No, this is not an essay on the effects of overindulgence in the island of Islay’s most famous peaty export, though research on that topic might well be more stimulating than combing through newspaper articles. Rather it has its nascence in my time as a student, when I worked on developing the skills of naked eye stereopsis to explore three-dimensional structures from pairs of two-dimensional, computer-generated pictures. This fascinating trick is now redundant with modern computer graphics, but it harks back to another age, beginning in the 1850s, in the early days of photography, when stereophotography came into vogue. Scotland led the pack in its development. The history of the subject has been covered in a marvelous book. “Scotland in 3D,” by Peter Blair, (Reigate, 2018). My own small collection is mostly of Scottish maritime stereoviews, and one particular item is the subject of this essay. By the way, I never did develop much skill in stereopsis with the naked eye, but can enjoy the effect, quite well, with a stereoviewer. Those of a certain age will doubtless remember viewmaster, that works on the same principle.
Islay Steamer (J. F. Naddermier, Walsall) Place your nose on the division between the images and draw the screen slowly from you face and see if you can see a 3-D image with the naked eye.
The title on this very old stereoview is simply “The Islay off Port Askaig.” From the mounting and clues in the photograph, it can be dated to the mid 1860s. The steamer is the Islay, built in 1849 at the Meadowside yard of Messrs Tod & MacGregor, Glasgow. She was of iron, 167 feet in length, 20¾ feet in breadth, and 10½ feet in depth; powered by a two-cylinder engine supplied by her builders, and generating 160 horse power. Her first owners were John Ramsay, William Mutter and A. M‘Ewan, merchants in Glasgow.
She had been launched on Wednesday, September 5th, 1849, or perhaps the previous afternoon; just one of the instances where newspapers disagree. The young lass who performed the naming ceremony, must have had some questions about her parentage, if she read more than one newspaper.
“Launch.—On Wednesday, a very fine river steamer was launched from the building yard of Messrs Tod & M‘Gregor at Kelvin. She is intended for the Islay trade, being built for a few spirited individuals connected with that island. She went into her new element in splendid style, and was named the Islay by Miss M‘Ewen daughter of Alexander M‘Ewen of Sunderland, Islay. The vessel is about 340 tons carpenters’ admeasurement and will be propelled by two powerful engines of 80 horse-power each; the paddle wheels to be on Morgan’s plan, now giving great satisfaction. The mould and appearance of the steamer reflect great credit on the builder.”—Glasgow Herald, September 7, 1849
“Launch.—On Tuesday afternoon, a beautiful iron steamer was launched from the building-yard of Messrs Tod & M‘Gregor. The launch was effected in capital style, and as she gracefully glided into her future element, she was named the Islay, by Miss M‘Ewan, daughter of William M‘Ewan, Esq., Islay, between which island and Glasgow she is intended to ply. Her burthen is 300 tons, and her dimensions are as follows:—length of keel, 155 feet; breadth of beam, 21 feet 6 inches; depth of hold, 11 feet. Her engines will be 160 horse power. She was subsequently moored alongside of Messrs Tod & M Gregor’s wharf, where she will receive her engines.—We were glad to observe in Messrs. Tod & M‘Gregor’s building-yard, that the large iron screw-steamer, which we formerly noticed as having been commenced for the Glasgow and New-York trade, is in a state of rapid progress. This magnificent three-decker will be the largest iron passenger ship ever built in the Clyde. It is to be completed in about 7 months.”—Glasgow Citizen, September 8, 1849
The new steamer entered service at the beginning of October.
“Notice.—Change of hour.—The steamer from Glasgow for Port Ellen, Islay, direct with goods and passengers, will, on and after Thursday the 4th October, sail from Glasgow at 6.30 a.m., train 7.40 a.m., and every Thursday thereafter, until further notice. The sailings via Tarbert, to and from Islay, will be as formerly, for which see hand-bills, at 9, Buchanan Street. It is expected that the swift new steamer Islay will be on the station on the above date; and from her speed, the passage will be performed with day-light. Passengers by the above arrangement will arrive at Islay about 4 p.m. the same day.—Glasgow, September 28, 1849.”—Scottish Guardian, October 2, 1849
“Steam conveyance to Islay.—The steamer Islay will sail for Port Ellen, Islay, to-morrow (Saturday the 27th), at 3 p.m., and from Greenock about 5 p.m., on arrival of the train from Glasgow at 4 p.m. On the same day the 27th there will be no conveyance to Port Askaig, Islay via Tarbert, but on Monday the 29th passengers will be conveyed to Port Askaig via Tarbert per Castle Steamer from Glasgow about 6 a.m., from Greenock about 8 a.m., and from West Tarbert per steamer Islay about 1.30 p.m.—Glasgow, October 25, 1849.”—Glasgow Herald, October 26, 1849
Islay in 1849 was experiencing the lingering effects of the agricultural changes where the small-holders and crofters were cleared off the land to make way for sheep. The resulting surplus in labour led to emigration and poverty. In one of the articles concerning Islay that periodically appeared in the Inverness Courier, the problems created by the emigration of the better able and more industrious members of society were highlighted. While only a few emigrants were leaving, many more were planning to leave for Canada, New Zealand, or Australia.
