The Death of Easdale Island

In November 1881, there was a major storm, and high tide. It sent water all over Easdale Island, washing away livestock, destroying gardens which provided fresh vegetables to islanders, sank 40 boats which provided fish, and flooded the island's quarries. Machinery and tools which were in the quarries were lost. Quarrying stopped and the islanders were destitute. Just across the small stretch of water on Seil Island a major quarry was also flooded and 1500 workers and families found themselves destitute.

Most islanders left to seek work. Some moved into Glasgow and many others emigrated. Quarrying restarted but on a very limited basis.

The shot is of one of the flooded quarries.