The journey of a boat

Part 1

From the Aberdeen “Press and Journal” Newspaper, 27th April 1911

Motor Salmon Coble for Ardnamurchan, an Aberdeen Invention

Messrs John Skinner and Sons, boatbuilders, Aberdeen, have recently completed the construction of a motor bag-net salmon fishing coble to the order of Messrs A. Powrie and Company, Ardnamurchan.

The boat, which is intended for work on the West. Coast of Scotland, is the third of its kind. Its two predecessors were also built by Messrs Skinner and Son, who make a speciality of this type of boat, the invention of Mr John Skinner

The new craft is fitted with a tunnel, in which the propellor works entirely under cover- an important consideration as it obviates the risk of the nets fouling the screw.

The propelling agent in this case is a 7.9 hp Kelvin motor. supplied by the Bergius Company, Glasgow.

On its sea trial, at the end of last week the coble gave entire satisfaction to the Messers Powrie who were on board during the trials. They also expressed their satisfaction with the whole work, and admired the fine model of the coble.

The boat rows six oars, so that in an emergency, it can be used at its ordinary work.

It was always thought that t this boat came to Fascadale in 1912 but it now seems that 1911 is more accurate

It is very likely that she worked the north coast of Ardnamurchan out of Fascadale from 1912 to the late 1960s

Extract from an email from Linda Fitzpatrick, Curator, Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther to Paul Taylor,  Aug 2021

“Thank-you for your query regarding the building of salmon cobles, specifically OB209.  I have had a look back through our records and have found OB209 listed in the Mariner’s Almanac from 1939 to 1948 (the latest issue we have).  There are very few details given, but it does give the then owner, R Powrie of Mull and tonnage (2.16).  The name is given as Coble I.  Coble II is registered OB210 to the same owner“

This is interesting as it only lists two of the four salmon cobles known to be at Fascadale. None of them were named. A member of the Powrie family, who were the leasees at Fascadale for very many years has said one of the boats was called “Eun na Mara”, (Bird of the Sea) Perhaps OB 209 was “Eun na Mara”

Built in 1911, only the very third of its kind OB209 is an important part of Scotland’s maritime heritage