“It is reported that we are to have a large and powerful new steamer on the line between Glasgow and Islay. The Modern Athens plies weekly between this place and the capital of the west, and has braved many a storm in rounding the Mull of Cantyre. She leaves Port Ellen on Tuesday and arrives again in Islay on Saturday, making a trip on Monday to West Tarbert and back. The distance between Islay and Glasgow is performed by this powerful boat in about 12 hours. Before the introduction of steam navigation the voyage sometimes occur occupied, as I am informed on good authority, not hours, or days, but even weeks! Contrary winds and currents kept sailing vessels tossing about until passengers lost all patience and began to despair of ever accomplishing their journey. Now we can dine at a quiet Inn here and next morning find ourselves in the din and bustle of the greatest commercial city in Scotland.”—Inverness Courier, June 1, 1849
The Modern Athens had been brought in from the Forth to replace the venerable Maid of Islay after she had passed into the hands of Messrs G. & J. Burns in 1846. The old, wooden hulled, Maid of Islay had been over 20 years in the service between West Loch Tarbert and the Islay ports. The Modern Athens offered an improved service sailing weekly from Glasgow and retaining a more limited connection with the Castle Steamer, once a week, at West Tarbert. After the introduction of the Islay, Modern Athens was taken in part exchange for the new steamer, and for a short time continued to serve on the West Loch Tarbert to Islay station.
In August 1850, “The potatoes are all gone here,” was the stark comment in an article from Islay in the Inverness Courier that highlighted the collapse in the economy and the increase in poverty on the Island. In February, 1851, there was widespread hunger with ‘soup kitchens’ at Bowmore the sole source of sustenance for a third of the town’s population. It took a few years, and significant emigration for the island’s economy to improve, and even a new steamer did not immediately improve prospects.
The new Islay steamer quickly settled into a routine of weekly sailings in her first full year of operation. There were complaints, especially from the inhabitants of Bowmore and other areas more distant from the eastern coast where Port Ellen and Port Askaig were the main ports of call for the steamers.
“The steamer Islay.— the inhabitants of Bowmore have been requesting the proprietors of the steamer Islay to cause her to pay a periodical visit to Lochindaul, in the very center of the island, she being in the habit of calling at Port Ellen and Port Askaig only, both on the east side of the country. In order to her entering Lochindaul being of much use to the inhabitants, they must deepen alongside of the quay and outwards some length, that she may be brought to the landing place. It is said by the ‘oldest inhabitant’ that it was deep enough at one time; for that large brigs, and the like, did actually ship and unship their goods at the present pier, and that, from want of proper regulations and care, the place got filled up with all the rubbish which happened to be thrown over. Mr. Macewan the spirited proprietor of Sunderland, has been entertaining the idea of erecting a quay on the opposite side of the bay, and about a mile further up, where there is a good, rocky foundation, and abundance of material for the purpose. This would be a great boon to all that side of the island, and would, no doubt, be the means of causing a village to spring up between Blackrock and Uiskintuie, on a commercial foundation, which would do much to undo those villages which were merely huddled up together without any clear prospect of prosperity or solid foundation on which to endure—the builders and inhabitants, tamely submitting to be sent, like so many cattle, to the market, to swell the ranks and increase the power of Whig legislators.”—Inverness Advertiser, May 7, 1850.
The improved service allowed for two calls monthly to Bowmore.
“Sailings to and from Islay and Glasgow, on and after Wednesday, 14th August, and till further notice, unless prevented by weather, accident, or unforeseen causes.—The Islay, Capt. Skelly.—From Glasgow for Islay: For Port-Ellen direct, Wednesdays, at 4 p.m.—train 6 p.m. For Port-Ellen and Bowmore, via Tarbert, per Castle Steamer, Friday, 16th August, at 5 a.m.; Friday, 30th August, at 5 a.m.; Friday, 13th Sept., at 5 a.m.; Friday, 27th Sept., at 5 a.m.—For Port-Askaig, via Tarbert, per Castle Steamer, Friday, 23d August, at 5 a.m.; Friday, 6th September, at 5 a.m.; Friday, 20th September, at 5 a.m.—From Islay for Glasgow: From Port-Ellen, every Monday, at 6 p.m., direct for Greenock and Glasgow. From Bowmore, calling at Port-Ellen, Monday, 19th August, at 11 a.m.; Monday, 2d Sept., at 11 a.m.; Monday, 16th Sept., at 11 a.m.; Monday, 30th Sept., at 11 a.m. From Port-Askaig, calling at Port Ellen, Monday, 26th August, at 11 a.m.; Monday, 9th Sept., at 11 a.m.; Monday, 23d Sept., at 11 a.m.—For Further information, apply at Steamers’ Office, 9 Buchanan Street, Glasgow; and Excise Buildings, Greenock.—Glasgow, 6th August, 1850.”—Glasgow Herald, August 9, 1850
“Island of Islay.—Steam communication.—The inhabitants of Bowmore and its vicinity are already witnessing and experiencing some of the good effects of the recent agitation for an additional steamer. The memorial of the agitators and their supporters was hardly on its way to the office of Thompson and M‘Connel, Glasgow, begging them to send one of their steamers to Islay, when, all over the island, it was announced by bills and placards, that the Islay, the boat already on the station, would enter Lochindaul once a-week, “until further notice.” This move, however, has not had the seemingly desired effect; it has not induced the Bowmore people to abandon the idea of having another vessel, which will attend more sedulously to their interests; more especially as this new arrangement of the present boat renders their condition no better than before as to time, the goods which must be shipped in Glasgow before three o’clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, not reaching Bowmore till Friday night, some twenty-four hours later than they would have been by the old arrangement. Accordingly, one of the gentlemen most active in behalf of a new steamer is now in Glasgow and it is hoped he will return with the assurance of their having what they want in due time.—Inverness Advertiser, June 18, 1850
However, the arrangements that included Bowmore did not last. In the general rearrangement of West Highland steamboat services that occurred at the beginning of 1851, Sir James Matheson agreed to withdraw his steamboats Mary Jane and Marquis of Stafford for the Skye and Stornoway station if the Islay took their place. Until the Islay was ready for the longer voyage, the Duntroon Castle was placed on the Stornoway station.
