NorthLink captain wins medal for meritorious service

NorthLink Ferries’ Captain Stuart McCallum has been honoured with a Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

Captain McCallum is the only Scottish recipient to receive the prestigious accolade, announced yesterday, from the UK Government’s Department of Transport for his long-standing service to the Merchant Navy and maritime industry. A total of 13 recipients received the new state award this year.

Originally from Glenluce in Wigtownshire, Captain McCallum is now located in Aberdeen where he is marine manager with NorthLink Ferries.

He will receive the award at an official ceremony later in the year.

Captain McCallum said: “I’m extremely honoured to receive such a prestigious national accolade. To be recognised for my long standing commitment to the maritime industry is a proud moment.

“I feel privileged to have supported this important industry throughout my career and look forward to continuing my maritime service between Scotland’s mainland and the Northern Isles with NorthLink Ferries.”

Serco NorthLink Ferries managing director Stuart Garrett said: “Stuart is an example to all aspiring seafarers as to what can be achieved through diligent and professional conduct in every aspect of his service to the Merchant Navy. It’s with great pride and delight that his colleagues at NorthLink Ferries celebrate his medal award with him.

“Stuart is a trusted pair of hands who takes great care in his work and we are lucky to have him on the team. The enthusiasm that Stuart shares for his chosen career with cadets and new entrants to the industry is commendable, and his encouragement and support has helped many a junior officer and rating achieve their full potential.”

Shipping Minister John Hayes announced the first recipients of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service yesterday (Friday).

This new state award is being awarded to those who are serving or have served in the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets of the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands for exemplary service and devotion to duty, rewarding those who have set an outstanding example to others.

Recipients of the medal in this first year have received the award for a range of meritorious service including: providing operational achievement through leadership, management and sensitivity in a migrant rescue in the Mediterranean in 2015; dedication to seafarer training and removing barriers for those entering the industry; devotion to welfare work and fundraising support to maritime charities and young seafarers.

Mr Hayes said: “I am delighted to announce the deserving recipients of this award. Merchant Navy seafarers and those serving in the fishing fleets provide a tremendous service to our island nation and it is only right that they are recognised for the vital role they play, often in difficult and dangerous conditions.

“Coinciding with Merchant Navy Day (3^rd September), it provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of our brave seafarers of the past and to show our appreciation for British shipping today and in the future.”

Nominations for the 2017 awards of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service are now open and further information on how to submit nominations can be found here.