"...coming home after our wedding in March 1949. Hughie and I got married on the mainland and after our honeymoon made for Oban and the boat. Just as we were about to step onto the gangplank the Captain blocked our way. "You'll not be going to Coll in this boat, I'm afraid. The remains of the Laird of Caolis are going home for burial." It was unlucky for a bride and groom to travel with a corpse aboard. The flag of the Lochearn was at half mast. So, Hughie and I had two extra days of honeymoon in Oban!

On the next boat out, the flag was not at half mast. There was bunting all over her, as was the custom with newly married couples travelling home."

Chrissie MacKinnon