As a result of the potato famine of 1846, the 8th Duke of Argyll devised a strategy to deal with the endemic poverty and overcrowding on Tiree: assisted emigration of cottars and the smallest tenants, prohibition of the subdivision of crofts, consolidation of small tenancies and the creation of small farms.
This led to a reduction in the numbers of small tenants, increased numbers of larger tenants and an increase in rental income. However, these policies also contributed to the continuing fall in the island’s population. An estimated 3670 people left Tiree between 1841 and 1881.
A second wave of emigration in 1880s confirmed the decline which was sustained throughout the 20th century with many islanders leaving to find work elsewhere.
Letter written in 1899 to Lady Victoria Campbell about Gott Bay pier
Transcription of a letter written in 1899 by an unknown correspondent to Lady Victoria Campbell about Gott Bay pier.
Courtesy of His Grace the Duke of Argyll
The new pier at Gott Bay was built between 1909 and 1913 after many years of political pressure by Lady Victoria Campbell, Lord Archibald Campbell, the island’s surgeon Dr Alexander Buchanan and many others.
As stated in the letter, the Duke of Argyll was concerned about the increasing estimated cost of successive surveys. In the end the pier cost over £20,000 to build; £16,000 were spent on construction and plant, over £2,000 on fees and around £2,000 on interest.
It was paid for by contributions of £14,000 from the Congested Districts Board and the Board of Agriculture, £2,250 from the Duke, and the public and the Tiree Association each raised £250. The balance of £3,417 was supplied by an interest-free loan from the Agricultural (Scotland) Fund.
Photocopied letter from Edward C. C. Stanford to His Grace the Duke of Argyll, 26/1/1875.
Letter to the Duke of Argyll from Mr Stanford of British Seaweed Co Ltd., asking for a secretary of factor to be sent to witness the good done by the company in Tyree.
Photocopied report by the Argyll County Council Piers Committee on proposed pier at Gott Bay.
Report by the Sub-Committee of the Piers Committee on the proposed pier at Gott Bay, Tiree, detailing costs, location, specifications, applications, dates and captains recommendations.
