Placename

Tomas Telford

Translation

the location of the boat 'Tomas Telford' which sank in Staffin Bay.

Description

Three boats were sailing to Stornoway with a cargo of building bricks. These coasters were capable of carrying about 100 tonne. While sailing up the east coast of Skye they were hit by a storm and forced to take shelter in Staffin Bay. The storm got so severe that the boats decided to head back to Portree but unfortunately the Thomas Telford couldn't get away. She was continuously being blown towards the shore despite having thrown anchor. Each time a wave crossed the boat it lifted her anchor and gradually moved her closer to danger. Although they blew their horn to summon help, local people could not take to sea in the severe conditions. People congregated on the shore and everyone expected loss of life. However, one of the other boats came back and managed to get the sailors transferred across before heading back to the safety of Portree. The Thomas Telford ended up on the rocks but moved out again as the tide receded before settling on the sand directly in front of Glasphein township. Gradually she sank into the sand with the weight of her cargo and today there is little evidence left of the fate of the boat. Years later, a local person from Digg (Dòmhnall Angus) met the skipper who was on the Thomas Telford in Australia. It is worth mentioning that this was not the only link between Staffin and the famous engineer. The Drochaid dubh over the Kilmartin River was designed by Thomas Telford, as was the parish church.

Area

Glasphein

OS Grid Ref

4741 6881