Duntroon Castle
“Steam communication between Glasgow and the Islands of Islay, Skye, and Lewis, till further notice. —The steamer Islay, Captain Skelly, is intended to sail, on and after Monday, 19th May, 1851, with goods and passengers, to and from the above places, as under, unless prevented by any unforeseen cause.—Outward.—From Glasgow, Mondays at 2 p.m., railway 4 p.m., with goods and passengers for Islay, Portree, and Stornoway. From Glasgow, Tuesdays at 5 a.m., from Lower Steamboat Wharf, Shed No.40, per Mary Jane to Tarbert, thence per Islay steamer to Port Askaig, Oban, Tobermory, Portree ,and Stornoway.—Inward.—From Stornoway, Thursday at 9 a.m., for Portree, Tobermory, Oban, Islay, and Glasgow.—Calling, weather permitting, at Armadale, Isle Ornsay, Glenelg, Balmacara, and Kyleakin. No goods taken via Tarbert, and no luggage exceeding 56 lbs. weight or 3 feet measurement; exceeding this to be sent by the Islay the day before. Goods from Glasgow for shipment by this vessel to Skye or Lewis must be forwarded on Saturdays, and all goods and cattle intended for shipment at any of the above ports must be forward one hour before the time fixed for sailing. Goods from Stornoway must be forward on Wednesdays before 8 p.m. The freight of all sheep and cattle must be paid before shipment; also, the freight of all goods except to those places at which there are agents, viz., Islay, Portree, and Stornoway.
“The owners not responsible for dogs nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for by the Agents; nor for any damage goods may sustain in landing or shipping at any of the ferries; nor for any goods until actually received on board.—For further information, apply to John M‘Arthur, at the Steamers’ Office, 83, Jamaica Street, Glasgow.—Glasgow ,12th May, 1851.”—Glasgow Constitutional, May 17, 1851
Mary Jane of 1846 in Tarbert Harbour
In July, the Islay discontinued the Islay and Tarbert calls, that were then taken by the Marquis of Stafford, sailing at 1 p.m. on Mondays from Glasgow, and calling at Port-Ellen and Port-Askaig, and connecting on Tuesdays at West Tarbert with passengers and goods for the Pioneer from Glasgow. The Islay also sailed on Mondays at 1 p.m. for Oban, Tobermory, Portree, and Stornoway. This appears to have been a short-lived change, possibly to allow the two steamboats to offer Saturday excursions. On July 19th, for example, the Islay sailed to ‘Lochransy’ in Arran, while the Marquis sailed to Arrochar for the fare of 2s., cabin, and 1s. 6d., steerage. For the Islay, the Islay and Tarbert calls were restored the following year, and the sailing time of 1 p.m. retained.
In 1853, Messrs Hutcheson brought out their new Chevalier, sailing from Glasgow on Thursdays at 4 p.m. for Greenock, Oban, Tobermory, Portree and Stornoway, and the intermediate ports of Craignure, Lochaben, Salen, Arisaig, Armadale, Isle Ornsay, Glenelg, Balmacarra, Kyleakin and Broadford; returning from Stornoway on Monday. The new steamer offered a service that was roughly the mirror of the sailings of the Islay.
Chevalier
“The Islands of Islay, Mull, Skye, & Lewis.—The steamer Islay, Captain Urie, will sail, till further notice, with goods and passengers as under, unless prevented by any unforeseen cause:—From Glasgow, for Islay, Oban, Tobermory, Portree, and Stornoway—Islay, Mondays at 1 p.m., railways 3 p.m. From Stornoway, for Portree, Tobermory, Oban Islay, and Glasgow—Islay, Wednesdays at 10 p.m., calling (weather permitting) at Armadale, Balmacara, Kyleakin, and any other place that may be agreed upon.
“The owners not responsible for dogs, nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for by the Agents; nor for any damage goods may sustain in landing or shipping at any of the ferries. The freight of all livestock must be paid before shipment, also, the freight of all goods, except to those places at which there are Agents.—For further information, apply at Steamers’ Office, Madeira Court, Glasgow.—Glasgow ,9th July, 1853.”—Glasgow Herald, July 11, 1853
Later that month, the Islay was joined by the Glow Worm of the Ardrossan Steam Navigation Company, built in 1844 for connections to England after the railway had reached Ardrossan.
