Transcript of a Police Report submitted to Tobermory Procurator Fiscal regarding the death of Niel McCallum from an accidental shotgun wound in January 1861. McCallum (aged 31, blacksmith, Balinoe) was injured by Alexander MacDonald (fisherman, Balemartin) at Loch-an-Duine (Loch an Dùin) on Kenovay Farm. Statements are provided from:
Mary McIntyre or McCallum (widow of Niel McCallum, Balinoe) Alexander Macdonald (fisherman, Balemartine) Donald MacLean (crofter, Heanish) James Black (shoemaker, Kenovay) Donald MacEachern (son of John MacEachern, Kenovay) Donald MacLean (merchant, Kenovay) Alexander Buchanan (surgeon, Tiree)
WWII sea mine discovered under gravel on the Sandaig shore in August 2016. Visible are the locations of the detonation horns and the hole where a time-sensitive self-destruct mechanism was installed. Hundreds of pebbles and shells are fused onto its surface. Tens of thousands of similar mines were laid around the Hebrides and the North Sea during the first and second world wars.
Large, brass, Canadian, artillery shell casing dated 1918 from WWI, with a replica lead cap made by Donald Brown, Vaul. On the base is stamped “-18Pr II VSM 1918 LOT 5424”.
Black & white photograph of RAF Serviceman Cliff Barrett inspecting a sea-mine that has washed ashore on a beach in Lewis during WWII. A vast array of sea-mines was installed across the northwestern approaches to Britain in WWII to deter German U-boats. Occasionally, one would break free from its anchor and be washed ashore. Several arrived on the beaches of Tiree, and are still being found to this day.
Medieval bronze scabbard tip from a collection of around 200 bronze objects found by amateur archaeologist George Holleyman at Balevullin in 1941-43, when he served at RAF Tiree during WWII. Identified by Dr Colleen Batey, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at Glasgow University and David Caldwell, retired Keeper of Medieval Department at the National Museum of Scotland during a visit to An Iodhlann on 29th April 2016.
A sea mine recently discovered under gravel on the Sandaig shore, is now on display outside An Iodhlann. When a Bomb Disposal Team dug up the mine on the 3rd of August, it was found to be empty of explosive, safe and reasonably intact. We have positioned it so that its innards are visible, as well as the locations of detonation horns and the hole where a time-sensitive self-destruct mechanism was installed. Hundreds of pebbles and shells are fused onto its surface. Tens of thousands of similar mines were laid around the Hebrides and the North Sea during the first and second world wars.
Brass artillery shell casing dated 1941 found in 2014 amongst the belongings of the late Les Crawte in ‘Windrush’, Milton, his last home on Tiree. Engraved on the bottom: LOT1 EOC 1941 [symbols x3] 12Pr 12CW[remainder obscured].
Brass 4mm Mark 4 Bofors anti-aircraft shell manufactured by RLB (Royal Laboratory, Birtley) in 1955, and found in the refuse dump at Sandaig. Possibly originated from military presence on Tiree during the Cold War.
Length of white linen depicting a broadsword on an ornate background. Painted in brown and black from a brass rubbing made by Fiona MacKinnon, Kirkapol, in Kirkapol Church, ca 2008. Originally stretched over a wooden frame and used as a curtain pelmet.
