Orkney Image Library

The photographer's initials, J.L., refers to James Linklater of Hawthorn Villa, Beaquoyside, Birsay. His brother Johnny was also involved in the photography side of the business. James ran a tailoring and dressmaking business, while Johnny was involved in the General Merchant's business at Midbigging, Beaquoyside, with another brother, Tammie. There was a photographic studio which stood on stilts, behind Midbigging. Midbigging is now a private museum and part of the collection consists of some 1800 photographs in 34 different categories.

I should have added that there is an excellent story 'The Keith Hall - A636' by Albert Spence, and it can be found on page 29 of Orkney Vintage Club's Newsletter No 11. There are bound copies of all the newsletters in the Reference Room of the Orkney Library & Archive.

Dont think that there is anything constructive I could add Stewart, other than the fact that Keith Hall A636. looks like she is rigged like a drifter rather than a trawler. Where as the Ben Namer looks for all the part a trawler.

The Keith Hall was a former German trawler called the Darmstadt and was launched in 1896. Captured by HMS Cleopatra in 1915 she was taken over by the Navy, renamed Carbosin and served until 1920 when she was sold to Ellis and Meff Aberdeen who used her as a line fishing vessel. The crew member lost was George Neilson who was washed overboard whilst assisting with the launch of the smallboat. The Ben Namur was only one year old when she was lost having been built by Hall Russell, Aberdeen. The mate Alexander Lawrence and deckhand Alexander Cordiner were both swept overboard and drowned during the stranding. She was owned by Richard Irvin & Sons Ltd Aberdeen.