David Livingstone posted a link on Facebook to a video which was filmed in 1960. (great find David). The film, titled Islay Holiday, is a silent film, shot in colour and shows the "Mills family holiday to Islay visiting Gigha and passing Colonsay." This film is available from the National Library of Scotland and therefore can't be embedded on the blog, however clicking on the photo or this link will take you to the page where you can watch the film.

There are some fantastic scenes in this film and what stands out the most for me were the immaculate white buildings of Bunnahabhain Distillery, the Locheil Ferry, the shots of Port Ellen and the view up Main Street Bowmore. What a changes in almost 60 years time! The shotlist is as follows:

map of west coast showing route from mainland to Islay. Pan of Port Ellen (0.51) shot Bunnahabhain distillery. Mills family on holiday, scenery. (1.30) looking over to Jura from Port Ellen ferry at Port Ellen pier (1.47) gv's Bowmore, including ls Killarow Parish church (2.10) scenery by Lochindaal; c/u kitten walking through bracken; Portnahaven with lighthouse in distance (4.37) Ferry Locheil arriving at Gigha pier. holiday makers on Gigha looking over to Jura. (5.45) visitors in Gigha village, Mills on deck of steamer Lochiel heading for Islay; tracking shot arriving Port Askaig (7.03) ls cattle on beach (7.11) ms Mills working on upturned bicycle. l/s monument to drowned American sailors on the Oa (7.48) Ferry travelling up sound of Jura Mills on board. (8.46) Ferry Locheil? arrives off Colonsay and small launch takes off mail and passengers [Donald 'Gibbie' handles mail sacks] (9.44) Port Askaig as ferry leaves and arrives at West Loch Tarbet (9.57)

Tag: video 1960 history