Cromarty Firth pilot boat cox ties up after more than 30 years on the busy port waters
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A WELL-KNOW figure to mariners visiting the Highlands’ busiest port has called it a day as Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) pilot vessel coxswain after a career of more than three decades with the organisation.
Remarkably, John Williamson clocked up 32 years’ service without taking a day off, other than annual leave, after starting work at the trust port at the age of 28.
Mr Williamson, who joined the Merchant Navy as a 16-year-old, worked on oil tankers around the world before joining the port’s staff.
As cox, he was responsible for operating and maintaining the port’s pilot boats and was a key member of the team that provides marine support to the ships and rigs that visit the Cromarty Firth.
Mr Williamson said: “I saw an advertisement in a local newspaper for a job at the port, but actually missed the interview because I was at sea at the time.
“But, I managed to get another chance when I returned home, got the job and have never looked back since.
“I’ve been lucky to work with a great team in Invergordon over the past three decades and it’s a fantastic area to live in. One of the great pleasures has been being able to pass on what I’ve learned to new members of staff and, in turn to learn from them.”
PoCF Marine Operations manager, Graham Grant, said: “I’ve known John for the 32 years we’ve worked together here and, in that time, we have experienced much – the good, the bad and the indifferent.
“Over all that time, John has been a pleasure to work with, as a colleague and a friend, and all of us at the port wish him all the very best for his well-deserved retirement.”
Dale Stephens, Marine Co-ordinator at the PoCF, added: “John’s enthusiasm for the port and his colleagues has rubbed off on everyone.
“I think that’s why our marine crew is such a good team. It’s more like a family than a team.”
