Your crew will provide everything you need for an unforgettable cruise adventure. There are two crew members on board each cruise; Skipper Ted and Chef Iggy. Supporting them shore side are Teds sister Claire and former Skipper Iain.
Skipper Iain
Skipper Iain
Skipper and owner Iain Duncan was born and brought up in Stonefield Castle Hotel, near Tarbert, Loch Fyne, one of the highlights of our cruises.
Spending his formative years fishing hill and sea lochs with his father and brother Stuart instilled in Iain a love of wild places and nature.
His working life has included salmon farming in Loch Fyne, forestry throughout Cowal and 10 years with The Majestic Line as an engineer then skipper.
Nothing is too much trouble for Iain when it comes to the needs, comfort and safety of his passengers. He will always consider the weather conditions and sea state when planning the next leg of the cruise and keep passengers informed all the way.
One of the pleasures of the Argyll Islands and sea lochs is the diversity of wildlife. Iain is an expert at spotting species and very knowledgeable about the environment. He is also an authority on the history and heritage of Argyll; guests are provided with the best information and advice to get a personal discovery of the cruising area.
Chef Iggy
Chef Iggy
With great delight we can announce that chef Iggy as agreed to rejoin us for a second Season on splendour, Chef Ignas (Iggy) who originally came aboard in the 2021 season and wowed guests with his food.
Iggy is passionate about food and shares our love of provenance, quality and using local produce, especially from the west coast’s natural larder. Using the freshest ingredients, in season has always been a highlight of our cruises, and Iggy’s love of barbequing ticks all the boxes for us! We can’t wait for you to try barbecued line caught fish, fresh seafood and vegetables as you sit out, enjoying the glorious scenery, at Splendour’s on-deck dinning table.
Iggy moved to Scotland from his home in Lithuania seven years ago. Since then he has worked in restaurants on the Isle of Skye, Fort William Kinlochleven, Glasgow and Edinburgh. He has a love for Italian food and has over a decade of experience and training in Italian cuisine.
If you have any dietary requirements please let us know and Chef Iggy will prepare something special, just for you. Nothing is too much trouble, we want everyone to feel special while you holiday with us.
And while we pride ourselves on turning every mealtime into a special occasion, we just have to add Iggy’s in-between treats which include boat-made cookies, cakes and tablet (our favourite), be warned these can become addictive!
Its hard to find the words… The boat, the sea, the skipper and cook, the food – all worked perfectly for me (alone). Iain even laid on a day’s storm / magnificent seas, the boat (and skipper) coping superbly / and then for the other passengers (a convivial and learned ornithologist from USA) relatively calm seas and, as they say ‘a prosperous voyage’. Well done Iain and Michael.
Geoff. S
Our first trip but definitely not our last – what an adventure! Untouchable scenery & food & very well looked after. So many fantastic memories. Thank you so much.
Penny & David | Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll | May 2018
One of the best trips of my life! The birds, seals, whales and dolphins, even the jellyfish are in my heart. Many many thanks to you Iain and your extended family. All the best Thank you.
Barbary | Hebridean Odyssey | June 2018
Another fabulous cruise – achieved our dream of going to St Kilda and the Hebrides. Everything was perfect as always, even the weather! A big thank you!
Alister & Elizabeth | Hebrides and St Kilda | June 2018
Beautiful days, wonderful company and hosts – thank you for the complete treat. We were spoiled.
Isabelle | Private Charter | May 2018