After much lobbying, in 1888 the islands of Tiree and Coll were finally connected to the world wide web of the time: the telegraph network.

‘TELEGRAPH EXTENSION TO TIREE AND COLL
Sir,
On the 2nd March 1882, I sent a letter to the Oban Telegraph newspaper on the great importance of postal improvement, extension of the telegraph and harbour accommodation in Tiree. Since then, I kept up a constant correspondence to have this carried out, and I have just received the following letter from the Postmaster-General, in answer to my letter of the 27th [February]. The letter, you will please observe, is dated 2nd March 1888, just six years since I commenced my letters on Tiree … I continue to take as great an interest as ever in the welfare of my friends, the people of the Western Isles. I wish them well. I remain, dear sir, Faithfully yours, Wm. Campbell, 3 View Place, Inverness.

‘General Post Office, London, 2nd March. Sir, ln reply to your letter of the 27th, I beg leave to inform you that Treasury authority has recently been received for an extension of the telegraph system to the islands of Coll and Tiree, under the guarantee of the Fishery Board for Scotland, and the work will be carried out as soon as practicable. I am, sir, your obedient servant, J. Lamb.’
(Oban Telegraph and West Highland Chronicle, 9 March 1888, 4)

Earlier, William Campbell had lobbied for a telegraph cable to be laid to the Outer Hebrides, and for a new market to be built in central London to allow fresh fish sent from Inverness to be sold quickly. It is interesting that it was the Fishery Board for Scotland that was underwriting the proposal. The long line fishery on Tiree was in its pomp at the time, with 110 islanders employed at it.

In fact, survey work for the line had already started, as this report of the annual ploughing match on Coll that year makes clear. It is interesting both that there were enough Tiree people attending to make it worthwhile to have a special ‘Tiree race’, and that it appears that this was the first ever football game played on the island:

‘The Coll Agricultural Association’s ploughing match took place this year again on the farm of Arileod, Mr Donald MacLean‘s … Promptly at 9 am, thirteen ploughs commenced their allotments, and finished about 2.30 pm. The day was of the most favourable character, and the ground in a suitable condition. The gaily-decked, well-groomed Clydesdales proudly stepped into the arena … The turn-out of spectators was the largest we have ever seen on similar occasions. Conspicuous among the strangers were … two officers connected with the new telegraph line connecting Coll and Tiree with London, Australia and America [laid thirty years earlier]. There were also present several from Tiree, among whom was Mr Thomas Barr, Balliphetrish … A new feature of these annual games was the introduction of football … This interesting game was conducted under Association rules, and considering the limited practice the teams had, their play was highly creditable … Tiree Race 1. D. MacCallum, Ardeas; 2. Hector MacFayden, Heanish.
(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 3 March 1888, 5)

By August the cable had been laid across the Gunna Sound, making landfall below Roisgal in Caolas:

‘TELEGRAPH TO COLL AND TIREE
Telegraphic communication with the islands of Coll and Tiree was opened yesterday. A wire is carried overland from Tobermory to Calgary on the western side of Mull, and then by cable to CoIl. An office for telegraphic business has been established at Calgary. This connection with the mainland will be of great importance to the islanders, who are now highly pleased that their long-continued efforts to secure this boon have at last been realised.’
(Glasgow Herald, 30 August 1888, 6)

From Caolas, the line ran on poles to the Scarinish Post Office, part of the original shop on the site of the present day Coop. For the first time, a message could be sent from there to most parts of the world. There were 20,000 offices in the USA alone. It would be transcribed and delivered in hours. Balemartine Post Office (really in Balinoe) had been connected by 1911, and Cornaigmore Post Office in 1926.

Dr John Holliday