Builders: S & H Morton, Leith 1883
Propulsion type: Paddle single diagonal
Owners: Messrs Galloway, Kidd and Watson, Galloway Saloon Steam Packet Co
Service dates: 1883 - 1918
Tonnage: Gross 186 (later 220)
Comments:
This picture dates from the first years of Lord Morton's service as the tug on the left, the Blue Bonnet, was destroyed by fire in 1884. The picture comes from the Brian Fisher collection and I am grateful to Brian for her permission to display it here. I am also grateful to Terry Cooper for his help in identifying the boat and for additional information on her.
PS Lord Morton was built at Leith for Messrs Galloway, Kidd and Watson and taken over by the Galloway Saloon Steam Packet Co, which was itself acquired by the North British Steam Packet Co in 1896 (NBSP was a subsidiary of the North British Railway). When built she was the largest member of the fleet but increased capacity was needed and she was lengthened by 12 ft when new boilers were installed in 1900. In April 1918 she was purchased by the Admiralty for use as a hospital ship and saw service in the White Sea where she was scuttled to prevent her falling into enemy hands.