Members of Argyll and Bute Council will formally thank Islay’s WW100 committee for providing an inspirational and ambitious programme of events to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of SS Tuscania and the collision of HMS Otranto, which took place off the shores of Islay during the Great War.
At a meeting of the full council next week members will pay tribute to the group for their part in organising the national remembrance events, honouring those who lost their lives in the incidents, and providing a lasting legacy for the local community.
Provost of Argyll and Bute, Len Scoullar said: “The WW100 group both national and local must be congratulated for arranging such a well-organised series of events to honour and pay respect to those who lost their lives in these tragedies, and commemorate the people of Islay who were involved in the response to the incidents.
“Particular mention must be made to the group’s Chair, Jenni Minto, and the Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Patrick Stewart, for the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout the whole process. The success of these events is a great credit to them, the organisers and the local community. I would also like to thank the Council officers who were involved in the commemorations for all their help in ensuring the day went smoothly as well as the island's school pupils for their valuable contributions.
“The island really came together, engaging young and old, showcasing resilience, compassion and kindness. It was a great pleasure and a privilege for Argyll and Bute Council to be part of this.”
The commemorations took place last month and attracted worldwide media attention. They were attended by HRH the Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Laurence, as well as a number of senior representatives from the UK, the USA, France and Germany as well as members of a wide range of communities across Islay and descendants of those people involved in the tragedy at the time.
Notes to editors
Islay and Jura lost over 200 of their own men on the battlefields and seas of
WW1.
On 5 February 1918 the troopship SS Tuscania was torpedoed just off the shores of Islay. A few months later on 6 October 1918, HMS Otranto collided with another vessel in her convoy near Islay, resulting in the death of over 500, mainly American, servicemen.