SIR COMPTON Mackenzie’s rascally islanders of Whisky Galore were in reality desperate criminals and terrorists, according to newly released official documents.

The author’s 1947 novel fictionalised the aftermath of the sinking of the SS Politician, with its precious cargo of the cratur, off the Island of Eriskay in 1941. It created an enduring myth of loveable Hebridean rogues putting one over on the humourless revenue men by "liberating" whisky bound for the United States.

This view was perpetuated by Alexander Mackendrick’s 1949 Ealing comedy which, ironically, is now being remade. However, documents released by the National Archives at Kew, depict the "charming" islanders as criminals who bribed police, intimidated officials and petrol-bombed vehicles in the night.

Not only did the islanders take 22,000 cases of whisky, they stole bank notes from a 3 million shipment bound for Jamaica and looted fittings, say the reports.

The SS Politician foundered on 5 February, 1941. For islanders, deprived of whisky by the war, it was manna from heaven. Officials caught the first raiders in three rowing boats with 42 cases. On one was an 84-year-old islander and the officials recommended his "old age pension" be cut. Raids recovered more whisky.

However, islanders claim the event has to be seen in context. Donald Manford, a Barra councillor, whose grandfather was involved, said: "The authorities wanted to destroy the cargo. That must have been extremely frustrating and incomprehensible. It’s little wonder they were angry."