It’s a gorgeous place to work – it’s the best office location I’ve ever had

It’s a gorgeous place to work – it’s the best office location I’ve ever had

8 March 2023

A DOWNPATRICK woman has made history by becoming the first female skipper on the Strangford ferry.

Lorraine McLean (40) has been a crew member on the ferry for the last four years and has spent the last two years carrying out the intensive training required to obtain her skipper’s ticket.

The mother-of-two and former marine biology PHD student is the first female senior purser of the ferry, which sails daily between Portaferry and Strangford, in over 50 years.

Lorraine formally qualified for the position last June following extensive training involving a two-hour test and boat handling exam.

Lorraine said she was “very proud” to have been offered the position. “It is wonderful. The little ones are very proud,” she remarked.

Lorraine admitted that her first time steering the ferry on her own was “a little bit nerve-wracking”, but she became more confident and settled into the role with ease after a few crossings.

“It was just about having the confidence to take it across,” she said. “I absolutely love that I do it now. I’ve had lots of different jobs. I love this job.

“It was a complete change of career. I really enjoy working here. The craic is good on the boat, the scenery is gorgeous here and I love seeing the sun rise ion the morning. 

“It’s a gorgeous place to work. It’s the best office location I’ve ever had.”

Lorraine is very well thought of by all the crew and, with her fun outlook on life, she is a big hit with commuters who make the daily journey.