Visit to Duncan Sandison – Unst Boat Haven - 17^th February 2015.

     I had come across the name of Duncan Sandison a couple of times in my research and conversations. I was also in possession of a book entitled “The Sixareen and her Racing Descendants” originally published in 1954 by a Charles Sandison. It had been re-issued in 2005 by Shetland Times Ltd with a postscript written by Duncan Sandison – his son. The Sandison name (Andrew) had also come up in my researches in at least three capacities – as a boat owner in years gone by, as a member of the Relief Committee set up after the disaster of 1881 under the Chairmanship of Sherriff Rampini, and as the postmaster in 1881 who first sent news of the disaster South in an urgent despatch.

     The Unst Boat Haven, which I now discover is run by Duncan Sandison, is closed through the off season, so, although a visit would have been useful, I had not put one on my agenda. However, an unlikely set of events led to this visit. On the evening before (16^th) we were looking for pictures of sixareens on the internet, and came across an interesting painting of a sixareen fishing. No attribution was given. I wondered if the aforementioned Mike McDonnell, who is, amongst his other talents an artist, might have an idea. I forwarded a screenshot, and, although by no meand certain, thought it might be by an Unst artist by the name of Liam O'Neill. Mike also suggested that I should visit the Unst Boat Haven, and was sure that if I phoned up Duncan (Mike gave me the number) he would be delighted to open up, especially for someone who was doing research. The phone call was made, and the visit kindly arranged.

     And one of the first things we saw, hanging on the wall?

                                         Hailing Their Links  - Liam O'Neill

It was indeed by Liam O'Neill and had been commissioned, and is owned by Duncan.

Duncan was most gracious in taking us around, allowing us to photograph many items. A few are shown below.

                                                   Unst Boat Haven - Main Hall

                          Original Technical drawing of a sixareen built in 1869 by Nicolson

After the visit, we were invited back to Duncan's house in Baltasound where, with typical hospitality, lunch was provided. He and his wife (Jan) then showed us many documents which had been passed down from the aforementioned Andrew Sandison – Duncan's Great-Grandfather. Amongst the items of particular interest were original hand written letters from applicants to the 1881 relief fund, and original “claim forms” to be completed. There was also an original of the letter sent by Sherriff Rampini to editors asking for them to publicise the fund. (He would later send a letter saying they had collected enough, and asking people to stop donating!)

                         A scan of the original letter given to me by Duncan and Jan Sandison.

Front page of an original claim form. Q8 is missing from the bottom of this picture - It asks "Whether any other persons dependent on deceased, and if so their connection and circumstances".

                                          Reverse page of Relief Fund claim form.

A fascinating day in the company of kind people with a wealth of knowledge on the subject.