Centenarian celebrates milestone birthday at the helm of CalMac ferry

A Skye-based retired merchant seaman was granted his 100th birthday wish to be captain for the day by ferry operators CalMac, writes Fiona Scott.

Donald MacAskill, known as Dolan, was welcomed on board MV Lochnevis by Master Iain Mackenzie and crew to celebrate his milestone birthday last week.

The CalMac vessel was berthed in Armadale on Skye in between runs to Mallaig on the mainland when Dolan was made guest of honour.

Born on February 6, 1922 at Flesherin, Point, Isle of Lewis, Dolan worked with his dad making Harris Tweed before joining the Merchant

Navy. He now lives at the An Acarsaid Care Home in Broadford on Skye.

Dolan said: ‘I returned to the Isle of Lewis a time after the war and spent many happy years living with my

Dolan with his captain’s hat and Master Iain Mackenzie.

sister Mary Ann down in Back. I loved going down to the pier and watching the ferries come and go when we went to town, many a journey I enjoyed with CalMac – I have a small picture of the

Sulivan in my room – the sea and boats have always given me so much joy.’

Iain added: ‘It was a pleasure to help Dolan mark his special birthday. We were delighted to welcome him on board.

‘He is a really interesting character who has travelled the world and me and the crew were privileged to talk to him and listen to his wonderful stories.’

Dolan was presented with a captain’s cap and a gift bag of CalMac goodies.

‘I am from Aird, a nearby village in Point, and it was my pleasure to present the hat and goodies to a fellow rubhach,’ added Iain.