Transcripts printed to commemorate sinking of Iolaire

Debate transcripts at Westminster Hall have been printed marking the centenary year of the sinking of Her Majesty’s Yacht Iolaire off the coast of the Isle of Lewis.

The vessel was carrying home soldiers who fought in the First World War. The sinking had a devastating impact on the island as a whole generation of men were lost.

Western Isles MP Angus B MacNeil led the debate and had the transcripts signed and printed by all other MPs who contributed.

Mr MacNeil said the debate took place ‘in Westminster Hall on December 12 and the transcript provides a record of that debate which may be of interest locally’.Copies of the transcripts have been sent to local schools, historical societies, the Iolaire Working Group and individuals involved in commemorating 100 years since the sinking.

Mr MacNeil added: ‘There was a huge community effort to commemorate the centenary of the loss of the Iolaire. The many events and projects at the end of last year were a fitting and poignant commemoration of this great loss.’

There were also contributions from people connected to the accident, including Welsh MP Chris Bryant who was related to John Finlay Macleod who swam ashore with a rope and saved many lives.

HMY Iolaire sank on January 1, 1919, after striking rocks two miles from Stornoway where families were waiting to welcome home servicemen. More than 200 died.