MUSEUM nan Eilean is preparing an exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Iolaire, an Admiralty yacht. The Iolaire sank in the Minch, a mile from Stornoway on January 1 1919, while carrying First World War soldiers back home to Lewis. At least 205 out of the 280 people on board perished.
The exhibition will run from late 2018 until early 2019 in the new museum at Lews Castle and is part of a series of events recognising the centenary of the disaster. While there are several artefacts relating to the Iolaire in the museum’s collection, staff would like to hear from anyone who has objects or paperwork relating to the tragedy.
Those who have suitable items and who are willing to temporarily loan their object or paperwork to the museum should contact the museum by emailing museum@cne-siar.gov.uk or by post to Museum nan Eilean, Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, HS2 0XS, with a full description and photographs of the item, as well as their contact details.