Dugald Muir

Dugald Muir was a local fisherman who rescued the crew of ‘The Ribbon’ when it ran aground on the rocks at Smerby.

During the rescue, Dugald lost his own boat but saved seven lives.

The people of Campbeltown bought him a replacement fishing boat after hearing of his heroic rescue.

 

After the presentation Dugald was treated to a parade around town in his new boat.
After the presentation Dugald was treated to a parade around town in his new boat.

Article about the rescue from the Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser – Saturday 26 October 1901

Praiseworthy Conduct of A Fisherman

The Campbeltown fishing skiff Red Ribbon was wrecked on Smerby Rocks, a sunken reef off the Kintyre shore, on Wednesday night of last week, and the crew of five hands narrowly escaped with their lives.
Their rescue was effected by a lobster fisher named Dugald Muir, who, observing the fishermen’s distress, put off
in a small boat, and with some difficulty got them into his frail craft and took them ashore.
The youngest member of the crew, a lad named MacGowan, walked into Campbeltown, a distance of seven miles, and reported the occurrence.
This is not the first. occasion on which Muir has been instrumental in saving life under similar circumstances.
The crew remained for some time in the vicinity of the wreck, but the skiff eventually sunk in deep water, 600 yards off the shore and the men have lost all their effects. The boat had special nets on hoard. together with provisions to serve the crew for a considerable period.
The Red Ribbon was proceeding by way of Kilbrannan Sound and the Crinan Canal for Skye to prosecute the herring fishing.
The Red Ribbon was on Saturday morning successfully raised by other two skiffs, and beached at Peninver.
Fortunately since she went on the rocks the weather has been good, but the skiff’s bottom has been badly damaged.
All her gear was recovered. Arrangements are now being made to float the skiff to Campbeltown for repairs by means of a pontoon of barrels.

Original images from The MacGrory Collection, Argyll and Bute Library & Information Service.

Published: 2023-07-03 09:30:15