Produced from rare archive library of film and materials West Highland Steamer Memories provides a fascinating comprehensive review of the red and black funnelled ships of the David MacBrayne Steamer fleet which covered the Western Isles and the River Clyde. Includes fabulous unique shots of the famous paddle steamer "Columba" and the many other early ships of the fleet. By the year 1850 Messrs. G &J Burns owned and managed a massive shipping empire that encompassed the Glasgow - Belfast and Liverpool routes. They were the power behind the great Cunard company and another - the more lucrative West Highland Services. On the 13th February 1851 they handed over their West Highland Services to David Hutcheson and his brother Alexander. David Hutcheson retired in 1876 followed by his brother in 1878 leaving David MacBrayne the sole owner of a famous fleet. ?MacBrayne? a name which was to become synonymous with the Scottish Highlands and Islands for almost a 100 years. R/T 88mins