Marking centenary of Iolaire’s tragic sinking

MUSEUM nan Eilean is preparing an exhibition marking the passing of 100 years since the tragic sinking of the Iolaire on January 1, 1919.

The exhibition will run from late 2018 until early 2019 in the new museum at Lews Castle and is part of a larger series of events by a number of organisations recognising the centenary of the disaster and its impact on the people of the Outer Hebrides.

While there are several artefacts relating to the Iolaire in the museum’s collection already, staff are very interested in hearing from anybody who may be in possession of objects or papers relating to the tragedy which may be suitable for inclusion in the planned exhibition.

A spokesman for the museum said: ‘At the present time we plan to take objects as loans from their owners during the exhibition period rather than as permanent additions to the museum collection.

‘If you are the owner of anything relating to the Iolaire which you think may be suitable for display, please let us know by email or post.

‘Please include photographs of the object and a full description as well as your contact details.’

The spokesman added: ‘Please don’t bring any objects or original paperwork to the museum as unfortunately our staff will not be able to accept them for consideration.’

Information and photographs relating to objects and papers may be sent by email to museum@cnesiar.gov.uk or by post to Museum nan Eilean, Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, HS2 0XS.