Early Maritime Role
Before regular Sunday ferry services connected Oban to the Isle of Mull, Henrietta Spencer, known locally as Granny Spencer, kept the islands connected. In the mid-20th century, she operated a small fleet of vessels, including the Island Queen, carrying both passengers and newspapers across the waters.
The Galanach to Grasspoint Route
Henrietta Spencer ran the short but vital route between Galanach, near Oban, and Grasspoint on Mull. The crossing, the narrowest between the mainland and the island, had long served small boats. Every Sunday, she carried newspapers and passengers when no official ferry operated.
Records for her later vessel, Island Lass, show that she delivered Sunday newspapers to Grasspoint, earning the nickname “the paper boat.” Locals also remember her as the only link to the mainland during seamen’s strikes, highlighting how crucial her service was to island life.
First Woman Pilot at Oban
On a Wednesday morning in December 1945, the timber ship Greta of Stockholm, about 5,000 tons, arrived at Oban Harbour after being storm-stayed at Tobermory. Heavily loaded with timber, it came alongside the Railway Pier to replenish its coal bunkers.
With the harbour master, Mr Colin Cowan, absent, Henrietta Spencer piloted the ship into the bay herself. The Oban Times reported that she became the first woman pilot at the port, a landmark in local maritime history that recognized her skill and deep knowledge of the harbour.
Cable-Laying at Cuan Sound
In 1955, the cable ship Alert arrived to lay the first submarine telegraph cable at Cuan Sound, a channel famous for whirlpools and rapids. The Oban Times reported that the engineers needed someone who knew the waters. Henrietta Spencer transported them 20 miles to the site and advised them on local conditions. With her guidance, the engineers successfully laid the cable.
Delivery of Island Lass
The Sunday Post reported on June 18, 1967, that 69-year-old Henrietta Spencer had just received her new vessel, Island Lass. The 45-foot boat could carry more than 70 passengers and was skippered by her 43-year-old son-in-law, Donald McQueen. The article also praised her work during the previous year’s seamen’s strike, when she delivered vital food and supplies to the island communities.
Passenger and Tourist Services
Beyond her Sunday ferry duties, Henrietta ran passenger and sightseeing trips from Oban. Her boats, including the Island Queen and later the Island Lass, offered Seal Island excursions and local harbour tours. She also served as an official port pilot, safely ferrying locals and visitors across the Sound of Kerrera and guiding visiting vessels.
Community Memory
Henrietta Spencer is remembered as a woman of true grit, operating her vessels with remarkable skill and independence. She worked alongside her family, including her daughter, Mrs MacQueen, who helped with operations. Local memories recall her kindness, her reliability, and her enduring presence around the Oban waterfront.
Historical Significance
Through both community recollections and verified newspaper archives, Henrietta Spencer’s story emerges as an important part of West Highland maritime history. She bridged the gap between the mainland and Mull at a time when few others could, and her role as the first woman pilot at Oban stands as a testament to her ability, courage, and determination.
