Booklet `Winds of Change` 2004
Booklet tracing the history of Tiree`s weather station and early flights to the island, the RAF, traditional methods of forecasting the weather and weather extremes. Researched by Dr John Holliday for a summer exhibition at An Iodhlann.
Black and white photograph of Colin MacPhail.
Colin MacPhail of Crossapol.
Bill Innes talking about Captain David Barclay
Sound clip in English of former airline pilot Bill Innes talking about Captain David Barclay.
Courtesy of Mr Bill Innes
Former airline pilot Bill Innes tells a humorous anecdote about Captain David Barclay, MBE, during an illustrated talk about the pioneers of Scottish aviation held in An Talla, Tiree on 5th July 2004.
The name David Barclay is synonymous with the development of aviation in the Western Isles and with the Scottish Air Ambulance Service. He flew his first ambulance flight with Northern & Scottish Airways in 1935 and at the end of his career had flown more than two thousand ambulance missions.
He was awarded the MBE in 1942 and invested with the order of St John of Jerusalem in 1950. Much loved and well respected by those who knew him, Captain Barclay retired in April 1965 with an overwhelming send-off from islanders in Barra and Tiree.
Black and white photograph of Captain David Barclay`s retirement ceremony in 1965.
Captain David Barclay`s retirement ceremony at Renfrew airport in 1965. L-R: Colin MacPhail, Crossapol; Fireman Willie Lyons, Mannal; Tiree Airport Superintendent Archie MacArthur, Barrapol; Leading Fireman Donald Archie MacPhail, Balephuil; Captain David Barclay; Fireman Willie MacLean, Balinoe; Fireman Hugh MacKinnon, Heanish; Air Traffic Controller Tim Wright; Renfrew Airport Manager Charlie Shields.
Black and white photograph of Colin MacPhail of Crossapol with two horses.
Colin MacPhail of Crossapol House with two Clydesdale horses, probably taken in the 1920s or 30s.
Colin MacPhail and Captain David Barclay
Photograph of Colin MacPhail of Crossapol and Captain David Barclay at Renfrew Airport in 1965.
Courtesy of Mr Ailig MacArthur
Manager of Tiree airport from 1936 to 1960, Colin MacPhail is pictured here with Captain David Barclay at Renfrew Airport in 1965. Colin was also a lay preacher and special constable. As one of his contemporaries said of him, “He had bracelets in one pocket and the Bible in the other.”
His duties included keeping the landing strip clear of cattle at plane times and to raise the windsock. David Barclay was always looking for an opportunity to play practical jokes on Colin and would often fly in as low as possible, hiding his presence until the last moment.
One day Colin slept in and was late for the flight. A tall man, he had a huge bicycle with a 30 inch frame. He was pedalling furiously towards the Reef when David Barclay flew up behind him. Colin took out his handkerchief and held it up as a windsock!
Black and white photograph of Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Captain David Barclay in 1965.
Renfrew Airport in 1965. L-R: Colin MacPhail of Crossapol and Captain David Barclay taken during Captain Barclay`s retirement ceremony. (Original in Filing Cabinet 8 drawer 2)
Black and white photograph of Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Captain David Barclay in 1965.
Renfrew Airport in 1965. L-R: Colin MacPhail of Crossapol and Captain David Barclay taken during Captain Barclay`s retirement ceremony. (Original in Filing Cabinet 8 drawer 2)
Black and white photograph of Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Captain Eric Starling in 1961.
L-R: Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Captain Eric Starling outside Tiree airport at Colin`s retirement in 1961.
Black and white photograph of Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Captain David Barclay in 1965.
Renfrew 1965. L- R: Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Captain David Barclay at Captain Barclay`s retirement ceremony.
Black and white photograph of Captain David Barclay, Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and Robert McKean in 1965.
Captain Barclay`s retirment ceremony in Renfrew, 1965. L-R: Captain David Barclay, Colin MacPhail, Crossapol and BEA Scotland Manager Robert McKean.
