vatersay is the southern most accessible hebridean island, off the west coast of scotland. it’s linked to barra by a causeway, one of several that link the islands, and there are few houses on the island. we had one day in barra back in may and since the island is super tiny, we crossed to vatersay to check out the beaches.
they’re stunning. a deep blue, almost caribbean like, with long, soft sandy beaches and grass-covered dunes reminiscent of the east coast of the states. but the beaches are not what i want to share images of today. there is one road that curves around the island and on the water side of that road is a plane crash. it’s not noticeable if you’re not aware of it, although you do see a parking place with a small walkway down to the water. we stopped on the way back toward barra and walked down. situated across a small trickle of water are the remnants of a catalina plane, built by the americans in the 1930s and 40s and used by the raf in wwII. the plane had taken off from oban, across the sea, and was bound for barra. unfortunately, the winds buffeted the plane well off course and in trying to gain altitude, the pilot lost control and crashed into the hillside. the raf moved the wreckage, but left it lying below the road, where it lays today.
nine people were on board; 3 died. we were joined at the site by a younger couple, who wandered through the wreckage, peering at the larger pieces and reading the monument. there was a poppy wreath tucked into the hole on one of the wings and i added nine stones in memory (a scottish tradition.)
