William Young

William Young or 'Will Young',  was born in Troon on 27 December 1908. His father Hugh Young and Ellen McCappin had come to Troon from Cloughey, Co Down in the early 1890's. He was the youngest of 10 children. The family lived in the legendary 'Harbour Row' and  19 Harbour Road.

His fathers trade was a Sailmaker and he came to work at the Shipyard in Troon. Troon at this time had strong links with North East Ireland particularly Co Down. Sailmaking was rapidly on the decline and he became a labourer.

He was skipper of the Hafton, in the family business of Alexander Baillie, his brother in law.

These notes are far from complete and will be added to. He was Coxswain of the Troon lifeboat 1956-1968, and keeper of the light at the Lady Isle. The Young family have a long history of Lifesaving from the 1880's where they formed many of the crew were on the Cloughey Lifeboat. At least three other family members were on the Troon crew, 'Addie' Adam Young also from Cloughey and husband of Ellen Baillie, John McAuslane and David Young, Williams son David who served on the Lifeboat, tragically he drowned in a marine accident off South Africa.

It is not known to what extent the William Young knew of the family Cloughey Lifeboat connection. However, the arrival in Troon of  "Addie Young" and his Lifeboat connection in Cloughey, as well as Troon, must have made this known to him, if indeed he was previously unaware. Addie Young was the husband of Williams niece Ellen Baillie, daughter of Jane Young his sister. But Addie's father David John Young of Portavogie was connected to Hugh Young, Will's father.

It is claimed that "Will" was grumpy, and it has been humourously speculated that perhaps he had worms! In my experience it is more likely that he did not suffer fools. It is also likely that as a Lifeboatman he did not relish the development of the Troon Marina which would encourage folk with little seamanship skills to take to the water, there by requiring the Lifeboat to come and rescue them. Similarly this Marina development happened at a time when ordinary local folk were being priced out of mooring their working vessels in the harbour by wealthier incomers who used the facilities for pleasure. He had a very "sweet tooth" and 6 or more sugars in his tea were normal. He also liked his boiled sweets supplied every week by his wife 'Bell'.

From 1935-1965 he worked at West of Scotland Shipbreaking Company along with his two brothers, Robert and Tommy.  Will and Tommy allegedly fought although Robert somewhat older was quite placid.

Will also looked after Willy Swords Speedboat.

He used to take folk trips over to the Lady Isle. He serviced the light every three or four days.

Williams Lifeboat retirement came at a time when a fundemental change was taking place in Lifeboat practice. Prestwick Airport was at that time the principal airport in Scotland. Transatlantic Airliners were using Prestwick as a refuelling stop. The forthcoming introduction of Boeing 747 jets meant that in an emergency the existing Lifeboat was not suitable. The new generation Lifeboat required a different type of expertise from the crew.

Will is reported to have said that he learned all he knew about boats from his brother Robert. Certainly his older brother Robert had gained considerable experience on the paddle Tug "Troon" and also during World War 1 on Mine Sweepers. No doubt it was during Alexander Baillies Puffer period that Robert passed on his knowledge particularly in navigation to Will. However, the whole Young family were involved with the sea and had descended from a long line of seafaring families. His skill was partly due to this acquired knowledge and his own unique ability.