Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Retiral of Burns & Laird's Captain Douglas McCormick of the "Lion."

From "The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald" dated Friday 2nd July 1971

THE CAPTAIN COMES ASHORE

Captain Douglas A. McCormick, who for the past 14 years has captained the Burns & Laird Ardrossan-Belfast ferries, was honoured on Tuesday night by many friends on his retirement.

Captain McCormick has been with Burns & Laird for 48 years and has been a master since 1947.
Describing his service, Mr. Norman Wright, general manager of Burns & Laird said: "Captain McCormick is a great seaman and master who is held in the highest esteem."
"During his time with the company he has commanded all types and classes of vessels. A captain such as Captain McCormick is a jack of all trades and his great character and sense of humour have made him popular with all who know him."

On behalf of the company Mr. Wright presented Captain McCormick with a tool cabinet and tool-set.

Provost Joseph McManus, on behalf of Ardrossan Town Council, said : "I did not know Captain McCormick until he became captain of the "Lion," but I was impressed with his ready smile and competent manner. Ardrossan Harbour has often been criticised, however Captain McCormick has often proved them wrong, taking "Lion" in and out no matter what the weather was like.

GIFTS

Captain McCormick was also honoured by Ardrossan Harbour Company and Mr. J. H. Shields, manager, presented him with a set of six cut crystal glasses.
Mr. J. Campbell, Northern Ireland Trailers (Scot) Ltd., presented him with an inscribed beer tankard, and Mr. Gerry McBride presented him with a lighter on behalf of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Telegrams from the captain and crew of the M.V. "Lion," "Best wishes on your retirement," and one from the captain and oficers of the "Ben My Chree" "Lang may your lum reek and a happy retirement," were read by Mr. Wright.

Captain McCormick acknowledged the gifts and said that probably by the time he was 95 he would be wishing he was back at sea "But I'll just have to keep going."
Captain McCormick then went round to Winton Pier where he boarded the "Ben My Chree" (on loan to Burns & Laird from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company) and officially signed off as captain of "Lion."

TROPHY

Captain McCormick earlier presented a trophy called "The McCormick Cup" which was used in a "Miss Roll-on, Roll-off" beauty contest open to girls from the M.V. "Lion," Containerway, E. Ferguson (Transport) Ltd., Ardrossan Harbour Company and Northern Ireland Trailers (Scotland) Ltd.
Eighteenyear-old Claire Dornan, who is employed by the Harbour Company, won the trophy.

After Captain McCormicks official retirement, a barbecue and dance in his honour was held in the Burns & Laird terminal.

(See article dated 22nd September 1971)