Maritime record 14066 - SIR WILLIAM WALLACE: RUBH A' CHORRAIN, BERNERAY, SOUND OF HARRIS

NG98SW 8001 c. 906 835
N57 47.5 W5 31.4

NLO: Rubh' a' Chorrain [name: NG 906 835].

Formerly entered in error as NB13NE 8002 (unlocated).

In spring 1842 the ship Sir William Wallace was driven ashore at Corran [Rubh' a' Chorrain] during a severe storm. As she contained valuable cargo, two stout islanders (Donald Morrison and Archibald Munro) were chosen to guard her. Being barefoot, they both died of exposure from cold overnight. The ship could not be salvaged and sank into the mud, leaving her ribs protruding at low water.
In spring 1942, a mine struck the rocky W coast of the neighbouring island of Boreray during a severe storm. Either the storm or the explosion of the mine, or both, caused the re-exposure of the remains.
A Morrison 1961.

(No classification or cargo cited: date of loss cited as 24 October 1834). This vessel was wrecked in the Hebrides.
I G Whittaker 1998.

Corran is to be equated with Rubh' a' Chorrain and fence-posts derived from the timbers of the vessel are still in use on the island.
Information from Mr A Turner (School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh), 19 August 2003.

This vessel was formerly attributed to Great Berneray (Bearnaraigh) [name centred NB 157 355] on the basis of its attribution by Larn and Larn. The loss was possibly reported at Stornoway (Lewis).
Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 19 August 2003.
R and B Larn 1998.

REPORT DATE: 19/08/2003

This NGR is clearly incorrect, and the site has been moved to Rudh a' Chorrain, Boreray, as per the description.
MML 24.4.2007