The Orkney Image Library
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The Royal Yacht anchored in Kirkwall Bay during the Queen Mother's visit in 1956
Picture added on 17 July 2005
Must be a story behind this picture. The R Y Britannia, now moored in Leith, was in commission for the Royal Family from 1953. The previous yacht, from memory, had a yacht bow and bowsprit, all white, three masts, obligatory as the Royal Standard had to be flown from the middle mast. This ship looks more like an old Union Castle mail steamer. Could it have been on charter to H M Queen Mother, while Britannia was in service elsewhere?
Added by Tom Scott on 15 August 2005
As there has been no response to my comments, (Marion's photo No.854), I decided to do some mild research and found a photo of the Winchester Castle in the Union Castle Line web site. I think you will agree there is a distinct similarity with the ship shown in Marion's photo. I have none too fond memories of a voyage from Southampton to Capetown on this ship in March 1958. We suffered a horrendous gale, and non stop mal de mer until we dropped anchor in Funchal, Madiera. We copped it again when we hit the Cape Rollers down the west coast of Africa. Photo on separate eMail.
Added by Tom Scott on 19 September 2005
This is definately not Royal yacht and I would agree that she is an elderly Union Castle liner but is the picture actually Kirkwall Bay?
Added by W Mackay on 27 January 2008
yes, Kirkwall Bay. Taken along with numerous others on same day by my late mother.
Added by Marion Mcleod on 29 January 2008
Kirkwall
