Name Noup Head

NOUP HEAD was built as a Harbour Service Launch. Although the builder is not known, the build date is estimated as 1908.  The hull is copper sheathed, double diagonal teak with a riveted galvanized plate casing above the solid teak deck, with an oak transom and bulwarks. Originally steam but converted to diesel probably for WW2 when a forward helm was also fitted.  Now has a Leyland 500 diesel engine.

The vessel was believed to have been sold off after the Second World War from Leith and came to Orkney in the late 1950s. She was operated as a private ferry/ambulance boat for the north isles in Orkney until the mid-1960s and then privately operated, sometimes taking coal from Westray to Papa Westray. 

NOUP HEAD then fell into disuse and was about to be scrapped when acquired by her present owners in 1986. Since then, a program of conservation has carried on over the years involving replacement of the full-length keel, installation of a new engine, gearbox and wheelhouse. The helm has been moved aft and lowered to enable a new lower wheelhouse.

As of 2023, the current owners continuously operate and maintain NOUP HEAD. The copper sheathing is continually repaired, and the oak fixtures have been replaced due to rot, with an opepe transom and seasoned oak and opepe bulwarks. The teak deck is being refixed into place and recaulked with oakham and pitch. The steel casing is mostly in good condition, with sections of it replaced as necessary, and new bronze portholes have been installed. At the same time, changes have been implemented to allow for her active use nowadays, but for the most part she remains largely original.