“The Islands of Islay, Mull, Skye, & Lewis.—The steamer Islay, Captain Urie, and Glow Worm, Captain MacLeish, will sail, till further notice, with goods and passengers as under, unless prevented by any unforeseen cause:—From Glasgow, for Islay, Oban, Tobermory, Portree, and Stornoway,—Islay, Mondays at 1 p.m., railways 3 p.m. From Stornoway, for Portree, Tobermory, Oban Islay, and Glasgow,—Islay, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. From Glasgow, for Islay, Oban, Tobermory, and Portree,—Glow Worm, Thursday 28th July at 1 p.m., railway 3 p.m. From Portree for Tobermory, Oban, Islay, and Glasgow,—Glow Worm, Monday 1st August, at 1 p.m. Calling, weather permitting, at Armadale, Balmacara, Kyleakin, and any other place that may be agreed upon.
“On Friday, the 29th July, the Glow Worm will sail from Port-Askaig for West Tarbert, at 9 a.m.; returning to Port-Askaig the afternoon of the same day, after the arrival at Tarbert of the 6.30 a.m. Lochfine steamer from Glasgow; so that passengers going by Tarbert, Lochfine, on Friday morning, may proceed the same evening to Islay, Oban, and the North.
“Goods for Islay to be shipped on Thursdays.
“The owners not responsible for dogs, nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for by the Agents; nor for any damage goods may sustain in landing or shipping at any of the ferries. The freight of all livestock must be paid before shipment, also, the freight of all goods, except to those places at which there are Agents.—For further information, apply at Steamers’ Office, Madeira Court, Glasgow.—Glasgow ,21st July, 1853.”—Glasgow Herald, July 25, 1853
The Glow Worm was withdrawn at the end of September.
The Islay, sailing from Glasgow on Mondays for Islay, Oban, Tobermory, Portree and Stornoway, and Messrs Hutcheson’s Chevalier from Glasgow on Thursdays for Oban, Tobermory, Portree and Stornoway, shared the Stornoway sailings in 1854, returning from Stornoway on Wednesdays and Mondays, respectively. In the early 1850s, the newspapers frequently reported the numbers of emigrants carried by both steamers from Lewis, Skye, Mull and Islay. What a sad time this was.
In July, 1853, Messrs John Ramsay, Thomas Buchanan, William Mutter, and Walter Graham, had purchased the screw steamer City of Worcester to provide a cargo service to Islay. For a time, she also connected Post Askaig with West Tarbert, initially in June, on Wednesdays, but this switched to Tuesdays in July, but was withdrawn in the middle of the month.
“Goods to and from Islay will be shipped per steamer City of Worcester, to leave Glasgow every Monday at 11 a.m.; but the Islay will continue will call regularly at Portellen and Portaskaig, on her way to and from the north, to land and receive passengers and mails. The City of Worcester will sail from Portaskaig every Tuesday at 2 p.m. for West Tarbert, returning the same evening after the arrival of the Lochfine steamer which leaves Glasgow Bridge Wharf, at 12 noon.”—Glasgow Herald, June 30, 1854
In October, Captain Urie was drowned at Tobermory. While ruled an accident, a letter published in the Glasgow Herald almost a month later, on November 17th, provided more details and noted some mysterious circumstances that had not been clarified.
“Melancholy accident at Tobermory.—Captain John Urie, of the steamer Islay, which trades between Glasgow and the West Highlands, lost his life at Tobermory early on the morning of Friday last. The steamer had arrived off that port early on Friday morning on her inward passage to Glasgow, and the tide being low at the time, she was anchored until the state of the tide would admit of touching. Capt. Urie was last seen alive on the quarter-deck smoking, and waiting on till the tide flowed. He was soon after missed, and the boat was got out, and the body of the unfortunate gentleman was shortly afterwards recovered from under the vessel’s quarter over which he must have accidentally stumbled. Captain Urie, who was still a young man, was beloved and respected by all who knew him, and has left a widow and two children to mourn his loss.”—Glasgow Herald, October 27, 1854
On Friday, November 24, 1854, the Chevalier, on her journey from Glasgow, ran aground in the Sound of Jura in calm conditions. Initially it was thought that she could be refloated but the tidal range was not large enough to allow her to be eased off the rock. A storm at the beginning of December caused her to break up and she was declared a total wreck. The Islay, returning from Stornoway, was soon on the scene, and aided in the rescue of passengers and cargo.
“Accident to the Steam-ship Chevalier.—We regret to learn that this fine vessel, on her passage from Glasgow to the Highlands, ran upon a rock in the Sound of Jura on Friday morning about four o’clock. The steamer Islay, which promptly came to her aid, arrived here on Saturday morning, bringing some of the passengers and a portion of the cargo; the remainder of the passengers were all safely landed upon the small isles of Jura. Steamers have been despatched to her assistance; and, should the weather continue moderate, it is expected she will be got off.”—Glasgow Herald, Monday November 27, 1854
Messrs Hutcheson scrambled to charter a suitable replacement for the stricken vessel.
