For those with sea-faring family in Argyll and Bute, I'd like to recommend "Ferry Tales of Argyll and the Isles" by Walter Weyndling. My edition is ISBN 0-7509-1185-9, publ Alan Sutton Publishing. Phoenix Mill, Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2BU, England, 1996, but looking at Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1841582700/qid=1086524695/sr=1-1/re f=sr_1_0_1/026-2561933-7191648 it appears that Birlinn have republished the book in 2003. Used copies are also available there, and on Abebooks at http://www.abebooks.com/ This 150 page, well-illustrated paperback describes the various ferry boats, and ferrymen which supplied the mainland of Argyll and its nearby islands, including Arran and Bute, which together cover 18 pages. For Arran, the book describes the setting up of the first proper ferry service in the 1770s, running between Brodick and Saltcoats. It covers various boats and skippers in the 19th century, and describes the ferries running right up to the time of writing. Names mentioned include Bannatyne, Burrell, Hamilton [of course!], Cook, Robertson and Currie. The chapter on Bute indicates that there was a regular ferry service from an earlier date, but gives most attention to 20th century incidents, some involving the author. For those with any family employed on the ferries, this book is a wonderful resource. Happy reading Sarah Galbraith (PS Authors of books such as these deserve support, and the book is readily available, so no look-ups on this occasion.)