Orkney Image Library

This car was built by William Johnston Of Collingwood, Quadrant, Kirkwall. It was called the Swan and had a Douglas motor cycle engine when built

Norman if you contact me I will send you some film of the car. [email protected]

I think this car is the one built by Reynold Johnstone's [tyre fitters] father who had blockworks at Hatston. Those 2 men are both deceased. Reynold has a son but Im not sure he stays. Reynolds dad I think was Bill and referred to as Blocky Bill. Reynold was a canny hand too. He converted a bus into a motor home. On the rear of the bus was the name OVERLANDER.

I think this car was built by Wm Johnstone (Blocky Bill) of Haston Concrete Works. It had a Douglas motor cycle engine if I'm not mistaken.

I think this is the car which was expertly built by the late William (Bill) Johnstone. He established an excellent cement block building business within one of the hangers at Hatston. I also think the Number Plate of the car was BS 1111.

I think that the late Herbert Rendall ex Sutherlands (Plumbers) was involved in the bodywork of this car

The number of this car was transfared to Bill Johnstons Rolls Royce . The last time that I saw it J D Peace had it.

You're all pretty much right!...Walter Scott has the car now and it was on top of the bar in the Motorhoose!

The car is called Signet - a baby swan.
Claire Johnstone (grand-daughter of Reynold Johnstone)

Many thanks indeed for all your comments!
Great help.

'Signet' or 'Cygnet' Claire? If the former, the car would have been named for a seal - eg a wax seal, a royal seal, the imprint from a signet-ring etc. If the latter, a young swan. The car doesn't look much like either of those, but then the Ford Sierra never looked much like a mountain range.

Great info all and thanks.
I still need to know though - what chassis was it based on and what engine does it have now (the Douglas engine was replaced some time ago)!

Nice to hear from people who knew William Johnstone!

Blocky Bill also built a machine for carrying the concrete blocks out to dry

Will try and find out a bit more from Walter as he will be guaranteed to have the full story!

Yes my father Herbert Rendall was a tinsmith and had all the tools for shaping sheet metal so he could easily have been involved with the bodywork, I remember him telling me that he used to have BS 1111 on a small Rover car in the late 1920's.

Everyone has been a great help.
But I still need to know what chassis the car used and what engine it currently has!

Has anyone been able to contact Walter Scott to ask him what he know? Can anyone give me his contact details so I could contact him myself?

Many thanks

Hi Norman
You could call Walter on 01856 872713