Week 3: Scallywags, Ship turning and visits from all over!

Hi there,

Lots of work was accomplished on good ol Hector this week! Monday’s turning was successful and gives a different look to the harbour when you're coming in off the Causeway.

We've been busy ripping up the old deck from the bow to the forward hatch so we can replace it with the new wood that arrived last week. 

The windlass has been primed and is ready to be painted, soon it will be brought back aboard! Also the topmasts and yards are back on site!! We'll be working on those in the coming weeks.

Wednesday we had our first unexpected bus which means the season has truly begun. We have begun what is called the "Clan of the Day", where daily a clan is picked and there are a number of prizes that may be offered, from magnets and bookmarks to free admission. 

This week we saw guests from 7 different provinces, 4 different states, Scotland and also Switzerland. We also started swabbing the deck daily (which, for those who aren’t sure, essentially means mopping the deck with salt water) this helps to keep the deck from rotting. 

Come see the scallywags swabbing the deck!

Week two: Travellers, Writers, Gaelic Classes and a Wooden Piper!

This week we welcomed the grade 11 Gaelic class from Citadel High School to the site. Later that day we were visited by Sian Lloyd and her husband Jonathan James. Lloyd is a travel writer for the Daily Mail’s, the "Mail on Sunday" paper and the Huffington Post. And to cap off the week, Scottish Sun writer Barry Graham and his wife Una Graham came for a visit and a guided tour. There was lots of activity and it's only the start of what's shaping up to be a great season!

A wooden piper approximately 6’5.5 in height has made his home inside the Quay. He was purchased off of Kijiji and has been a great addition to the crew! This piper was based off of a man who lived in Pictou County -- we’re conducting some background checks to make sure he is fit to volunteer here and once I get the inside story I will let you all know as well.

On Monday we turned Ship Hector around so the bow is facing Caladh Avenue. This is done for a number of reasons; firstly if the sun is only ever hitting one side it is very hard on the paint on that side and along with that, the side not receiving sunlight gets very damp and mildew starts causing problems.

The wood for the planking of the ship has arrived! As well as the rope for the lanyards which is black and made to look as though it is tarred. In the coming weeks you'll notice the progress as this begins to be replaced.

The holes have been drilled into the windlass and so we are working on painting it up and getting it ready to be brought back aboard. The pin board has been painted and is in the carving/rigging shop if you’re in and want to take a look.

The wood for the Samson Post is now in the yard and must be tapered and formed before it can be placed back on the ship.

One final note, Clan of the Days are now taking place down at the Quay. So, keep an eye on the Facebook and Twitter pages for your clan! On your clan day you receive one free admission per group and depending on the day you may receive some other clan merchandise.

The Twitter can be found at: https://twitter.com/Ship_Hector_HHQ
The Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiphector

Give a like or follow for more ways to stay up to date!

Cheers,
Ashley

Welcome Aboard for the 2014 Season at the Quay!

This blog will be updated regularly as a means of keeping everyone near and far updated on what is happening with the Ship Hector, the first direct voyage carrying Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia which just so happened to land in Pictou!

Whether you are an intrigued tourist, curious local, or have randomly happened upon this page. The Hector Heritage Quay has something for you this summer. We have a blacksmith shop, a highly active carpentry shop and we even have a carving and rigging shop where you may spot our carver, working on some of the pieces for the ship!

I'm not sure if you are aware but last summer we removed all of the rigging for maintenance that must be kept up. So it is our mission this summer to restore Hector to his fullest glory.

The first part of the masts have already been stepped and there are many many activities going on to ensure Ship Hector will be here for a long time yet. It's a great summer to come visit an active shipyard!

Just ask Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who stopped by before the season opened!

Or if you are from the United States you could ask the American Ambassador Bruce Heyman who also stopped in on opening week!

It's going to be an exciting season at the Quay be sure to follow along!