Cowal u3a – Claire Hallybone – Beneath the Surface, a Clyde Icon: Iona I

The Paddle steamer Iona was built on the Clyde in 1855 for David Hutcheson, and she achieved fame as a fast and well-appointed passenger steamer working up and down the Firth of Clyde. Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Clyde’, she was a favourite mode of transport with many. However, during the American Civil War, the vessel was bought by a businessman as a blockade runner, converted for this purpose, and whilst leaving the Clyde to start its first transatlantic crossing, the Iona was hit by another vessel and sank before even leaving the Clyde.

Lying in 30m of water, the Iona is a protected wreck, and although visibility is generally good, the peat layer flowing at the top of the Clyde provides for a very dark dive. Good torches and camera lighting required.

Claire Hallybone and the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS)

Claire has been a member of the NAS since 2005 and during this time has been involved in a number of projects, including the excavation of Oakbank Crannog in Loch Tay, Bouldnor Cliff Mesolithic site near the Isle of Wight, the Colossus protected shipwreck in the Scilly Isles and the survey and recording of the John Preston slate wreck in the Sound of Mull.

Claire joined the Board of Trustees in 2016 and helps co-ordinate member led projects.

Claire is a BSAC Instructor and Director of Wreckspeditions Dive Charters, where she plans expedition trips for divers to explore remote locations in the south west of Scotland.

Previously, Claire spent ten years with Thames Water, managing the company’s impact on archaeology and heritage and working on many projects on the foreshore of the River Thames.

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Membership of the Cowal u3a is open to people from Dunoon and the surrounding area, including Kilmun, Strone, Ardentinny, Strachur, St Catherines, Cairndow, Colintraive and Tighnabruaich.

However, there are no geographical limits, and they currently have over 50 members with a series of monthly events and group meetings.

There is also no age limit, but their activities generally aim at retired or semi-retired people who wish to share in recreational, creative or learning activities or just for companionship.