Sea captain who began his career on the Clyde honoured with historic title

Captain Duncan Telfer, former commercial director of Swire Pacific Offshore, was named a Freeman of The Honourable Company of Master Mariners at a special declaration ceremony onboard HQS Wellington in London.

The 62-year-old, who owns the Cloch Lighthouse with wife-to-be Junn Sukisjinn, now has the 'long-established right' to herd sheep across London Bridge amongst other quirky privileges that come with the title.

Retiree Duncan, who has over 40 years' experience in the maritime industry, says he owes his career to local man Roy Ritchie, who gave him his first job with his ferry firm straight after school.

Duncan, from Gourock, told the Tele: "I have known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be a sea captain.

"I spent a lot of time on ships with my father and would watch the passenger boats and cruise ships when I was younger.

"The sea is almost in my blood - I was fortunate enough to learn my craft from my father and then I was also a Ritchie boy, working in my teens.

"I went onto the Glasgow Nautical College and worked my way up and was in charge of ships by the time I was 26-year-old.

"On some vessels, I was captain but also the youngest person on board."

Duncan's seagoing career, which started with the Bank Line and has been mainly spent with Swire and the China Navigation Company, has taken him across the world.

For 30 years he was mainly shore-based in senior management positions in West Africa, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore.

He said: "I have had a very interesting life full of adventure and have had truly unforgettable experiences.

"To be honoured as a Freeman of the City of London is something I am very proud of.

"Since retiring I've spent my time in various trustee roles and using my experience to mentor and to give back to others.

"For anyone considering a seagoing career, it's a fantastic line of work.

"My advice would be to pick an area to focus on and to work hard - it's an excellent profession."

Duncan, who has a son, Ross - met his fiancée whilst both were working in Singapore - has been involved with a number of industry-related organisations such as the working group for Maritime Labour Standards.

He was also appointed to the High Court in Hong Kong as nautical assessor.

Now he is set to focus his efforts on renovating the iconic Cloch Lighthouse.

Duncan said: "I acquired the Keeper's House in 1985 when I was studying for my Master’s certificate at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

"I made a passing comment with friends that it would be a great place to live and word travelled from my friend to her mum, who passed it on to someone who was working at the Clyde Port Authority.

"I purchased the remaining land in 1996 where the distinctive lighthouse tower stands after the government privatised the sector.

"It was really the right place at the right time, but I feel incredibly fortunate to own something so special here in Gourock."