22/01/2026
There was an end of an era towards the end of 2025 on the Isle of Rona as Bill Cowie's tenure as Island Manager drew to a close after an incredible 23 years in October. Bill, along with his wife Lorraine, were the last two remaining residents of Rona, which was evacuated in 1943 and saw only lighthouse keepers reside on the Island until the majority of the Island was bought privately in 1991.
Our Director Dan’s family have been associated for over 70 years with the Island, and we were delighted to aid Bill and Lorraine in their move over the sea to Skye.
The Corrigall family have been associated with the island since the mid-1950s, first through the late Tommy and Alfie Corrigall.
On their fishing boats MV Boy Andrew, MV Virgin, MV Iris and the MV Iris II, Tommy and Alfie for decades assisted several times in the moving of livestock, fodder, fuel for the lighthouse, supplies for the navy base and changes of lighthouse keepers.
Bill left the island for the final time as Manager on board Tommy’s son Dan’s boat, Stardust II, accompanied by his cousin Tommy, Alfie’s son.
Through Stardust Boat Trips, Dan and Tommy, along with the business’ other skippers will continue to preserve this strong family tie with the island by acting as a service ferry and occasional supply boat, assisting the new Island Manager, Steve Betteridge, in his running of the island.
Soraidh slàn, Bill agus Lorraine!
