Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Services from mainland Scotland to Orkney and Shetland were, from the dawn of steam navigation right up until 2002, in the hands of the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Shipping Company, known as the North Company, whose predecessors dated back to 1790 and which became part of P&O Ferries in 1975. In this book, Alistair Deayton uses his wonderful collection of photographs to tell the story of the ferries and steamers of the northern isles, including not only the North Company but its successors and competitors on the routes between mainland Scotland and the islands, including chartered vessels and wartime Ministry of War Transport ships travelling to Scapa Flow. The book also includes the inter-island ferries in both Orkney and Shetland, not forgetting the services to remote Foula and Fair Isle. This book is a must for all those interested in the transport history of Orkney and Shetland and evokes the days when the only way to travel to the northern isles was by sea.
Synopsis
Until 2002, the main provider of ferry services to Orkney and Shetland was the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company. Affectionately known as the North Company, it has had an illustrious history since its formation in 1875, including what are recognized as the very first cruises in 1886, to Norway, as well as being the first shipping line to build a purpose-built cruise ship. However, it was the provision of a ferry service from Aberdeen to the Northern Isles for which the company is best known and its Saints provided a useful service to Orkney and Shetland for over 120 years. Nowadays, the route is served by Northlink.Iain Quinn tells the story of the North Boats in words and pictures, focusing on the period from the end of the First World War to the present day, using many illustrations published here for the very first time. The early history is not forgotten, and the sinking of the St. Rognvald is covered as is St. Sunniva s use as a cruise ship as are the more recent P&O Scottish Ferries years."