On May 25th 1986 myself and two mates were on board the legendary Good Shepherd III, on our way back to Sumburgh from a week on Fair Isle and looking forward to 10 days on Shetland. By lucky chance this was also the last scheduled sailing of Good Shepherd III which was about to be replaced by Good Shepherd IV.
We met Good Shepherd IV half way back and the two boats circled around each other with the crews in celebratory mood, before we continued on our way. Almost as if they were escorting us back, 3 white-beaked dolphins rode the bow of Good Shepherd III. Still the only white-beaked dolphins I've ever seen for sure.
Good Shepherd III, pictured here at Sumburgh, had legendary status due to the rough seas on the 2.5 hour journey. It was a converted fishing boat not really designed to carry passengers. Good Shepherd IV is luxury in comparison. At the time of writing (24/07/2025) GS IV is still operating, though I have heard that it is soon to be replaced by Good Shepherd V.
White-beaked dolphin riding the bow of Good shepherd III. This was my first experience of this behaviour and
probably the thing that got me hooked on cetaceans.
After Fair Isle we spent two weeks on Shetland where one of the highlights was
the long staying black-browed albatross in the gannet colony at Herma Ness on
Unst.
Me and Jon at Herma Ness, with Muckle Flugga lighthouse behind.
