Special poppy pins to mark centenary of Iolaire disaster
22 September 2018
Commemorative poppy pins are being produced to mark the centenary of the Iolaire disaster.
Poppy Scotland is making the special lapel badges which will be available to purchase for £3 each from 1st October.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the tragedy when the Admiralty yacht Iolaire sank on the Beasts of Holm at the entrance to Stornoway harbour just two hours into New Year's Day 1919.
Over 200 naval men who were returning home at the end of WW1 drowned.
The sinking is Britain's worst peacetime maritime disaster.
Dolina Macleod, of the Iolaire working group, said: “We are pleased to have worked in partnership with Poppy Scotland to give people the opportunity to purchase these specially made Iolaire poppy pins.
“The working group felt that it was particularly poignant that these be made available to buy in advance of Armistice Day in November and, of course, the centenary of the Iolaire tragedy at the end of this year.”
All proceeds will go towards costs related to the Iolaire commemorative events.
The pins will be available from Stornoway Library, Stornoway Town Hall and comhairle offices in Stornoway and Tarbert.
Homecoming turned into tragedy when the Iolaire floundered.