By John Aitken 1922, the reputation of the Coaster Construction Company shipyard on Rossie Island, Montrose for high class workmanship was obviously travelling far and wide as they received an order for a twin-screw ferry for Eastbourne Council in North Island, New Zealand. Their successful tender was one of several which had been vetted by a prominent naval architect of Read more...

By John Aitken In the edition of April 6th, 1923 the “Montrose Review” reported on the launch of the TST Alsatia from the Rossie Island shipyard of the Coaster Construction Co. Ltd, an event which was witnessed by a large company of spectators.  She had  been named by Mrs Lyon, wife of the marine superintendent of the new ship’s owners the Read more...

By John Aitken The Coaster Construction Company Limited started off in a rather modest way on Rossie Island, Montrose in 1920. Their first commercial vessel was the small coaster appropriately named Rossie, constructed on spec to give the new workforce experience in costing, estimating, design and construction including riveting and the finishing trades. On completion, she was used to fit Read more...

By John Aitken On Saturday, 22nd January, 1921 an unforeseen mishap occurred in Montrose caused by a fierce gale and a subsequent tidal surge.  Some estimates put the rise in the river at 20 feet, almost two feet above prediction, the result being that the initial launches from the Coaster Construction Co. Ltd.’s shipyard were aborted.  Much interest had been Read more...

An article in a New Zealand daily newspaper of February 14, 1924 reported: “Inaha Arrives. Montrose to Wellington. An Interesting Vessel.” The news item continued: “An interesting arrival at Wellington this morning was the motor-ship Inaha from Montrose, Scotland via (several) ports. The vessel was inspected by the port authorities and later berthed at No. 4 Queen’s Wharf. “Her interest Read more...