- Nov 30, 2009
- 6,545
- 148,888
- Funster No
- 9,521
- MH
- PVC the PUG
- Exp
- Since 2009 with motorhomes several caravans then tents before that.
Then on to Vatersay.
"If you take a drive around the island of Vatersay , you’re likely to stumble upon a very interesting discovery, behind which lies a tragic tale. Just off the road (there’s really only one) as it runs around the east of the island you will find a black stone memorial, and scattered around it, the scattered wreckage of an aircraft.
The plane is a Catalina, built by the Americans in the 1930s and 1940s as a long-range patrol plane and often referred to as a flying boat for its ability to land and take off at sea. This particular plane was being used by the RAF during WW2 and was operating from Oban. On the night of 12th May 1944 the plane took off with nine crew on board for a training exercise. They were due to fly over the nearby point of Barra Head, but lost their way and found themselves well off their intended course. The pilot tried in vain to gain altitude and the plane crashed into the side of the nearby hill Heishavel Beag. Three of the crew were killed, with six surviving the crash."
The wreckage is still there. Right next to the roadside down the hillside.
I thought I'd post some pictures for those who've never seen it. If you drive further on you'll come across yet another lovely beach too.