Medieval Scottish ferry found on Mull abandoned due to 'technical difficulties'

contributed

Archaeologists at Historic Environment Scotland have revealed a major find following on the completion of a dig on the southern shores of Mull.

An excavation in the Loch Spelve area has unearthed one the earliest example of the Scottish ferries so vital to life of communities in the islands off the west coast. Dr Donald Macdonald, one of the team of archaeologists has announced that his team, assisted by archaeologists from the University of St Andrews, have discovered the well-preserved wreckage of a passenger ferry that plied its trade between Iona and a harbour in the Oban area, possibly travelling as far as the settlement at what was to become Fort William. It is estimated that the ferry ran between the years 820 and 864 AD, when the service was, for some reason abandoned – possibly owing to technical difficulties.

A remarkable feature of this find is that a perfectly preserved manuscript was located near the ferry itself. This manuscript, wrapped in deer skin, was kept in good condition by being buried in peat. It extends to three pages, is written on vellum, and illuminated in the characteristic Celtic style of the Book of Kells.

“This manuscript,” announced Dr Macdonald, “appears to be the ferry timetable. It indicates that a regular service was maintained – at least during the summer. Monastic influence is shown by the fact that after each departure time is inscribed DeoVolente (God willing).”

Dr Macdonald and his team believe that the ferry unearthed in the dig – a craft of about twenty-five feet, propelled by sail – was capable of carrying fifteen to twenty passengers, and may have had roll-on/roll-off capacity for carts.

“This particular ferry seems to have broken down,” said Dr Macdonald. “Its position, some distance from the shore, suggests that it was taken out of the water and was being repaired. There is, incidentally, some evidence of a series of repairs to the vessel in question.”

Dr Macdonald went on to say that further work on Scotland’s maritime history is expected to reveal more details about transport between the islands, and between the islands and the mainland. “It is a very exciting area,” he said. “Much work remains to be done, but this find casts a valuable light on an important part of Scotland’s past. We hope that this ferry will be on display to the public at some point in the coming year.”

This is, as you have probably guessed, an April Fool’s. Many thanks to Alexander McCall Smith for sharing