COMMUNITY
Left: The restored ‘derrick’ in Ellenabeich. Right: Model replica of the quarry.
upon files, all neatly and clearly labelled. But these documents are not only for staff use, they are local archives, with everything you need to know about the genealogy of the area. Volunteers proudly explain that fami- lies who have long since left Scotland have been able to trace their ancestors and Argyll heritage through these documents. The ar- chives are free to read and a great resource for students, Jim Watson, CEO of the trust, explained. From the archives Ms Clennie discovered that the lifting winch, known as a ‘derrick’, installed in the village was used to load and unload slate from boats but was originally invented by a London executioner to make it easier to hang criminals. The crane, which looks a lot more ominous after its origins are explained, was rescued from the decaying pier and re- stored by the Slate Islands Heritage Trust. It now has pride of place in the village square. The level of dedication and passion involved in maintaining the museum is clear, in particu- lar in the amount of detail on the models and information. It is hard to believe the trust relies solely on the work of volunteers and dona- tions.
‘What the trust wants to do is show people what life was really like on the islands, not just that the islands were here but what it was like to live on them,’ explains Ms Clennie. ‘We’re just a group of people with a pas- sion about the topic and we want to share that with whoever wants to know,’ added Mr Watson. Slate Islands Heritage Trust Museum is open seven days a week. Entry is free but dona- tions are appreciated.
Jim Watson, left, CEO of the trust and fellow trustee Drew Connelly.
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