24/01/2019
Some good news: Sheòl an Iolaire set to stay on South Beach a little longer.
The sculpture, designed by Torcuil Crichton and Malcolm Maclean, was envisaged as a temporary installation.
But in response to the enormous public demand, the Stornoway Port Authority is to seek permission to extend the lifespan of the commemorative sculpture.
Planning permission is being sought to keep the ship lit until Easter, which is the expected lifespan of the waterproof lights which illuminate the vessel at night. The effect of the lights will also reduce when daylight increases at the end of March.
However, it is hoped the wooden structure of deerposts, 79 tipped white to represent the Iolaire survivors and 201 left plain for those lost, can be kept in place on South Beach throughout the summer months and disassembled towards the end of the centenary year.
The posts were donated by Stornoway Trust and cut from trees felled in the Castle Grounds.
Malcolm Maclean, who supervised the construction with engineers from the Stornoway Port Authority, said: “The installation was not designed as a permanent structure but has stood up to the tides and weather to a much higher degree than expected.
“There has been a tremendous public response to Sheòl an Iolaire and people have pressed for it to become a permanent memorial.
“It is worth keeping so long as its dignity is intact. A final deadline for removal is to be set but the deciding factor will be the extent to which the sea works on the installation.”
Should planning permission be granted, Stornoway Port Authority will monitor the lights and the posts carefully over the next few months before making a final decision on removing the installation.
Murdo Murray, chairman of the Stornoway Port Authority, said: “Sheòl an Iolaire is a poignant and sensitive commemoration of a tragedy that affects so many people.
“Both residents and visitors have been attracted to it and been moved by it, and we are very keen for it to feature on the South Beach for a little longer.”
