. I sailed with SSM in the 70s on the Cape Horn, Baron Wemyss and the Renfrew. What great ships and great runs and of course the Glasgow boys who crewed them. I am retired and now live in the Philippines and would welcome contact with any of the boys who remember me. Although there are many who spring to mind I would mention Duggie McGuire, Con Gallagher and Jimmy Gaffney. Do any of the boys remember "Fiji Sue" and Bella the Fella" in good old Sydney? Ha-Ha.

2008-05-15 00:41:47 - Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

I appreciate a year has gone by since Frank Taylor passed away whilst at sea however I have the following to express.

I was saddened to read this news whilst reading through the guestbook today 11th May08 and my thoughts go out to Mary and his daughters at this time.

I met Frank on the Baron Murray (Taima) where we sailed together he as Chief Engineer and me as Master, in 1987.

Not only a first class engineer but a great companion and confidante as the tide of shipping changed and the crew nationalities placed greater pressure on the top two.

Great dry sense of humour and a positive drive that somehow got us through.

Over the years I have often thought of that voyage and the hassles we were up against as Eastern Bulkers HK became a part of acomarit.

My genuine condolences to his family on the anniversary of his passing.

Greg

2008-05-11 05:06:23 -

Hi. I am trying to find someone who knew my dad ROBERT (BOB) DAVIDSON. He died 15 April 1961 en-route from Peru to home (dad was buried in Baltimore USA). He was serving on the M.V YORK. I was only 5 when he died and with him being away so much I didn't really know him.

One of my aunts has just passed me correspondence from Lyle Shipping company and one of the names mentioned of someone who was close to my dad was R J KELL A.B.

I would love to hear from someone who knew him.

2008-04-26 12:10:48 -

Well this is a flash back,just seen my name on the crew list,Cape Leeuwin , had a great time with SSM,had two trips on the leeuwin,was on the Maclay, Grafton, Ortegal and the Napier.still bump into some of the lads now and then,still at sea yet but its just not the same, hay i had a ball

2008-04-09 12:14:45 -

Is the broken bridge in the photograph at the top of this page any reflection of the skills of SSM's navigation officers? It wasn't me sir . . . honest! I was busy working on my corrie course at the time.

2008-03-31 05:37:31 - Wiltshire

My Father Alastair Weir (who passed away 5 years ago) wored for SSM - He had many fond stories of those days!!

2008-03-19 15:24:00 - Oban

I had the best years of my life with the Scottish Ship Management. I sailed on the Cape Howe, Cape Nelson, Baron Forbes, Baron Ardrossan and Baron Inchcape. The last two I joined in Haugesund and felt very honoured to join brand new ships and be on their maiden voyages. I regret my rash decision to leave the outfit but I am still alive to tell the tale and I am overjoyed to be able to see the old ships I sailed on. I am sad to see they are all gone now but this is progress, so I have been told. I am now an author and would like to include a picture of the Cape Nelson from the company magazine in an Atlantic storm on the cover of my new book.

2008-03-17 17:59:24 - bristol, england

EX BAROM RENFREW , BARON MACLAY AND CAPE GRAFTON. GREAT COMPANY GREAT SHIPS . UNFORGETABLE

2008-03-17 17:27:48 - UK AND DUBAI

Very interested to find this site.I spent a very enjoyable 2 1/2 years 1978/80 on "Baron Renfrew","Baron Maclay","Baron Belhaven" & "Cape Race".Strange as it may seem the Ice experience on "Belhaven" & "Race" was the most interesting.Excellent atmosphere & spirit on all the ships which said a lot for the SSM company.
Ended my sea career after 38 years as Master/Owner of a 500 Ton coaster,a very interesting experience.Am now thoroughly enjoying full retirement. Best wishes to all office and ships staff whome I sailed with.By the way I was First Mate.

2008-03-17 12:15:04 - Broughty Ferry

i sailed on four ships from 1976-1979 cape grafton-baron addrossen-cape grenville-cape sable, started as gally-pantry boy,done my first trip on cape grafton, joining in singapore,done my last trip on cape sable as 2nd cook n baker where she was sold in durban to the greeks, best sailing years of my life :)

2008-03-14 06:34:35 - motherwell

I sailed on the cape sablefrom 23.11.1970 until 23.3.1971 as catering boy(pantry).

2008-03-07 14:35:46 -

Sailed on the following.
Cape Clear
Cape Howe
Baron Mclay Worked thereafter on the rigs and the dive ships. Vividly remember us all saying you'll never get us on them! Left the sea and went to train in the construction industry best move ever.I am privileged to have my own yacht and therefore still able to enjoy the sea albeit only in the summer months. To all who remember me I wish that all is well in your world.Kindest thoughts.
Graham Davis

2008-03-02 08:35:03 - Dunoon

I sailed as 2nd Eng on The Baron renfrew for a couple of years in the late 70's just before she was sold. To say it was character building is an understatement, the MIP lube system just couldn't maintain the exhaust valves. Happy days, is anyone out there who remembers me? We had a Frank Hardin tape which was played almost every night and never failed to raise a laugh, boy did we know how to live!

2008-02-29 10:16:52 - Glasgow

Bumped into one Chris Anderson today, who let me into this site.
I served my time on the old Baron Wemyss from early 1963 under Capt. Murdo McLeod, a giant of a man, dry ship, the scouse crew jumped off leaving Huskisson dock at Liverpool, and we picked up a crew of drunken irishmen in Dublin. I managed to get home for 6 hours some 18 months later and went off then for a further 10 months. Then I got 2 weeks leave! I got £518 for 5 years apprenticeship. and lost all my leave for going to the toilet during working hours.
I did time on various v/l's of Lyle, United Baltic and Gardline.
Then from 1976, did 27 years in the Fire Service. Have been retired now for nearly 7 years.
I am losing my memory a bit these days, but can remember 2nd Mates Uriah Heap and Bill Greatorex, 1st Mate John Mackay to mention one or two.
The engines were two cycle /3xcyl twin opposed piston Doxfords wich ran at around 100rpm.
I have one or two old photos taken on a Kodak Brownie Box, so I will try and scan them for this site.

2008-02-03 01:54:03 - E Yorks

Hi every one i sailed with in the four years i was with ssm.They were the best years of my sailing days.Stuck on the ferries between stranraer and belfast these days.

2008-02-01 14:49:32 - stranraer