An Angus port has seen the end of an era with the departure of a colourful visitor after more than 30 years.
The Big Orange XVIII has plied its trade from Montrose for 32 years, first as a bright orange vessel and more lately in a more muted blue.
Known in the area as the Big O, its mainly Filipino crew have been a familiar sight around the town since their arrival, and welcomed as members of the community.
Honorary chaplain for the Sailors’ Society, Mike Burleigh, said the men will be missed as the vessel rehomes to Denmark, and hopes the vessel will visit in future.
He said: “For 32 years Big Orange XVIII has been based here in Montrose port.
“Back then in those early days she was indeed a big orange-coloured ship and then, as now, always beautifully well presented with tidy paintwork and a highly organised and focused crew.”
Mr Burleigh explained why the vessel had been a mainstay while so many other ships had come and gone.
“The shore side specialist equipment was located here in Montrose port to support North Sea oil field exploration, development and maintenance,” he said.
“Oil companies have called upon the specialist expertise and equipment of this ship to maintain oil flows during that time but for the next year or so she will be operating out of Esjberg in Denmark with perhaps, we hope, some occasional visits to Montrose.
Last winter, the sailors from several oil support ships stayed at Montrose and organised a game of basketball — the Philippine national sport — to keep up their spirits and were entertained by carol singers from local churches.
Visiting crews often came to the Sailors’ Society in times of need and Mr Burleigh said the departing crew have fond memories of their time at port.
He added: “Eymart the chief mate speaks of his appreciation for all the help and support his mainly Filipino marine crew have received from the Sailors’ Society port chaplain Peter Donald over these years, ranging from Christmas gift parcels for those Filipino seafarers away from home and families, to transport, trips to historic monuments, help with special purchases, visits to church and prayerful support for individuals during times of difficulty, loss and family bereavement.”
