Softback book ‘The Crinan Canal’ by Marian Pallister, 2016.
Tells the story of the canal from its origins to the present day, discussing how it was built, who built it, how it changed life in the surrounding areas, and how it has been used. Includes Tiree content, with references to marble, emigration, drainage schemes, destitution, the potato famine, population, wages and Gaelic. (Pages 30, 66, 67, 156 & 157.)
Softback book ‘In Search of Colmcille: The Legacy of St Columba in Ireland and Scotland’, Islands Book Trust, 2015.
This volume contains chapters – in English, Scots Gaelic and Irish Gaeilge – from two conferences organised by the Islands Book Trust in Lewis and Donegal on the theme of Columba – his life and legacy. Includes a chapter by Donald Meek ‘St Columba and ‘Celtic Christianity’, with references to Tiree. (Pages 34 – 45)
Softback book ‘Hebridean Heroines: Twentieth Century Queen’s Nurses (1940s – 1970s)’ by Catherine M. Morrison, 2017.
Provides insight into the lives of women from the Western Isles who worked as district nurses in the mid-twentieth century. Here they describe in their own words their everyday lives; working long hours and always available when called, regardless of hour, weather conditions or remoteness.
De-accessioned 20.3.2026.
Softback book ‘A Tour Through the Highlands of Scotland, and the Hebride Isles, in 1786’ by John Knox, 2012.
In 1786 the British Society for Extending the Fisheries sent John Knox to the north and west coasts of Scotland to prospect for new harbours and fishing grounds. During his visit to Tiree, he surveyed the coastline and concluded that Gott Bay was the most practicable place for a pier. Includes observations about marble, wildlife, agriculture, population, fishing and the Duke of Argyll.
Softback book ‘Isle of Coll: Facets of a Gem’ by Ewen McGee, 2015.
This book looks at the Hebridean Isle of Coll, covering land, law, language, education, emigration, employment, travel, housing, communication, nature, and several references to Tiree.
Collection of fliers, information and letters about a presentation titled ‘Captain Donald MacKinnon, Clippers and the China Tea Trade’ given by Lloyd Pitcher in Australia on 7th March 2017. Captain Donald MacKinnon, Heanish, sailed the tea clipper ‘Taeping’ to victory in the Great China Tea Race of 1866.
Colour photograph of the captain of the Queen Mary cruise ship preparing to drop a wreath commemorating the wrecking of the destroyer HMS Sturdy at Sandaig during WWII.
Organised by Commander Michael Gibson of Plymouth, the wreath was thrown overboard in the summer of 2015 as the Queen Mary cruised past the Hebrides. HMS Sturdy foundered during a storm in October 1940. Five lives were lost, but were it not for the actions of Tiree folk, in particular Captain Donald Sinclair, the toll would have been much higher. The dedication on the wreath reads: “Dedicated to the bravery of Captain Donald Sinclair and those who helped in the rescue effort of HMS Sturdy and in remembrance of all those lost on Empire Eland in 1941”. Captain Sinclair was on the Empire Eland when it was torpedoed by a U-boat in the Atlantic.
Colour photograph of a wreath commemorating the wrecking of the destroyer HMS Sturdy during WWII. It is being held by the captain of the Queen Mary cruise ship.
Organised by Commander Michael Gibson of Plymouth, the wreath was thrown overboard in the summer of 2015 as the Queen Mary cruised past the Hebrides. HMS Sturdy foundered on rocks at Sandaig during a storm in October 1940. Five lives were lost, but were it not for the actions of Tiree folk, in particular Captain Donald Sinclair, the toll would have been much higher. The dedication on the wreath reads: “Dedicated to the bravery of Captain Donald Sinclair and those who helped in the rescue effort of HMS Sturdy and in remembrance of all those lost on Empire Eland in 1941”. Captain Sinclair was on the Empire Eland when it was torpedoed by a U-boat in the Atlantic.
Colour photograph of the captain and crew of the Queen Mary cruise ship with a wreath commemorating the wrecking of the destroyer HMS Sturdy on rocks at Sandaig during WWII.
Organised by Commander Michael Gibson of Plymouth, the wreath was thrown overboard in the summer of 2015 as the Queen Mary cruised past the Hebrides. HMS Sturdy foundered during a storm in October 1940. Five lives were lost, but were it not for the actions of Tiree folk, in particular Captain Donald Sinclair, the toll would have been much higher. The dedication on the wreath reads: “Dedicated to the bravery of Captain Donald Sinclair and those who helped in the rescue effort of HMS Sturdy and in remembrance of all those lost on Empire Eland in 1941”. Captain Sinclair was on the Empire Eland when it was torpedoed by a U-boat in the Atlantic.
Hardback book ‘Birds of Argyll’ by Tristan ap Rheinallt, Clike Craik, Paul Daw, Bob Furness, Steve Petty & David Wood, 2007. Describes the history, status and distribution of birds in Argyll, including data from Tiree.
