The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Police tribute to Iolaire Disaster victims
One of the items was a uniform that once belonged to Aberdeenshire war hero Major James Keith.
Major Keith was the son of Mr Alexander Keith of Pitmedden, Udny, and tenant of the Mains of Cairnbrogie farm in Oldmeldrum.
He was wounded in both legs and an arm during the First World War, while serving in the Royal Field Artillery in France, and returned home to Pitmedden House in 1917.
Mr Keith had inherited the property in 1903 and donated it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1952.
Mr Gill, who studies history at Aberdeen University, said: “It was truly a surprise when my father and I came across the tunic, and we could tell it was something special.
“I have a large collection of war memorabilia in general but this was something quite different.
“We got it last year and the Artillery tunic was zipped into a suit carrier.”
The tunic was made by Simpson and Whyte of 373 Union Street Aberdeen and was made on October 6 1917.
The buttons show the Cannon for the Royal Field Artillery and, on the lower half of the left hand sleeve, are sewn two vertical bullion stripes – wound stripes awarded when injured in action.
On the right-hand sleeve are two blue chevrons that show two years overseas service and at the bottom of each sleeve is a woven crown denoting the rank of Major.
Mr Gill researched the tunic’s history in preparation for Sunday’s Remembrance Day parade, in which he marched with the Aberdeen University Officers Training Corps in honour of those fallen.
He said: “It was a fitting act of remembrance for the fallen from our university and Aberdeen as a whole.” Police cars in Stornoway are displaying specially designed stickers commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Iolaire Disaster.
The stickers, designed by local firm Graphite Signs, allows local officers to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The HMS Iolaire foundered on rocks at Holm, just a short distance from the entrance to Stornoway Harbour in the early hours of January 1 1919.
The ship was carrying men who had fought in the First World War back to the Western Isles. More than 200 people died in the disaster.
Chief Inspector Ian Graham, area commander for the Western Isles, said: “The Iolaire Disaster is a hugely significant event in the history of the Western Isles and we are proud to be able to make this small act of remembrance for all those affected by the tragedy a century ago.
“I would like to thank Graphite Signs for producing the stickers, Poppyscotland for their support of this initiative and Constable Richard Henderson for arranging this on behalf of Police Scotland.”
A number of events and projects are taking place to commemorate the Iolaire tragedy.
As part of the Dileab (Legacy) project, all schools in the Western Isles are being gifted a signed copy of a book, The Darkest Hour, a comprehensive account of the disaster.
The book was written by Malcolm Macdonald, chairman of Stornoway Historical Society, and Donald John MacLeod.
A special shinty match is also being played on New Year’s Day between Camanachd Leodhais and Kinlochshiel.