Nova Scotia is known for its maritime tradition, most famously exemplified by the Bluenose, the 1921 racing schooner that is on every license plate, souvenir, and mural in the province. Across the dock from her replica is the Picton Castle, a tall ship that has completed seven circumnavigations with amateur crews, training as they go. But head a little farther, say across the peninsula, and you’ll find the home of yet another historic tall ship—Hector.
Hector is a replica of the first ship to bring Scottish immigrants to the shores of Nova Scotia. In recent years an extensive refit effort has been underway to improve the boat and keep local history alive.
The original crew set out from Scotland in 1773 after facing cultural persecution from the English. Only 10% of the land in Scotland was viable farmland, and in addition to freedom from tyranny, they were promised cleared fields ready for planting. They were also promised a good ship and six weeks at sea. Instead, they got Hector and 11 weeks.
Hector was a converted Dutch cargo ship not originally designed for passengers, making for an uncomfortable journey. Supposedly they were nearly to Nova Scotia when a storm blew them halfway back across the ocean. “I will admit my private fears that we were in real peril during the storm,” The captain, Spiers, wrote.
The ship arrived in terrible condition but still had cargo bound for Boston, so Spiers and the crew returned to sea, leaving the Highlander migrants to the mercy of the quickly turning seasons. Their cleared fields turned out to be uncut forests, and being from plains, they had no skills or tools for felling trees. The Mi’kmaq First Peoples were instrumental in their survival, teaching them to hunt, fish, and store food.
Still, when starvation became a desperate situation, the Highlanders raided the stores of other nearby colonists. They weighed what they took and left a receipt, repaying the goods when they were able.
In addition to being home to Hector, the Hector Heritage Quay museum shares the history of both the Highlanders and the Mi’kmaq, blending two cultures, histories, and mythologies into one story over several floors of exhibit space.
Hector was relaunched on July 12 and is awaiting final inspections before masts can be installed.
For more, visit shiphectorcampaign.com
