Five small lumps of coal found on the beach at Port a’ Mhuilinn, Hynish, in 2018. They were probably washed ashore from either the ‘Regina’ or the ‘Marchioness of Lorne’, which were wrecked nearby in 1872 and 1875, respectively.
Sail-maker’s awl for creating holes in the sail cloth before sewing. Made at a local smiddy. From a collection of sail-maker’s tools belonging to Hector MacKinnon, owner of the schooner ‘Coll Castle’ (Eachann a’ Cholla, born ca 1847).
Two sail-maker’s needles. From a collection of sail-maker’s tools belonging to Hector MacKinnon, owner of the schooner ‘Coll Castle’ (Eachann a’ Cholla, born ca 1847).
Sail-maker’s palm strap to protect the hand from the eye end of the needle when pushing the needle through the tough fabric of the sail, with extra foam padding to protect the top of the thumb. From a collection of sail-maker’s tools belonging to Hector MacKinnon, owner of the schooner ‘Coll Castle’ (Eachann a’ Cholla, born ca 1847).
Length of handmade sìoman ruadh / coir rope, made from coconut husks and much used in sailing boats. It replaced rope made from cereal straw around the 1850s as it was resistant to salt water.
Black & white photograph of unidentified naval officers and guests on the deck of the Baron Polwarth. From a collection of items found in Milton Cottage, Caoles.