Cromarty Image Library | Albert Watson

	514
	Clem Watson
	1968

Albert Watson - c1968

Albert Watson attending to the Endeavour.
Picture Added on 30 September 2003.

Comments

I baled her out each running day of the school holidays I spent with Evan The Post & Ena - my aunt and uncle. I got my taste for the sea from "Black" Albert. I did the three runs a day "assisting" him. I used to get a half a crown a week from Albert for my "graft". Albert was indeed my mentor and someone I held an enormous respect for. Albert was and still is a Hero. His lifeboat service bears witness enough to that along with all the "pints" that were drunk in the bars and everyones mail in Cromarty which Albert brought across from Invergordon in weathers sometimes he would not even take passengers across in.
Added by Patrick Swanson on 07 January 2004.

When I was young, living at 5 Bayview Crescent, I used to visit my grandparents in Easter Ross, with my mam and two brothers. We would sometimes sail to Invergordon, other times to Nigg, to be met there.

Would it have been on the Enterprise or the Endeavour or both?

Albert Watson was a brilliant sailor. He knew the waters of the firth like the back of his hand. I remember in particular one very dark stormy wintry Sunday night, waiting to cross from Nigg to Cromarty, along with a few workmen. I was so afraid.

My Dad, watching from Cromarty harbour, saw the boat`s light disappear twice. I can`t remember how long the crossing took, but Albert took us safely home.
Added by Dorothy Ewen on 18 January 2004.

It was normally the Enterprise that did the Invergordon run and the Endevour did Nigg. I can remember Clemie doing the Nigg run wearing his kilt on at least one occasion. Johnie mostly did the Nigg run.
Added by Patrick Swanson on 22 January 2004.

Am I correct in stating that you Clem Watson, did part of your High School education at Invergordon Academy ? I have a recollection that you probably joined 4th Year in August 1953? My memory seems to tell me you crossed over each day on your father's boat. I too was in 4th year but pulled out in November 1953 to move to Edinburgh, so you might not remember me.
Added by Don A Munro, Brisbane, Australia on 10 February 2006.

That is the side light and corner of the wheelhouse of the Endurance in the forefront of the pic. I recognise it even by the wee corner.
Added by Pat Swanson on 14 February 2006.

The most frightening day of my life. Dorothy was quite right. Albert was a HERO! He was an idol for me. Clem you can be very proud of your dad who I remember with fondness.
Added by Donnie Robertson on 12 June 2006.

There are two lifebelts in Invergordon Museum marked "Udale Inverness". Does anyone know anything about this boat? I wondered whether it might have been used for the Invergordon-Balblair ferry. Any information gratefully received. I've put the same question on the Invergordon image library.
Added by Estelle Quick on 16 March 2007.

Udale was the name of the Cromarty firth port authority's harbour launch which they only sold last year.(2006) I think she's still in the west harbour in Invergordon today.
Added by Ronald Young on 19 March 2007.

You're a mine of information Ronald!
Added by Estelle Quick on 19 March 2007.

If you found this interesting, have a look at the following groups of pictures.
Interview with Clem Watson