First look at rejuvenated 'labour of love' Ocean Mist sitting proudly in Leith Basin

The Evening News has a sneak peak on the ongoing restoration...
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

For years it has been a rat-infested eyesore, its slowly deteriorating bulk becoming an increasing embarrassment to Leith.

But now the owners of the Ocean Mist, the luxury yacht that was once the plaything of millionaires and socialites but that had been left rusting for 13 years in Leith Basin are confident their ambitious plans to restore it to its former glory are within sight of success.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alan Pendle attracted a raised eyebrow or two when he decided to restore the Ocean Mist to her former glory by converting her into a fully functioning hotel while promising to maintain the vessel’s rich history.

The Evening News has been given a look at how the restoration of Ocean Mist is coming alongThe Evening News has been given a look at how the restoration of Ocean Mist is coming along
The Evening News has been given a look at how the restoration of Ocean Mist is coming along

And, as he gave the Evening News a sneak peak on the ongoing restoration, Mr Pendle admitted it was a labour of love.

Mr Pendle said: “My wife and I have spent our life savings on her and she’s not a normal hotel so we hope that she becomes the jewel of Leith.”

The entrepreneur is no stranger to revamping ships as he was responsible for every part of the design and management of the £5m MV Fingal project. The Ocean Mist will undergo a similar transformation but retain the history which makes her so special with each cabin either named after a historical reference, former owner or naval term.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For example, a cabin on the main deck will be called King George IV owing to the fact that it overlooks the quay where the King first stepped foot in Scotland.

Alan Pendle attracted a raised eyebrow or two when he decided to restore the Ocean MistAlan Pendle attracted a raised eyebrow or two when he decided to restore the Ocean Mist
Alan Pendle attracted a raised eyebrow or two when he decided to restore the Ocean Mist

Meanwhile, there will be a cabin on the lower deck named Chain Locker, referring to the space in the forward part of the ship which contains the anchor chain when the anchor is secured for sea.

The Ocean Mist will also have a bar called the Castle View Bar owing to its spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle and a forward lounge called The Bridge after its view of the Victoria Swing Bridge.

The Ocean Mist was due to be completed in time for the Edinburgh Festival this year but the coronavirus outbreak has meant that it will be ready in early spring.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Originally named the HMS Samuel Green, the ship was built in Greenock by George Brown & Company and completed in 1919 to replace the steam trawlers which had been lost during the First world War.

There will be a cabin on the lower deck named Chain Locker, referring to the space in the forward part of the shipThere will be a cabin on the lower deck named Chain Locker, referring to the space in the forward part of the ship
There will be a cabin on the lower deck named Chain Locker, referring to the space in the forward part of the ship

In 1920, she was acquired by Kenelm Lee Guinness, a member of the brewing family and a racing driver who used the ship to ferry his cars across the sea to France and Italy.

After years of various tasks and incarnations she found her final home in Leith in 1983.

Hilary Thacker, Treasurer of the community organisation Friends of the Water of Leith Basin said: “It was teeming with rats and it had become a public health issue. Now, it’s fit to go to sea in theory.”

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director