New faces at the helm for Stornoway harbour
28 April 2025
Stornoway Port has announced a changing of the guard, as harbourmaster Alasdair Smith
retires following a distinguished career in the maritime sector.
Alasdair, who became harbourmaster in 2022, has retired following eight years at
the port authority.
He first joined in 2017 as berthing master and marine pilot, bringing with him over
four decades of maritime experience. His career spanned subsea construction, offshore
wind farm development, and a wide variety of other industries over the last 45 years.
Alasdair Smith took a sabbatical in 2019 to serve as master of research ship DSSV
Pressure Drop during the landmark Five Deeps Expedition.
This project successfully identified the deepest points of each of the world's five
oceans and achieved the first manned submersible descents to those depths.
As her steps back from day-to-day operations, the port authority has confirmed the
appointment of Martin Graham as the new harbourmaster.
Martin, who is from the Westside of Lewis, assumed the role at the beginning of April,
bringing with him a wealth of operational expertise through previous positions at
Gulfmark UK in the oil and gas industry and latterly on service operation vessels
working for Edda Wind in the offshore wind industry. He initially joined Stornoway
Port last May as assistant harbourmaster.
Meanwhile, Chris Macdonald - who originally hails from Lochs, Lewis - has also been
appointed as new assistant harbourmaster, strengthening the leadership team at a
time of continued growth and ambition for the port. Chris enjoyed 20 years at sea,
five of which were on container vessels and bulk carriers and the last 15 years with
Tidewater Marine on a variety of offshore support vessels in the North Sea and worldwide.
Alex Macleod, chief executive at Stornoway Port said: "I wish Alasdair all the very
best in his retirement. His leadership, professionalism and knowledge have been invaluable
to both Stornoway Port and to me personally throughout his entire time here.
“As we thank him for his service, we also look ahead to this new chapter under Martin
Graham’s stewardship, at a time of great growth and excitement for the port - particularly
as we continue to bring key infrastructure projects like the deep water terminal
into full operation."
Alasdair Smith (centre) flanked by Martin Graham and Chris Macdonald
