WW2 beachcombing on Muck

“Beachcombing was always a favourite occupation in Muck and during the war the quantity of wood in particular could make it very rewarding. Anything put above high tide mark belonged to the finder and woe betide anyone who interfered with the pile!

"On one particular occasion a mass of pit props came ashore and two worthy women vied with each other to see who could claim the most. As the wood was covered in black oil, the two were well marked before they had finished and many were the ribald comments made by the men! There were also the odd carley floats life-rafts and (their) paddles were treasured by children for future rafts.

"There were also the occasional body and after the first one, a special constable was appointed on the island to save the policeman from Mallaig having to come out. However, mines also appeared from time to time and that did need a visit from the mine disposal squad.

"On one occasion a mine came into Fank Mòr (the big fank) and Johnny Sandy finding it thought he should stop it from drifting out to sea again (by tying) the mooring wire to a rock. The tide came in and the anchored mine went up in a spectacular explosion which scattered fragments all over the island, but the only casualty was a ram!”

As told by Catriona White, farmer and local historian

More information on visiting the area can be found here.