A Campbeltown Grammar School (CGS) graduate who is now operations director of a major global shipping company is inspiring future generations of sailors at the school.
On Thursday December 7, alumnus James Thomson of Seapeak, one of the world’s largest owner-operators of liquefied gas vessels, with ownership interests in more than 90 vessels and a regasification terminal, returned to CGS to present internationally-recognised RYA sailing certificates to 23 current pupils.
Mr Thomson also announced Seapeak’s support of Kintyre Seasports’ partnership with CGS through a £5,000 donation to help secure continuity of their sailing training programme, which creates opportunities for young people and inspires them to get an early start in a maritime career.
“Seapeak is delighted to fund this grant as part of our corporate social responsibility commitment,” said Mr Thomson, director of the company’s liquefied natural gas operations.
“The connection with the sea and sailing is obviously important to us, as many of our employees have built successful careers at sea and actively engage with young people to highlight opportunities in the maritime sector.
“Through Kintyre Seasports, we can support youngsters to get that first opportunity; a chance to experience first-hand the teamwork, leadership and discipline required to sail, but also to understand the potential longer-term benefits to their health and wellbeing.
“They can build interchangeable skills for the future and I know only too well, there is no better place to do that than within the spectacular natural resources of Campbeltown and the surrounding area.”
Aside from vessel operations, Seapeak’s Glasgow office, which serves as its operations hub, boasts a training centre, with state-of-the-art simulator, where the company provides in-house training for officers.
Seapeak also has a successful UK-based cadet programme and continues to have British officers serving onboard fleet vessels.
At CGS, Mr Thomson spoke to students about his experiences as a young sailor.
“There are opportunities out there for young people,” he said. “We have a responsibility to showcase them and make sure the support mechanisms, such as Kintyre Seasports, remain funded and able to thrive.”
Kintyre Seasports chairperson Campbell Fox said: “In only the second year of the Kintyre Seasports sailing instructor programme, we have trained 36 CGS pupils, awarded internationally-recognised RYA sailing certificates to 30 of the trainees and qualified two assistant instructors.
“Every participant has an opportunity to make a career in the maritime industry, irrespective of academic attainment.”
He added: “It was a privilege to see an ex-CGS pupil with a major role in global shipping operations present the certificates and emphasise the opportunities available for trainees.
“Thanks to Seapeak, local business sponsors and the John Mather Trust, we are seeking an additional senior instructor to develop the programme next year, and our appreciation is due to Campbeltown Sailing Club, whose ongoing support is invaluable.”
CGS head teacher Kirsty Donnelly described the school’s partnership with Kintyre Seasports as achieving “extraordinary results” in a very short time.
“With additional resources, there is potential to train 50 pupils per annum, with progressive development for each trainee leading to pathways as sailing instructors, yachtmasters, powerboat drivers and engineers,” she added.
“On top of the education and employability benefits, the participants really enjoy the experience, adding greatly to the attraction of the programme.
Jenni Minto MSP, who met with Kintyre Seasports representatives during a recent visit to Campbeltown, said: “It is great to see what has already been achieved in such a short period of time with Kintyre Seasports and CGS.
“I look forward to seeing what comes next and congratulate everyone involved, especially those who have been awarded sailing certificates.”