I attended Leith Nautical College from September 1981 to June 1983, and again from January to May 1984. The first period was to obtain my MRGC (Maritime Radiocommunications General Certificate), after which I spent 5 months as Radio Cadet aboard an oil tanker, the 100,000 tonne MV Vic Bilh. The second period was to obtain my Radar Maintenance Cerificate.

The college had an amateur radio club, callsign GM4AXG. As I was one of the few students licensed and insured to drive the Student Union’s Ford Transit bus, we were also able to participate in VHF contests from the excellent VHF site at Wanlockhead, near Leadhills.

Other amateurs at the college included Tony GM3RFQ, Andy GM4IPK, Peter GM6HPN, Ashley GM6HVT and Susan GM4SGB.

Leith Nautical College, Edinburgh, 1982

Peter GM6HPN and Andy GM4IPK

The Student’s Union Minibus at Wanlockhead during a 2m contest. I believe this was March 1982’s 2m Trophy Contest.