TOM DEAS says

Hi John

From memory,in the 1940's/50s there were 3 jetties which hired boats. There was the one operated by Scud Hunter and Jimmy Mauchline, just opposite the post office and then the one by the crocodile rock was owned by the McNeil brothers, Jock. Lachie and Bob. Finally there was the one owned by Pappa Dunnan which was opposite the church.

For many a year I spent all my time down at Dunnans jetty, helping out with the rowing boats and as a reward I was allowed to take out a boat for FREE. Great days. Pappa Dunnan I think died in the late 40s and Jim Calder took over the business.

During the war there was a mine boom between Keppel point and the mainland and anyone hiring a boat was told that it was forbidden to row out past the flagpole on Kames Bay and the end of the second Eileen. A further warning was given that a shot would be fired if you went beyond this point. I was never sure if this threat was ever carried out, but as a wee boy then it certainly put the fear of God into me

The day they finally blew up the mined boom was quite an event. We had all been told that at a certain hour they would be exploded. We were also told to open our windows as a precaution against blast damage. At the appointed hour everyone seemed to congregate along the front waiting for the detonation. It was quite spectacular with loads of explosions and massive columns of water being thrown up into the air. Alas the next morning the tide brought in hundreds of dead fish and a few porpoises all killed by the blast.

I could go on and on John, but if you have any specific queries. do let me know. Did you remember that there was a boat building yard in Barend street, where Jimmy Mauchiline built his fleet of Truimph boats for the navy?

regards

Tom

John S Bryden says

Thanks Tom for your most interesting info  I was certainly after your time and it was Jimmy Mauchline that I worked with

Regards

John

Sandy Morton says

There were 5 jetties at one time - 2 at the Strawherry, 2 at the Leck and Papa Dunan's.  The latter was taken over by Jimmy Calder and then by Robert Liddell.  The jetty is now derelict.  I "worked" for Papa and Jimmy and also with everyone at the Leck Jetty.

Jimmy Mauchline, immic, had a boatyard at the end of Barend Street where the caravans now are and then built the new one across the road.  After Jimmy the yard was bought by Twinkletoes Houston and then bt Alex Forrest but it has now been demolished and new houses, Newton Court, built on the site.

John S Bryden says

THanks Sandy

John