TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Greenock man whose sea-faring career took him all over the world.

Allan Ian MacFeate, who was affectionately known as 'the Captain', passed away peacefully at Ardgowan Hospice on September 4 at the age of 74.

Husband to Catherine, 73, and sister to Anne Terrey, Allan also leaves behind son Derek and grandchildren Freddie, 12, and Lexi, 10.

Allan and Catherine married at George Square Congregational Church in Greenock in August 1970 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just a couple of weeks before his passing.

Derek spoke to the Tele about his dad's life on the ocean waves and his everlasting love for his family.

He added: "My dad was a very warm and engaging man who loved his family.

"He adored my mum and was absolutely besotted with Freddie and Lexi.

"My dad was so well turned-out and very dapper.

"He was such a well-travelled and hugely intellectual man and someone that people loved to listen to."

Born in Dunoon but brought up in Gourock, Allan was a pupil at both Gourock High and Greenock High, before leaving to study at James Watt Nautical College.

After taking the title of top cadet at the college, he went on to work for Scottish shipping company Ben Line, where he completed his second mate, first mate and master mariner qualifications.

Allan was one of the youngest ever masters to be made captain of a fleet and was at the helm of the Ben Ocean Lancer - a self-propelled drillship which was built in Scotts shipyard - for 15 years.

He started out working on ships carrying freight and moved into vessels working in the oil industry.

By the time he was in his twenties, Allan was travelling all over the world, visiting places including the Far East, Singapore, Hong Kong, USA and Mexico, Brazil, Africa and Antarctica.

Derek added: "When he travelled, he took an interest in the places he visited and tried to educate himself on different cultures and traditions.

"When he came back from voyages, people were always so interested in finding out where he had been."

Allan continued as a mariner for many years and progressed with a whole range of interests on dry land.

He was a past master of Greenock and Kilwinning Lodge No.XII and fundraised tirelessly for charities including Children in Poverty Inverclyde.

Mr MacFeate was also a member of the Innerkip Society, Greenock Burns Club and the Cotters.

A keen sports fan - who loved that his grandchildren Lexi and Freddie are sporty - was also a member of Gourock Golf Club, Greenock Wanderers Rugby Club, Greenock Cricket Club and the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club.

Allan also played the cornet in the 3rd Gourock Boys' Brigade band - and to pay tribute to that, and to his sailing career, Will Your Anchor Hold was played at his funeral on Thursday.

The procession left from the family home on the Esplanade via the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club, the Greenock Wanderers ground at Fort Matilda and Greenock Cricket Club's Glenpark home, before heading to Greenock Crematorium.

Derek says he feels very sad that his dad will miss out on seeing Freddie and Lexi growing up but knows that his love of sport will inspire them on to great success.

He added: "My dad loved his sport.

"He would sit and watch the cricket at Glenpark from the Fox Street side.

"He was really involved in what Freddie and Lexi were doing.

"He will be much-missed and very well remembered."