Blue Star Logbook

Captain Charles Ian MacKIllop ~ 3rd December 1937 - 25th January 2013



It is with deep regret to advise that Captain Ian MacKillop passed away peacefully at home on the 25th January 2013 after a long fight with cancer.
Capt. Ian MacKillop was a Master in Blue Star Line for many years and will be fondly remembered by all that had the privilege of sailing with him or knowing him. Of a kindly disposition and an overriding sense of humour which always made it a joy to be in his company. Whatever the circumstances he always had a positive view on life, which even during his recent illness shone through.
The son of a Yacht Master of pre-war sailing yachts he was introduced to the sea at an early age. He and Barbara moved to Spean Bridge and more recently to Fort Augustus, Scotland.
In recent years Ian was the Secretary of the Vestey Group Shipping Association, successfully organising the reunion luncheons in Liverpool and London.
Sincere condolences are offered to Barbara and all the family. He will be dearly missed.

A moving memorial service was held on Wednesday 30th. January 2013 at Fort Augustus Parish Church, Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire.
The church was full to the doors with family and friends who held him in such high esteem.
Some of those attending included:
Mr. Mike Barber, Mr. Fraser Darrah, Captain & Mrs. Peter Hutchinson, Mr. & Mrs. Murdo Mackenzie, Mr. Calum MacLeod, Captain John Suddes, Mr. & Mrs. John Taylor and Mr. Robin Vestey

May he rest in peace from his travails.

I sailed with Capt MacKillop a couple of times, indeed I think it was his children (who were on board during a European Coast run in '75) from whom I caught measles (Painful! 2 weeks in hospital in Liverpool!).

I remember him as a big man in every way. I was a lowly gadget but he acknowledged my existence and was always pleasant. Recently, I had a couple of email conversations with him as we sorted out his Logbook password, and nothing had changed; he showed patience and was always gracious. Strangely, even though I sailed under him something like 40 years ago, I found during the recent conversations I could not refer to him as anything other than "Capt MacKillop", the respect he engendered reached out over the years. He was one of nature's Gentlemen and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of sailing with him.

Jim Blake

a GENTLEMAN amongest Gentle men.(One of the few,Don was the other) Sailed with him on HALIFAX & MONTREAL(Mate)

Captain Charles Ian Mackillop

I first met Ian MacKillop in April 1967 when he was Chief Officer on the Newcastle Star. The “Old Man” was Captain John G King and the Chief Engineer was Gavin Henderson. It would be hard to find a better team at the top.

On our next voyage Barbara joined Ian and I got to know her also. She was full of fun and always kind. Ever since then we’ve kept in touch. They lived in Australia for a while and when they moved back to the Highlands we met again. Since retiring, Ian and Barbara have been regular visitors to Lewis and Harris. Ian’s father was a Harris man – Captain Donald Mackillop who was a veteran of two World Wars.

Ian treated everyone with respect and never offended anyone. He had a sharp wit and was always a pleasure to be around. We enjoyed having Ian and Barbara visit us in Lewis and spent hours reminiscing about our time at sea. We also enjoyed our short fishing trips out of Carloway.

He was a real gentleman - we shall surely miss him. Our sincere sympathy goes to Barbara and the family at this sad time.

A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an’ a’ that;
But an honest man’s abon his might,
Gude faith, he maunna fa’ that!
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
Their dignities an’ a’ that;
The pith o’ sense, an’ pride o’ worth,
Are higher rank than a’ that.
Robert Burns

Calum, Anna Mary and family, Carloway, Isle of Lewis

I did my honeymoon trip on Scottish Star with Capt. MacKillop and agree he was always the gentleman. I remember that, in cahoots with Georgie Leith, he contrived for my new bride to win the sweepstake bingo. He asked her what numbers she needed to win and, surprise, these were the first numbers pulled out of the hat next day! It was indeed a pleasure to sail with him.

I sailed with Ian on the Washington Star in1956, he was a cadet, I was a j/engineer, we shared the same table in the dining saloon, a great shipmate, good sense of humour, we met again 5 years ago at the London Reunion, very priveledged to meet him, will miss him and his stories of that trip, Colin Collier

Barbara MacKillop and family would like to thank all those that donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Nurses and Cancer Research UK.
In total £650.65 was donated in memory of Captain Ian MacKillop.