The 10th of August 2022 marked the 200th anniversary of an event that rocked the Ross of Mull and Iona, known as 'Bàthadh nam Buanaichean' (the Drowning of the Harvesters). The retelling of the story took place in Creich Hall, which was packed with local people, plus a few visitors.  A group of readers told the tragic story from contemporary accounts, and Tom Aitchison, who had researched and narrated it, spoke of the economic pressures and inequalities which led to lives lost and ‘justice denied’.

Over baked potatoes the hall buzzed with lively discussion of this story and issues for our communities today. BBC Alba were present and made a brief film with interviews, background scenes of the Ross and Iona today and glimpses of the evening event, including a poignant Gaelic song, written by Flòraidh NicPhàil from Tiree in the 1950s called 'Maraiche Nan Cuantan' (Sailor of the Seas), from Nigel and Rosie Burgess.

An information board is now on show in the Historical Centre, and there is discussion about where else the names of those who died might be commemorated.

The full story of 'The Drowning of the Harvesters' can be read here ...

Jan Sutch-Pickard