“The North-West of Scotland Trade.—Steam communication from Clyde to the North has been all but quite interrupted, in consequence of the severe gales, added to mishaps to the steamers, and the breaking of a lock in the Crinan Canal. Notwithstanding the utmost efforts of Messrs D. Hutcheson & Co., and the proprietors of the steamer Islay, to meet the unfortunate circumstances, by chartering steamers to supply the places of those disabled, the weather has for days together stopped the substituted steamers on their respective passages, as they are not fitted for contending with the waves on this very hazardous and stormy coast, though every effort has been made to procure vessels better adapted for the trade. The Crinan Canal is again open, and the Islay will be on her station on Monday. Messrs Hutcheson & Co. are to have a new vessel in room of the Chevalier ready early in the summer, and we have no doubt she will be in every way adapted for the station; for the Company have shown that they spare no expense to keep up with the rapid improvements in steam communication.—Greenock Advertiser.”—Glasgow Herald, January 15, 1855
Islay, now under the command of Captain Colquhoun, resumed her Stornoway sailings in 1855, adding Broadford to the list of regular calls. On her sailing on February 19th, she was advertised to call at Lochinver and Ullapool on her return voyage from Stornoway to Portree. Again, the City of Worcester provided the goods traffic for Islay through most of the year, but she was withdrawn in September.
At the beginning of July, Messrs Hutcheson’s Dolphin was advertised to sail to Stornoway every Thursday, at 12 noon, with the new Clansman taking over the sailing at the end of August.
Clansman
“Notice.—The splendid new steam-ship Clansman, Captain Ranken, is intended to leave Glasgow on Thursday the 6th September, at 12 noon (train 3 p.m.) for Scrabster Roads, Thurso, leaving Scrabster on Monday morning, the 10th September, at 4 o’clock, for Stornoway and Glasgow.—David Hutcheson & Co.—Glasgow, August 18, 1855.”—Glasgow Gazette, August 25, 1855
With the new Clansman in place, and with Dolphin as her consort for 1856, the Islay returned to provide service to her namesake isle, sailing from Glasgow on Mondays and Thursdays.
“Steam Communication between Glasgow, Port-Ellen, Port-Askaig, and Oban.—The steamer Islay, Captain Colquhoun, will sail till further notice, with passengers and goods, as under, unless prevented by any unforeseen cause:—From Glasgow, for Port-Ellen, Port-Askaig, and Oban, Mondays at 7 a.m., or per rail to Greenock at 9 a.m. For Port-Ellen, Thursdays at 4 p.m., train 6 p.m. From Oban, for Port-Askaig, Port-Ellen, and Glasgow, Tuesday noon. From Port-Ellen, for Glasgow, Wednesdays at 7 a.m.; Fridays at 6 p.m.
“On Fridays 23d May, 27th June, 1st August, 29th August, (being the Fridays after the Islay monthly cattle markets,) the steamer will leave Port-Ellen at 8 a.m. for West Tarbert, returning from West Tarbert to Port-Ellen the same day. Freight of livestock must be paid before shipment, and will be taken only on condition that shippers or owners thereof take all risks of shipment, conveyance, and landing. The owners are not responsible for dogs, nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for. For further information, apply at Steamers’ Office, 43 Turner’s Court, (off Argyll Street,) Glasgow.—Glasgow, May, 1856.”—Glasgow Herald, May 23, 1856
The introduction of Messrs Hutcheson’s swift steamer Iona on the ‘Royal Route,’ between Glasgow and Ardrishaig presented a difficulty for connections for Islay at Tarbert. The new steamer was too long to negotiate the narrow entrance to Tarbert Harbour, and consequently, the transfer of passengers and their luggage was by ferry-boat. Consequently, the connection to Islay was offered via Ardrishaig and Crinan, every Tuesday, leaving Glasgow at 7 a.m., and connecting at Crinan with the Islay on her return from Oban, sailing to Port-Ellen, Port-Askaig, and Glasgow.
Similar arrangements were maintained in the following year, at the end of which the Islay experienced a grounding at Port Ellen.
“Steamer Ashore.—On Friday afternoon, while the steamer Islay was riding at anchor off Port Ellen a few hours previous to her intended departure, the heavy sea which was running drove her from her moorings, and she went ashore on the beach, where she remained up till Monday. The tide was high at the time, and she did not suffer any damage, but it is feared that it will be a difficult task to get her off. The crew was landed in safety. The Inverary Castle was put on her berth on Monday, and sailed for Islay the same evening.”—Glasgow Courier, December 24, 1857
“Islay Steamer.—The attempts to get off the steamer Islay have been as yet unsuccessful. At the spot where she lies there are only a few feet of ebb, and at the top of high water she requires a foot more depth to float her off. As she had no cargo on board when she went ashore, it is feared that it will be necessary to lighten her with a portion of her machinery before she can give be got off.”—Glasgow Courier, December 29, 1857
‘Steamer Islay.—An attempt is about to be made to extricate the steamer Islay from her present position by means of a dock, as although her stern is in deep water her bows are high and dry. On the same day she went ashore a schooner, belonging to Glasgow, also drove from her anchors and sank. The crew were saved but there are no hopes of recovering the vessel.”—Glasgow Courier, December 31, 1857
“Greenock.—The steamer Islay which got ashore on the beach at Port-Ellen on the afternoon of Friday, the 18th ultimo, was floated off on Thursday last, and arrived at Glasgow apparently nothing the worst of the accident.”—Glasgow Courier, January 12, 1858
“The Steamer Islay.—The steamer Islay, which went ashore at Port Ellen a short time ago, was got off the beach during the highest tides of last week, and passed up the river about midnight of Friday. She is apparently uninjured, and has resumed her station.”—Greenock Herald, January 16, 1858
Hardly had the Islay been extricated from one predicament, than she found herself in another.
