Bob Sclater

Bob Sclater was born, grew up and educated in Kirkwall Orkney. In 1956, at the age of 15, set off to sea, and spent seven years in the Merchant Navy as a deck hand sailing world-wide. He had obtained 2nd Mate, 1st Mate and master mariners foreign going certificates and sailed as an officer for a further 12 years. In 1976, Bob became a marine officer/pilot when the first North Sea Oil came ashore to the Flotta Oil Terminal in Orkney and served in this post for nine years. He got promoted to deputy and then director of harbours with Orkney Islands Council for another 12 years. In 1999, Bob became a local authority councillor for eight years and an honorary sheriff for the past 15 years. He lives in Kirkwall and is married with three grown up children – all working out with Orkney.