Ship tragedy inspires fundraising garden open day to benefit RNLI lifeboat volunteers on Black Isle
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A WOMAN who lost her grandfather in the Iolaire tragedy of 1919 is this weekend coordinating the opening of a glorious garden to support the voluntary work of a Black Isle lifeboat crew.
The fundraiser for North Kessock and Inverness branch RNLI is being organised by Cathie Simpson of Tomatin, who was born on Lewis in a croft looking out to the sea and has never lost that connection.
Speaking ahead of the Glenkyllachy Open Garden event event tomorrow, she said: "I lost my grandfather who perished when the Iolaire went down off Stornoway harbour in January 1919 and that’s why I support the Lifeboat charity. It was a very sad day for the Islands."
The Iolaire struck rocks just yards from shore in Stornoway having left from Kyle of Lochalsh in Ross-shire. At least 201 men out of the 283 people on board died, most of them Royal Navy Reservists returning home at the end of the First World War.
The Glenkyllachy open garden event running from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday throws the spotlight on a glorious garden of shrubs, herbaceous plants, rhododendrons, trees and spectacular views down the Findhorn River.
It has been described as "an experience not to be missed". The gardens will be open to the public on Sunday with permission of owners Mr & Mrs Philip Mackenzie. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, wander round the extensive landscaped grounds, admire the original sculptures, waterfall feature and the arboretum.
Visitors to Glenkyllachy can browse the plant and craft stalls, a lifeboat stall and enjoy home-made afternoon teas. The entry is £5 and all proceeds will go to the RNLI.
How to get there
Turn off the A9 at Tomatin and take the Coignafearn/Garbole single-track road down the north side of the River Findhorn. Follow the signs to Glenkyllachy.