“Collision.—About one o’clock on Saturday morning, the steamer Islay, while on her passage to Greenock, came into collision with a coal-laden smack of Pladda. The smack, which was on the starboard tack, struck the Islay severely on the port-bow, and inflicted considerable damage. The steamer was stopped, and her life-boat sent to the assistance of the smack, and it being found that she had sprung a dangerous leak, the steamer took her in tow and brought her to Lamlash harbour.”—Glasgow Herald, January 20, 1858
For the 1858 season, Port-Rush on the Antrim coast was assed to the Islay’s roster.
“Steam Communication between Glasgow, Port-Ellen, Port-Askaig, Port-Rush, and Oban.—On and after Monday the 24th curt., the steamer Islay, Captain Colquhoun, will sail with passengers and goods, as under, unless prevented by any unforeseen cause:—From Glasgow, for Port-Ellen and Port-Askaig, Mondays at 7 a.m., or per rail to Greenock at 9 a.m. From Port-Askaig for West Tarbert, Tuesdays, at 8 a.m. From West Tarbert for Port-Ellen, Tuesdays, about 12 noon.
“Passengers for Islay, leaving Glasgow on Tuesdays by the steamer Iona or Mountaineer, advertised to sail at 7 a.m., may land at East Tarbert, join the Islay at West Tarbert, and thence be conveyed to Port Ellen; and passengers from Port-Askaig on Tuesday Morning may get from East Tarbert to Glasgow by the same steamer.
“From Glasgow for Port-Rush, Port-Ellen and Oban, Wednesdays, at 4 p.m.; or per rail to Greenock at 6 p.m. From Oban, for Port-Askaig, Port-Ellen, and Glasgow, Tuesday noon. From Port-Ellen, for Glasgow, Wednesdays at 7 a.m.; Fridays at 6 p.m. From Port-Rush for Port-Ellen and Oban, Thursdays at 9.15 a.m.. From Oban for Port-Ellen and Port-Rush, Fridays at 6 a.m. From Port-Ellen for Glasgow, Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; Fridays, at 1 p.m. From Port-Rush for Glasgow, Fridays about 6 p.m.
“On Fridays 21st May, being the Friday after the Islay Monthly Cattle Market, the steamer will leave Port-Ellen at 8 a.m. for West Tarbert, returning from West Tarbert to Port-Ellen on the arrival at East Tarbert of the steamer Mountaineer, which is advertised to leave Glasgow at 7 a.m. The freight of livestock must be paid before shipment, and will be taken only on condition that shippers or owners thereof take all risks of shipment, conveyance, and landing. The owners are not responsible for dogs, nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for.—For further information, apply at Steamers’ Office, 43 Turner’s Court, (off Argyll Street,) Glasgow.—Glasgow, 15th May, 1858.”—Glasgow Herald, May 19, 1858
The further addition of a call at Campbeltown, on the Wednesday sailing to Port-Rush, and return on Friday was included in the 1859 roster. However, this call was short-lived and did not feature after 1860.
Excursions were offered from Portrush.
“Excursions to Oban, via Portrush.—Belfast to Oban and back (16 days) (1st class and cabin), 20s. Steamer Islay leaves Portrush every Thursday. For further particulars see plackards.—Edward J. Cotton, Manager.—Belfast, July 26, 1860.”—Northern Whig, August 1, 1860
The Islay collided with the tug Conquest in January 1862.
“Collision between Two Steamers.—Early on Wednesday morning a collision took place nearly opposite the Cloch Lighthouse between the steamer Islay and the steam-tug Conquest. The former was on her way up the river and the latter was going down. The Conquest was struck on the port side almost to the water’s edge, and her paddle-wing and small boat smashed, a number of stanchions broken, and a portion of the deck cut in two. Several of her timbers were forced in upon the boiler, and but for the smoothness of the water she must have gone down immediately thereafter, as the crew sprung on board the Islay. The Islay having backed out, and men returning to the tug, she was brought up here, and taken into the Mid Harbour. She was leaking considerably. The Islay sustained little or no damage. A boy named M‘Leod, narrowly escape drowning, having fallen into the water while trying to get on board the Islay. He was however rescued by those on board the Islay.”—Glasgow Saturday Post, January 11, 1862
In February 1862, Captain Colquhoun, Master of the Islay for seven years since the death of Captain Urie, was acknowledged for his “unwearied kindness as a man, and his steadiness and gallantry as a British tar,” by friends and well-wishers at the Bridge-end Inn, Islay. He had resigned his position in May, 1861, to take command of a new screw steamer of which he was part owner. Captain Kerr was appointed to command the Islay.
The connection with the swift steamer Mountaineer or Iona from Glasgow on Tuesdays was handled at East Tarbert by ferry-boat. This appears to have worked when the passenger numbers were small, but in the summer season, the Loch Fyne cargo steamer, that left Glasgow very early on Tuesday morning, was retained at the Kyles of Bute to land passengers in Tarbert Harbour.
