THE VOYAGE OF THE HIGHLAND LASS
By Alexander Mackay

She was built by the late Neil McGregor, at the shipyards near the entrance of the Baddeck River, for the late Duncan and Murdoch McKenzie [know as The Prince and The Captain], at that time ship-owners and store-keepers of Baddeck. She might well be called a sister ship to the Margaret. The two vessels were on the stocks at the same time. They were built by the same builder, for the same purpose. Neil McGregor had left the Margaret, when planked, in charge of his brother Roderick McGregor, to build the Highland Lass.

She was expected to sail about Christmas, 1851, but was ice-bound until the next spring. She sailed from Big Harbour, Bras d'Or, on May 17th, 1852¹ , and arrived at Adelaide on October 6th, 1852. Her passengers and crew numbered 136.

Captain Jordan, of Halifax, commanded her until the Cape of Good Hope was reached, when he was discharged and returned home. Captain Murdoch McKenzie took charge (Captain Duncan McKenzie was a passenger).

Running down the channel between Boularderie Island and the mainland, no doubt to show off his trim little brig, Captain Jordan set all sail, including studding sails. The wind was faira and all went well till near the end of the island. Here she suddenly met a head wind and, being awkward to handle with so much sail, she grounded and had to remain there until the flood tide lifted her off. She, however, got away before evening.

Two very sad incidents have been recorded. When we were out about five weeks, our apprentice, Colin Simpson, a fine young man from Sydney Mines [Nova Scotia], was lost overboard. Nobody knew what became of him.

The other incident was the death of Mrs Hector McKenzie, one of our finest women, a few days before our arrival at Simon's Town, Cape of Good Hope. She was buried in the Presbyterien cemetery, Simon's Town, where a stone marks her resting place.

The brig was about Simon's Town about three weeks and all felt refreshed and ready to go the remainder of the distance to Adelaide. Before our arrival there was a good deal of sickness on board but all got ashore alive and soon forgot their little troubles. They bade a reluctant farewell to the little brig that carried them so far in safety.

The owners of the Highland Lass,a fter e few weeks very profitable trips in the inter-colonial trade, sold her. (They did not bring her to New Zealand)....................................

Of the Highland Lass people, 19 remained in Adelaide and 90, with 33 Margaret people, came to Auckland by the schooner Gazelle², owned by the McKenzie brothers, formerly owners of the Highland Lass.

They left Adelaide on September 2nd and arived at Auckland on September 18th, 1853.

The Commander was captain Murdoch McKenzie, the Chief Officer was John Jacob, and the Second Officer was John McDonald (known at Waipu as The Mate).

¹The passengers were on board the Highland Lass when she was caught in the ice. They had to go ashore for the winter. Some stayed with friends and others returned to their old homes. Mrs Anderson.....(daughter of Captain Duncan McKenzie), remembers the great preparations for the voyage and the keen disappointment caused by the delay

²They brought the Gazelle in Australia and set her up for passengers.