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Picture added on 28 October 2003
Captain John Gray was skipper of this boat.
Added by Barbara Robertson on 28 October 2003
I suspect that if the date on this picture is right and the Capt John Gray I knew as skipper of the Hoy Head is the same one referred to in the text he would have been about 2 when this pic was taken. John Gray was one of the partners in Bremner's shipping in the 60's, along with Capt John Hourie, and I well remember him giving me the wheel of the Watchful, another MFV, on the run to Lyness and telling me to watch out for Peter Skerry. We were miles from it but what a thrill.
It may well be another Capt John Gray referred to of which I have no knowledge.
It may well be another Capt John Gray referred to of which I have no knowledge.
Added by William Watters on 15 September 2006
I have found an older Hoy Head than this one, built in paisley in 1883 she was
363 tons and was lost on 12/11/1887. Not much details of whether sail or steam, anybody got any more on this one.
363 tons and was lost on 12/11/1887. Not much details of whether sail or steam, anybody got any more on this one.
Added by Jimmy Hamilton on 01 February 2008
Hoy Head, steamship built by Abercorn Shipbuilding Co. Paisley, launched 18/10/1883. Owner C.R.Scott & Co. of Cardiff. Sank 12/11/1887 off Cornwall on passage Swansea to Rouen with coal.
The reason for giving an Orkney name to a Welsh owned vessel is unknown.
The reason for giving an Orkney name to a Welsh owned vessel is unknown.
Added by Ron Stewart on 24 October 2008
I am the third John Gray. So called Captain Gray was my Grandfather. He was a Master Mariner so the title of Capt used to grate a bit!
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Added by John Gray on 11 September 2023
St Margaret's Hope
