltown Harbour Master, Mr Willie Macdonald, and the Secretary of Clyde Fishermen’s Association, Mr Patrick Stewart.