“Notice on and after Tuesday the 15th current, (should no unforeseen occurrence take place) passengers for Islay leaving Glasgow on Tuesday by the Iona or other steamer advertised to sail at 7 a.m., will be transferred in the Kyles of Bute to the Dolphin, or other steamer, and landed at East Tarbert. They may join the Islay at West Tarbert, and be conveyed from thence to Port-Ellen; and passengers from Port-Askaig on Tuesdays may get from East Tarbert to Glasgow by the steamer Dolphin or Iona. The steamer Islay will leave Port-Askaig on Tuesdays, at 7 a.m., instead of 8 a.m., as already advertised.—7th July 1862.”—Glasgow Herald, July 8, 1862
What is particularly noteworthy from newspaper account is the number of crews from shipwrecked and stranded vessels on the Islay coast that were conveyed to the Clyde in the Islay. With her sturdy build and capable masters over the years, she was also involved in towing vessels in distress into safe havens.
The sailings of the Islay could be arranged to touch at destinations far from the Islay shore. In September and October, 1862, for example, she visited, Craignure in Mull, Fort William, and Kyleakin in Skye.
“Steam Communication between Glasgow, Port-Ellen, Port Askaig, Port-Rush, and Oban.—On and after Monday, 2d May, 1864, the steamer Islay, Captain Kerr, will sail with passengers and goods, as under, and call at any other place that may be agreed upon (unless prevented by the weather or any unforeseen cause), and with liberty to tow and assist vessels in distress:—From Glasgow for Port-Ellen & Port-Askaig.—Mondays, at 6 a.m.,—or per rail to Greenock at 7.40 a.m. From Port-Askaig for West Tarbert.—Tuesdays, at 7 a.m. From West Tarbert for Port-Ellen.—Tuesdays, about 12 noon.
“Passengers for Islay leaving Glasgow on Tuesdays by the steamer advertised to sail at 7 a.m., will be transferred, in the Kyles of Bute, to the Dolphin or other steamer, and landed at East Tarbert. They may join the Islay at West Tarbert, and be conveyed thence to Port-Ellen; and passengers from Port-Askaig on Tuesdays may get the steamer which sails from East Tarbert to Glasgow.
“From Glasgow for Port-Ellen & Port-Rush.—Thursdays, at 2 p.m.—or per rail to Greenock at 4 p.m. From Port-Ellen for Port-Rush.—Fridays, about 12 noon. From Port-Rush for Glasgow.—Fridays, about 5 p.m. From Port-Ellen for Glasgow.—Tuesdays, about 6 p.m.; Fridays, about 12 noon.
“From Glasgow for Port-Ellen & Craignure (Mull).—Wednesday, 24th September, at 2 p.m. or per rail to Greenock at 4 p.m. From Craignure, for Port-Ellen, Port-Rush, and Glasgow.—Thursday evening, 25th September. From Glasgow for Port-Rush, Port-Ellen, Oban, and Fort William.—Wednesday, 1st October, at 2 p.m.—or per rail to Greenock at 4 p.m. From Fort-William for Oban, Port-Ellen, Port-Rush, and Glasgow.—Thursday evening, 2d October. From Glasgow for Port-Ellen & Kyleakin (Skye).—Wednesday, 8th October, at 2 p.m.—or per rail to Greenock at 4 p.m. From Kyleakin, for Port-Ellen, Port-Rush, and Glasgow.—Thursday evening, 9th October.
“The freight of livestock must be paid before shipment, and be accompanied by a person in charge, and will be taken only on condition that shippers or owners thereof take all risks of shipment, conveyance, and landing. The owners are not responsible for dogs, nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for.
“For further information, apply to James Caldwell, Port-Rush; John M‘Caig, Oban; Alex. M‘Dougall, Port-Ellen; Alex. Shanks, Port-Askaig; John Dawson, Greenock; or at Steamers’ Office, 43 Turner’s Court, (off Argyll Street), Glasgow.—Glasgow, 18th Sept., 1862.”—Glasgow Herald, September 22, 1862
“Notice on and after Tuesday the 15th current, (should no unforeseen occurrence take place) passengers for Islay leaving Glasgow on Tuesday by the Iona or other steamer advertised to sail at 7 a.m., will be transferred in the Kyles of Bute to the Dolphin, or other steamer, and landed at East Tarbert. They may join the Islay for at West Tarbert, and be conveyed from thence to Port-Ellen; and passengers from Port-Askaig on Tuesdays may get from East Tarbert to Glasgow by the steamer Dolphin or Iona. The steamer Islay will leave Port-Askaig on Tuesdays, at 7 a.m., instead of 8 a.m., as already advertised.—7th July 1862.”—Glasgow Herald, July 8, 1862
The Islay maintained the Islay station until the end of 1867. The fare from Glasgow to Islay around this time was 10 shillings in the cabin; 4 shillings in steerage.
“The freight of goods for ports where there are no Agents requires to be prepaid. Shippers are particularly requested to have the landing place distinctly marked on the address.
“Steam Communication between Glasgow, Port-Ellen, Port Askaig, Port-Rush, and Oban.—On and after Monday, 2d May, 1864, the steamer Islay, Captain Kerr, will sail with passengers and goods, as under, and call at any other place that may be agreed upon, unless prevented by the weather or any unforeseen cause, and with liberty to tow and assist vessels in distress:—From Glasgow for Port-Ellen & Port-Askaig.—Mondays, at 6 a.m.,—or per rail to Greenock at 7.00 a.m. From Port-Askaig for West Tarbert.—Tuesdays, at 8 a.m. From West Tarbert for Port-Ellen.—Tuesdays, about 12 noon.
