A skipper hoping to lead by example

Now, the historic Ross-shire crossing over the sea to Skye has its first woman skipper – and on the world’s last sea-going, manually-operated, turntable ferry.

Isabelle Law, who worked summer jobs on the MV Glenachulish, is the first woman to take charge of the boat which takes a five-minute crossing from Glenelg and Kylerhea on Skye.

She said: “It is quite unique for a woman to be a skipper, so hopefully it will encourage other people to follow their dreams.”

The current service has been run by a community-owned company since 2007. It took over the route after long-time ferryman Roddy MacLeod retired. Ms Law realised that she wanted to help to keep the ferry service going while working on the MV Glenachulish during her school holidays.

She said: “To be the skipper would help them out in years to come. I’ve got amazing helpers that have helped me to achieve this, and they are constantly helping me out to learn how to handle the vessel.”

The ferry, which has been featured in luxury car adverts, TV programmes and even weddings had an £80,000 refit last year.

The crossing is only 650 yards and takes five minutes. But it is an ancient crossing, named after Reatha, a Fingalian hero who is said to have failed to vault the gap using his spear in the third century.