THE dark days of Campbeltown in Argyll being described as ''the end of the line and going nowhere'' are almost certainly over. Last year a new link was forged between Scotland and Northern Ireland with the launch of the ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle in County Antrim.
Bob McLundy, captain of the Claymore, which has undergone major refurbishment is delighted with his role in this venture. Coming from a seafaring family in Crinan, Bob always had a fascination for the sea and consequently on leaving school he attended the nautical college in Glasgow. ''I worked through the various certificates - Second Mates, Mates and Masters which qualifies you to command any power-driven British vessel in the world,'' explains Bob.
First becoming a captain in 1968 on a cargo vessel, Bob has enjoyed his long career at sea. ''The camaraderie at sea is wonderful. There is always a special blend within the crew. I also enjoy the challenge of being at sea - battling the elements.''
One of the drawbacks of being at sea is being away from the family for long periods of time. ''This job, sailing from Campbeltown to Ballycastle suits me as I can get home
fairly frequently - if there is a crisis at home I can be there in a matter of hours. I also enjoy working on the ferry and I like dealing with the public - I always try to mingle with the passengers, weather permitting. It is an exciting new route and well utilised. We have many day-trippers and it is heartening to see what it has brought to Campbeltown. A total of 80 new jobs was created by
the project.''
With two runs a day Bob starts work around 7am in order to check round for the first
sailing. Finishing at 10.30pm it is a long day, but according to Bob it doesn't seem so. ''My responsibility is for the safety of passengers and crew. We are constantly examining the ship's maintenance and liaising with the shore-based personnel in the company. We have two complete crews of 20 and work two weeks on and two weeks off.
''In this job it is really important to get on with people as on a ship everyone is in close proximity and highly confined.''
Anyone interested in a nautical career should obtain a good grounding in mathematics as navigation depends upon it. ''The qualifications for nautical college are fairly steep, but if you are really determined to go to sea you will gain your Masters certificate, although it can take many years,'' says Bob.
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