“Passengers for Islay leaving Glasgow on Tuesday by the Mountaineer, or other steamer, advertised to sail at 7 a.m., may land at East Tarbert, join the Islay at West Tarbert, and thence be conveyed to Port-Ellen; and passengers from Port-Askaig on Tuesdays may get from East Tarbert to Glasgow by the same steamer.
“From Glasgow for Port-Ellen & Port-Rush.—Thursdays, at 2 p.m. (Thursday, 19th May excepted),—or per rail to Greenock at 4 p.m. Fron Port-Ellen for Port-Rush.—Fridays, about 12 noon. From Port-Rush for Glasgow.—Fridays, about 5 p.m. From Port-Ellen for Glasgow.—Tuesdays, about 6 p.m.; Fridays, about 12 noon. From Glasgow for Port-Rush, Port-Ellen, Crinan, and Oban.—Wednesday, 18th May, at 2 p.m.,—or per rail to Greenock at 4 p.m. From Oban for Crinan, Port-Ellen, Port-Rush, and Glasgow.—Friday morning, 20th May.
“The freight of livestock must be paid before shipment, and be accompanied by a person in charge, and will be taken only on condition that shippers or owners thereof take all risks of shipment, conveyance, and landing. The owners are not responsible for dogs, nor for luggage, unless paid and signed for.
“For further information, apply to James Caldwell, Port-Rush; John M‘Caig, Oban; Alex. M‘Dougall, Port-Ellen; Alex. Shanks, Port-Askaig; John Dawson, Greenock; or at Steamers’ Office, 43 Turner’s Court, (off Argyll Street), Glasgow.—Glasgow, 26th April, 1864.”—Glasgow Herald, April 27, 1864
After the Dolphin was sold to run the Union blockade of the Confederate ports in 1862. The Inverary Castle was then the Loch Fyne cargo steamer. On Tuesdays, she left an hour earlier than usual to be available to take the passengers from the new Iona into Tarbert Harbour.
Inveraray Castle of 1839. Mary Jane and Inverary Castle were generally relief vessels for the Islay when she required overhaul or repair
“The steamer Inveraray Castle will sail from Glasgow every Tuesday. at 5 a.m., instead of 6 a.m., and from Greenock about 7.30 a.m., calling at Kirn, Dunoon, Innellan, Rothesay, Kyles of Bute, Tarbert, and Ardrishaig. Passengers for Tarbert and the Islay by the Iona on Tuesdays will join the Inveraray Castle at Tynabruaich on that day.—David Hutcheson & Co. 119, Hope Street, Glasgow, 4th August 1864.”—Greenock Advertiser, September 3, 1864
At a dinner at the Islay, Jura, and Colonsay Agricultural Society’s Show in October, 1865, Captain Findlay Kerr was presented with a purse containing one hundred guineas “by some residents and parties connected with the islands of Islay, Jura, and Colonsay, in token of their appreciation of his urbanity to the public and constant attention to his duty while in command of the Islay steamer.” Mrs Kerr was also presented with a handsome brooch.
In 1866, a short pier was erected at Tarbert, paving the way for the swift steamers, such as the new Iona, to call to transfer passengers and their luggage for Islay. However, it would be another decade before Messrs Hutcheson would take over the Islay service and establish a daily service from West Tarbert to Islay.
On the 20th September, 1867 Messrs Barclay, Curle & Co, Glasgow launched a new paddle steamer for the Islay Steam Packet Co., the principals of which were Charles Morrison of London, T. G. Buchanan, and John Ramsey of Glasgow. She was 192¾ feet in length by 24½ feet in breadth and 10¾ feet depth. Her engines were145 nhp. She took over the Islay station in early December.
“Greenock.—The New Islay Steamer.—The fine new paddle steamer Islay, which has just been built by Messrs Barclay, Curle & Co., Glasgow, for the Glasgow and Islay Steamboat Company, called in here on Monday on first regular trip on this station. Her appearance as she steamed into the quay was very imposing, her great breadth and powerful paddle wheels giving her the appearance of a vessel of greater size than she really is. The smart and clean model of her hull, on a close inspection, did not fail to attract general appreciation. Since she made her trial trip to Islay the fore part of her steerage deck has been covered over, and a very comfortable forecastle made, which will be a great boon to the steerage passengers in stormy weather. Her cabin is handsomely fitted up equal to anything on the Clyde, and the state-rooms and ladies and gentlemen’s cabin are wanting in nothing that comfort could desire in a deep-sea steamer. The new Islay is under the charge of an old favourite on this route, Captain Kerr; and the passengers, therefore, between the Clyde and Islay have now attained what may be considered perfection both in master and steamer.”—Glasgow Saturday Post, December 14, 1867
The new two-funneled Islay next to the building on Custom House Quay, Greenock, with Cavalier ahead, and Meg Merrilies approaching the Quay, around 1885
The new Islay at Jura
In February of 1868, the old Islay was sold to Messrs Hutcheson, and renamed Dolphin, replacing the previous steamer of the same name that had gone to the Confederates in 1862. She did not remain long with her new owners and was sold on in July of 1868.