Scottish Maritime Museum bids successfully for eighty year old bottle of Whisky
The Scottish Maritime Museum has successfully bid for an eighty year old bottle of whisky salvaged from one of Scotland’s most famous shipwrecks!
Article Source: Scottish Maritime Museum
Last Updated: 5 October 2020 12:11
The Scottish Maritime Museum has successfully bid for an eighty year old bottle of whisky salvaged from one of Scotland’s most famous shipwrecks and the inspiration for the muchloved Ealing Studio comedy Whisky Galore!
The unlabelled bottle of blended whisky from the 1923 SS Politician, which ran aground off the Isle of Eriskay in 1941, was acquired by the Scottish Maritime Museum with the support of the National Fund for Acquisitions at The Grand Whisky Auction.
The rare find will become part of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s nationally recognised collection of maritime heritage which is housed in a former Victorian shipyard engine shed in Irvine, Ayrshire, and on the site of the world-famous William Denny Shipyard in Dumbarton.
The whisky, which is now believed to be undrinkable and which was one of 264,000 bottles stowed onboard the wartime cargo vessel, was recovered from the shipwreck by George Currie of Orkney in June 1987.
The North Sea diver and his work colleagues went looking for the wreck after completing a subsea cable repair between South Uist and Eriskay and the bottle was in his possession up until now.
Laden with goods to be sold to raise funds for the war effort, the 800 tonne SS Politician set sail from Liverpool on the 3rd February 1941. Bound for Kingston, Jamaica, and New Orleans, it was brimming with motor cars, bicycles, cotton, medicines, tobacco and around £145,000 in Jamaican bank notes.
It was, however, the fate of the contents of Hold Number 5, some 22,000 cases of the finest malt whisky from bonded warehouses in Leith and Glasgow, which inspired Compton Mackenzie’s famous 1947 novel Whisky Galore!
Two years later, Mackenzie’s romantic comedy featuring the ‘SS Cabinet Minister’ and the islanders of ‘Great and Little Todday’ was made into the enduringly popular Ealing comedy starring Gordon Jackson, Joan Greenwood and Basil Radford.
The lot acquired by the Scottish Maritime Museum also includes a diving helmet worn by the diver George Currie who recovered the whisky bottle, two bricks being carried as cargo on the ill-fated vessel and a poster from the 2016 remake of Whisky Galore! which featured Eddie Izzard, Gregor Fisher and James Cosmo.
Receiving the eighty year old bottle of whisky, David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, says:
“This bottle of shipwrecked whisky may be small in size but the colourful story behind it provides us with a powerful and enthralling link with our cultural and social maritime past.
“Intact and in good condition, which is amazing considering 46 years submerged in
saltwater, the bottle complements our nationally recognised collection of Scottish shipbuilding, boatbuilding, engineering and design perfectly.
“It will play a leading role in helping us tell the stories behind the collection and exploring our social and cultural relationship with the sea with visitors.”
Abigail McIntyre, Senior Curator at the Scottish Maritime Museum, adds:
“We are thrilled to add this bottle of whisky which has become so imbedded in Scottish island folklore to the collection.
“There are so many fascinating topics we can explore with our visitors through it, from island life during the war period and underwater archaeology and recovery through to challenging our understanding and portrayal of smuggling in Scottish waters.
“The wreck of the SS Politician had a profound effect on the life of the islanders of Eriskay, many of whom felt keenly the injustice of being prosecuted. As well as looking at the impact of the shipwreck generally, we will also explore maritime laws and their implications through this wonderful new artefact.”
The bottle of whisky will initially go on show in the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Boatshop exhibition space where it will be free to view.
In 2023, it will feature in the Museum’s ‘Smuggling and Swashbuckling’ exhibition where it will help stimulate conversation around alternative views of smuggling.
Image: Abigail McIntyre, Senior Curator at the Scottish Maritime Museum, pictured with an eighty year old bottle of Scottish whisky salvaged from the 1923 SS Politician, one of Scotland’s most famous shipwrecks and the inspiration for the much-loved Ealing Studio comedy Whisky Galore!
The whisky bottle, which was acquired by the Scottish Maritime Museum with the support of the National Fund for Acquisitions at The Grand Whisky Auction, will become part of the Museum’s nationally recognised collection of maritime heritage along with the diving helmet worn by George Currie from Orkney who recovered the whisky bottle, a brick being carried as cargo on the ill-fated vessel and a poster from the 2016 remake of Whisky Galore, all acquired as part of the auction lot.
Issued on behalf of the Scottish Maritime Museum by Joanna Harrison
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records
The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme
Three local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up
Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!
READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies
Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.
READ MORE
Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off
The Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!
READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest
Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal
Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.
READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way
Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more
Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March
Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.
READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!
Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow
After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing
Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.
READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow
Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.
READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow
The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.
READ MORE
Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes
Get ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!
READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland
A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.
READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MORE
Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show
Could a Glasgow dog be the next Spaniel Radcliffe or Pug Henshall? Is there a budding Collie Firth or Brad Pit Bull, waiting to be discovered?
READ MORE
Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note
The 32nd edition of Scotland’s premier winter music festival reached attendances of 110,000, with 125 sold out shows across its 18 days.
READ MORE
Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem
Bongo's Bingo is back in Glasgow with a run of spectacular shows, including 80s specials and St. Patrick's Day specials at SWG3.
READ MORE
Chef Tobias Fiegel opens Extra_Ordinary in Finnieston
Chef Tobias Fiegel has opened a new pan-Asian powerhouse in Glasgow Finnieston, flawlessly blending Japanese, Korean, and Chinese dishes.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links