Orkney Image Library

there was a similar one to this on the beach at Ousna in Longhope, and another on the beach below the Peedie Lythes..Longhope... over 60 years ago, probably bits still there..

Jimmy, I also remember the wreck below the Lythes when I was a young lad. Late 40's early 50's. There was also a wreck on the shore below 'Greenbank', Which was broken up at some stage.

My nephew Kenny Budge has the propellers and shafts in his garden from both of the drifters you mention Jimmy. Anyone know what they were called?.

Yes Jimmy there are bits of them both still visible

So far as I know, the "Uno " was the boat below Greenbank and at one time belonged to the Mowat family of Brims. She was rescued by the Longhope Lifeboat in the early 1930's whilst returning from Thurso and is displayed on the lifeboat service boards in the Brims Museum.

This is the second time that I have attempted to send this message, so hope it is successful this time. I remember the three vessels well, including the ones below the Lythes and Greenbank. So far as I can remember the one below Greenbank was the " Uno " of Brims.which belonged to the Mowat family. She was rescued in the early 1930's by the lifeboat on a trip from Thurso to Longhope. The incident is recorded on the service board in the Brims Museum.

My father was in her on this occasion, But I cannot remember whom the skipper was. Probably Jake Swanson or Sinclair Mowat.

I remember the one at the Lythes. Very near where Eric Heddle had a lucky escape. If seat belts had been compulsory back then he would have been a goner. He was thrown out of the vehicle and it ended up over the shore.

Thanks for that information Fred . I often wondered about it's history. Another ghost from the past laid to rest.

I dont remember any boat lying below Greenbank only a ships boat on that kinda pier thing belonging to Bobby Johnston o the Garage, I think Bill Skweek bought it at The Garage sale around 1956.

Yes John I also remember the boat on the pier. There was also at one time a large metal mooring buoy standing on it's end at the end of it. During a very high tide I climbed on top of it and of course I fell off and got an unwelcome soaking. I was told the pier was eventually destroyed in a gale.

I think the sale of Anna and Gordon Robertson's stuff at Big North Row was the same day John. There was an old boat at North Row as well up against the wall of the old thatched building, all in one bit but not fit for every going to sea in again, Emmy Groat bought it and a great big green stove but he never took them away, must have put his hand up at the wrong moment. In the end dad disposed of both about 1965 when they bought the place of Gordon.

Walked along that shore as a bairn many a time in the late 1950's but have no memory of a boat below Greenbank.

Geordie Kirkpatrick used tae tell a fun aboot the "Uno" Somebody asked the Skipper whats the name of your boat, the Skipper replied "Uno" "No I dont know thats why I,m asking you".