We’ve been doing some research into Tiree’s history. Duirng Summer 1872, the the contract terminated for postal services to some of the islands, a vacancy opened up presenting opportunity to Tiree’s best boatmen.
Her Majesty’s Mail Service between Tobermory, Coll and Tiree having been abruptly suspended that Summer, saw Tiree’s best boatmen scramble for the job. According to the Oban Times and Aryllshire Advertiser, one man in Tiree was SO determined for the job, that he practically got all the islanders to sign his testimonial which he then sent on to the Post Office in Edinburgh.
The note commented was peppered with commentary in his favour suggesting why he was the best person for the job. The man had a fast sailing smack which was mentioned often.
However, the Post Office made their choice with an earlier application favouring a smaller vessel with an interior ready made crew who would attend to the mail and parcels, (as well as their own fishing duties) for the small price of just a few shillings. The vessel going to those locations saw it as no further work to simply pick up the mailbags whilst there.
This was a time when some of the other islands were starting to install Telegraphs and setting up regular mail collections, so there was great feeling in Tiree on that recommendation paper that Tiree should not be left “so far at sea!”
Photo: AI for illustration only
