Book ‘Twentieth-Century Crofting Schemes on Tiree and Coll’ by Bob Chambers, 2016, with foreword by Prof. Donald Meek, Caoles. Shortly before and shortly after WWI, over 100 new crofts were created on Tiree and Coll, and almost 40 existing crofts were enlarged. The impact on the islands was enormous, wide-ranging and long-lasting, particularly on Tiree.
The Soldier’s Bible. Postcard printed with the story of a young soldier who is caught playing cards during a church service, and who later explains that he has neither Bible nor Prayer Book and that each card represents a scene from the bible. Made famous by a hit song by Texas Tyler in 1948.
Telegraphic instrument for tapping out and receiving telegram messages at Scarinish Post Office between 1888 and 1930. Originally from Skye and probably operated by Margaret Robertson (Mona’s mother), who is listed as the telegraphist in the 1911 census of Tiree. There is a key for sending messages and a sounder for receiving. Known as a KOB set (key on base), it is marked “20 ohm” on the base. The lever of the mechanism is steel and unmarked. From the estate of Angus MacLean, The Coolins, Scarinish.
Wood-handled brass Post Office seal imprinted “Balemartine P.O”, plus sticks of sealing wax in their metal container.
Black & white postcard photograph of Balemartine in spring, around 1920. Note the sand-surfaced road.
Black & white photograph of five boys of Balemartine, including Donald MacCorquodale, around 1900.
Sepia photograph of a woman, probably of the Lamont family of Balemartine, around 1880-1920.
Black & white photograph of Mary Lamont, Balemartine, around 1917.
Black & white photograph of John Lamont, Balemartine, around 1917.
Black & white photograph of Hugh Lamont, Mannal, in soldiers’ uniform in 1916-17, aged 32 years. He died shortly afterwards in action during WWI.
