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One of life’s greatest treats has to be a visit to the West coast of Scotland around south Argyll with its multitude of sea lochs, islands and glens each with a special secret and just crying out to be explored. One of the best ways to explore and discover this coast, which is rich in heritage and wildlife, has to be aboard one of the world's smallest cruise liners, a specially converted and well founded ex-fishing trawler – yes, really! The Glen Tarsan (one of only two vessels operated by the Majestic Line) started life as the 85ft Martha David, a wooden hulled trawler (iroko on oak) originally built in Killybeggs, Co. Donegal, in 1976. Two native Scots, Ken Grant and Andy Thoms, had the vision to start up the ‘Majestic Line’ in 2005 and operated with a single ship, the Glen Massan (also a converted fishing trawler), for two seasons before launching the fully refurbished ‘Glen Tarsan’ in May 2007. The Majestic Line was a name coined from an episode of the popular 1960-70’s Scottish sitcom ‘The Vital Spark’ from the Para Handy stories by Neil Munro. The Glen Tarsan and The Glen Massan both have gold painted funnels in deference to this Scottish TV series.
This cruise was aboard the Glen Tarsan and was the three night ‘Heritage & Wildlife of Cowal’ itinerary. The vessel is able to carry a maximum of 12 passengers, and has four double cabins below decks with an additional two double cabins on the deck level. Four knowledgeable and friendly crew look after the guests. The deck level also houses the social ‘centre’ of ship, the main saloon, which has a small bar, extensive reading material and reference books, DVD and flat screen LCD TV, a large dining table that can accommodate 12 guests and tub seats all around for relaxing in with a book or a drink. The main saloon has excellent all round views and access to the aft deck where there is a further table and seating for drinks to be served on a warm summer evening.
The 'multi media centre' and library
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Is this the world's smallest cruise liner?
The main saloon and dining area
Prior to conversion as a working boat
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