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 Ignas. 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 Iggy
Chef Iggy
We’d like to introduce you to the latest member of the Argyll Cruising family, Chef Ignas (Iggy) who joins us for our 2021 season.
We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Iggy aboard Splendour and we’re sure you’re going to be bowled over by the dishes coming out of the galley.
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!
Where to begin? Such a delightful week! If you’re a guest reading this at the outset, you’re in for a real treat. Mike works nothing short of magic in that little galley, producing delicacy after delicacy – A true feast and Iain’s expert knowledge of this boat, the area , its history, the islands – Spectacular walks, sights and company! Can’t wait to come back next year.
Ginny
A fantastic trip which hugely exceeded our expectations. Wonderful food and locations, but even more memorable will be Iain and Chef’s warmth and friendliness – a real pleasure to meet you both.
Pat & Judith | Magic of Mull | July 2018
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
We feel so privileged to have spent time with Iain on the wonderful Splendour. Excellent service and food. Lovely cruising with our new found friends. Thank you for a lovely holiday.
Barbara & Brian | Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | May 2018
A marvellous experience, superb cuisine & fellowship. An excellent birthday present.
Stewart & Christel | Kyles and the Isles | April 2018