Calmac ship becomes floating gallery
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is once again turning one of its major ships into a floating art gallery


Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is once again turning one of its major ships into a floating art gallery, teaming up with Jolomo, Scotland’s most successful artist John Lowrie Morrison, in conjunction with Kranenburg Fine Art of Oban.

This year to celebrate the sixth occasion the Company has undertaken the hugely successful visual and musical cruise to Colonsay, the event is entitled ‘Iona – Cradle of Christianity’ (Eilean Ì – Creathail na Crìosdaidheachd), featuring paintings specially prepared by the artist.

The opening night of the Celebration will provide the opportunity to cruise, dine and view the exhibition while the MV “Isle of Mull” cruises between Oban and Colonsay (departing Oban 1700, arrival in Oban due at 2155). The exhibition will be opened by Brigadier John MacFarlane and guests will be entertained in the Oban Terminal by Oban High School pipers.

JoLomo said: “This is not just about exhibiting and selling paintings but a great night out and contributing to the funds of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. In this year of Highland Culture, given the importance of Iona to the history of Scotland and the links with Christianity and Ireland, it is singularly appropriate that we develop the connection between CalMac and one of the islands it serves. I am delighted to be able to do that through my own work and involvement.”

Tickets are available for a private viewing, dinner and also the cruise itself, for those who wish to remain on board throughout the round trip.

John, who signs his work ‘Jolomo’, will donate a significant percentage of the proceeds of his sales, as will CalMac and Kranenburg Fine Art, to The Princess Royal Trust North Argyll Carers Centre, and will also auction one of his paintings during the cruise in aid of the Trust.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity to buy paintings, many of them depicting views which can normally be seen as the boat sails between Oban and Colonsay. Musical entertainment will also be provided and it is anticipated once again that demand will be high. Susan Paterson, CalMac’s Marketing Manager said: “The Jolomo cruise has become one of the “must do” events of May and CalMac is delighted to be collaborating with the artist once again. People have regularly come from all over the world to join us on this unique trip and I am sure that once again the artist will do us all proud”.

Tickets for the private viewing and dinner cruise to Colonsay on the opening evening of the exhibition on Friday 11 May 2007 are available from Caledonian MacBrayne on 01475 650308, priced £40. The non-landing cruise to Colonsay (without dinner and private viewing) costs £16.50.

Thereafter, MV Isle of Mull will follow her normal schedule between Oban and Craignure. Tickets for the rest of the weekend are available from CalMac’s Oban office and the artist’s work may be viewed from Saturday onwards at the special non-landing ticket price of £5. This ticket is only available on scheduled sailings between Oban and Craignure from Saturday to Sunday 12-13 May inclusive. The exhibition will then transfer to CalMac’s Oban Terminal until 12 June. Entry to the exhibition in the Terminal is free.