Willie notches up 50 years
A CalMac stalwart was surprised with an original painting of the MV Isle of Mull to mark his 70th birthday and 50 years of service.
Oban’s Willie Howe is a quartermaster on the Mull or ‘Old Daisy’, as he calls her, where he has worked for 30 of his 50 years’ service.
To celebrate his birthday and to thank him for his service, CalMac commissioned a special painting of the ferry to give to Willie.
Willie had no idea about the ceremony and was working as normal before being called into the bar, where he was met by his children, Peter and Susan Howe, and his colleagues. Speaking about his five decades at the company, Willie said: ‘It’s been a ball. I have quite a few good memories.’
Craig Mullarkey, the Isle of Mull master, also gifted Willie with a hamper and watch from his colleagues aboard ‘Old Daisy’.
He added: ‘The people of Mull adore him because of his patter. They always ask for him when he isn’t there.’
David Gibson, CalMac’s service delivery director, was in charge of commissioning the painting.
Before he handed it over, he said: ‘I am delighted to be here today to recognise the significant achievements of one of our longest serving seafarers, Willie Howe – 30 years here, 50 years with the company and 70 years on the planet.
‘Willie has seen many exciting things in his time with us. He was a member of the crew on the Seaforth when the vessel hit a rock
‘He was a member of the crew on the Seaforth when the vessel hit a rock in Gunna Sound’
in Gunna Sound. She had to make for Tiree pier, where she effectively sank, as much as you can in our shallow Hebridean waters.
‘The ship was evacuated and the crew returned the following day to survey the damage, only to find a drunken Irishman was still on board and had apparently spent the night.’
Willie previously worked as a skipper on some of
CalMac’s smaller ferries, such as the Oban to Lismore vessel. Mr Gibson added: ‘It is a remarkable fact that Willie has spent the past 30 years of his working life on board this vessel, the Isle of Mull.
‘His role takes a great deal of concentration, which I am told he has in abundance.’
Willie also received a bespoke CalMac birthday cake which was baked by Iain Rodgers.