Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is once again turning one of its major ships into a floating art gallery, teaming up with JoLomo, Scotland’s most successful  artist John Lowrie Morrison, in conjunction with  Kranenburg + Fowler Fine Art of Oban.

This year, the fourth occasion the company has undertaken the hugely successful visual and musical cruise to Colonsay, the show is entitled ‘Oiteag fior-ghlan na h-Alba – A breath of fresh Scottish air”, featuring paintings from Jura to Colonsay.

The opening night of ‘Oiteag fior-ghlan na h-Alba’ will provide the opportunity to cruise, dine and view the exhibition while the ship cruises between Oban and Colonsay (departing Oban 1700, arrival in Oban due at 2155).  The exhibition will be opened by Jamie McGrigor MSP, a friend of the artist.

JoLomo said: “This is not just about exhibiting and selling paintings but a great night out for everyone which also contributes to the funding of the invaluable work done by local branches of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC).”

Tickets are available for a private viewing, dinner and also the cruise itself for those who wish to remain on board throughout the round trip.

John, who signs his work ‘jolomo’, will not only donate a significant percentageof the proceeds of his sales to The Princess Royal Trust South East Argyll Carers Centre, but will auction a painting during the cruise, with CalMac Historian Ian McRorie hopefully once again wielding his rubber hammer to great effect.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity to buy paintings, many of them depicting Colonsay, views which can normally be seen as the boat sails between Oban and the island. The cruise offers everyone a unique opportunity to view the paintings in the very setting in which they were created and attracts guests from all over the UK and abroad.

An additional attraction for fans of JoLomo and the cruise patrons is that CalMac will be holding a special afternoon ceilidh from 4pm in the new Oban terminal prior to boarding.  Oban-based accordionist Hector MacFadyen, who has close family connections with Colonsay, will entertain the party before boarding along with other local musicians and they will accompany guests on what promises to be a very lively evening.

Tickets for the private viewing and dinner cruise to Colonsay on the opening evening of the exhibition on Friday May 13 are available from Caledonian MacBrayne on 01 475 650 308, priced £40.  The non-landing cruise to Colonsay (without dinner and private viewing) costs £15.

Once the cruise has been completed, MV Isle of Mull will follow her normal schedule between Oban and Craignure. Tickets for the rest of the weekend are available from CalMac’s Oban office and the artist’s work may be viewed from Saturday onwards at the special non-landing ticket price of £5. This ticket is only available on scheduled sailings between Oban and Craignure from Saturday to Monday May 14-16 inclusive.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne.

Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued:  Monday, March 20, 2005: 1500