Your crew will provide everything you need for an unforgettable cruise adventure. There are two crew members on board each cruise; your Skipper Iain and Chef Carleton. They are supported by Iain’s wife Fiona on administration and son Jamie as Shore Manager and Sales.
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 Carleton
Chef Carleton
If you’re cruising with us this year then let us introduce you to someone who will become one of your new favourite people onboard Splendour, our chef Carleton.
Returning guests may recognise Carleton as he was with us for part of our 2017 season, and we’re absolutely over the moon to have him back with us for the full 2019 season.
Carleton is energetic and charismatic and has quickly become one of the Argyll Cruising family. His culinary skills are boundless, with nothing too much trouble. A lover of local produce, Carleton is bringing the best from our natural larder with local produce starring on the menu. And, if you have a specific dietary requirement Carleton will cater just for you in a way which doesn’t make you feel different, just very special!
Not only does Carleton have a distinguished name, but he also has a career history to match having over 40 years of culinary experience. Carleton has worked all across the globe as a private chef in stately homes and for some of the biggest events in the UK. His love of the sea has seen him take the helm of galleys on some of the world’s most luxurious yachts, so we know just how lucky we are to have him onboard.
A wonderful menu is something we pride ourselves on providing on every cruise and onboard Splendour every mealtime is an occasion when you have a truly great chef in charge of the galley.
You know you’re going to have a good day when you’re on an Argyll Cruising holiday, but if you spot sticky toffee pudding on the menu then you’re in for a great day (not that we have a sweet tooth)!
Superb! Well done Iain and Mike. Weather, scenery, food, everyone onboard all excellent. A holiday and a tonic.
Sue and Geoff
We had a lovely pleasant holiday. The food on the boat was just perfect. It was so nice to be in areas that I used to know.
Janice & Hamish | Hebridean Odyssey | June 2018
We have had the most memorable few days – wonderful. Thank you so much.
The Thom Family | Family Cruise Holiday | October 2018
Yet another superb holiday in every single way! Thank you, Iain. Hoping to come for a fifth trip!
Rosemary & Frances | Villages and Gardens of South Argyll | May 2018
The perfect way to end the first leg of our honeymoon! We loved it! Skipper Iain and Chef Steve have been superb – tough we’ll curse having met Steve as we no longer have an excuse for serving-up less than perfect dishes in our small kitchen! The short cruise around these beautiful islands has been a delight – as has the company. Thank you to crew and guests – you’ve helped make the start of our married lives together so memorable! We hope to be back!!
Craig & Natalie