Photographs of three items belonging to the family of island factor Hugh MacDiarmid (1846-1928), who lived at Island House, Heylipol, during 1876-1928. Top: an Entada phasaeoloides ‘sea-bean’ found on the beach by the factor’s daughter, Meta MacDiarmid, and made into a pendant for her (possibly by her fiancee). Middle: brass plaque from a wooden box of silver plated cutlery presented by people of Tiree to Meta on her marriage. Bottom: a coffee or chocolate pot presented by the Duke of Argyll to Hugh MacDiarmid in 1906, probably on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Green glass soda/mineral water bottle known as a ‘torpedo’ or ‘Hamilton’ bottle. The bottom is round so that it must be stored on its side in order to keep the cork wet and prevent the gas from escaping. Torpedo bottles were manufactured during most of the 1800s. Found in rocks on Gott Bay.
Brown glass beer bottle made by James Aitken & Co, Brewers, Falkirk, found at an old dump at Vaul. Aitken’s Brewery operated from 1900 until 1960. The bottle probably contained it’s 90% ale or export.
Green glass beer bottle with a screw top made by George Younger, Meadow & Candleriggs Brewery, Alloa, which was operational during 1897-1963. Found at Garradh Mor, Moss, in 2017 and probably dating from the 1950s.
Large, cork-stoppered, stoneware jar/bottle made by J & R McIntyre that probably held whisky. John and Ronald McIntyre were wine and spirit merchants around 1870.
Cup and saucer illustrated with a view of Scarinish
Small china cup and saucer souvenir from Mona MacDonald`s shop in Scarinish (the corrugated extension to Angus MacLean`s house, whom she married) in the 1970s. Yellowish with gold trim and colour illustration of Scarinish and harbour with lettering “Scarinish Isle of Tiree” and “Hand Painted”. Found during a house clearance when Iain & Helen Paterson sold their house `Taigh bean Iain/Nona Tuaigs` at Caoles, ca 2011.
