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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Record
Scottish Maritime Museum summer exhibition celebrates underwater world
'Beneath the Waves' runs from Saturday, June 7 until Saturday, September 13. Bringing together award-winning underwater photography, exquisite marine sketches and rare Glasgow Pottery recovered from a shipwreck, the Scottish Maritime Museum celebrates the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface in a stunning new Summer exhibition opening next weekend. 'Beneath the Waves', which goes on show at the Scottish Maritime Museum's Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. In the exhibition, Lawson Wood, who enjoyed his first scuba dive aged 11 years, draws on 60 years of underwater photography. His images reveal the captivating world of marine life and range from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemone. 'Beneath the Waves' also features two rare ceramic bowls which were recovered from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Whiting Bay, Arran, by Oban-based Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024. The bowls were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery, which is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland during the nineteenth century. The lack of surviving pottery from Glasgow's industrial ceramics period, which spanned three centuries from 1748 to the mid 1980s, makes the SS Eagle's ceramic tableware, much of which was destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, nationally significant. Christina Riley's work focuses on the small details of complex and beautiful marine ecosystems, often highlighting one individual species at a time, such as seagrass or the elegant eggs of a nudibranch (sea slug). The exhibition features a selection of photographs and pencil drawings created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot. Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and Great Barrier Reef. 'Beneath the Waves' also features artefacts from the Museum's national maritime heritage collection and exhibits on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Trust. Visitors can also learn more about free diving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation. Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "We are thrilled to partner with three such passionate and experienced artists and marine explorers to celebrate our magical and mysterious underwater world. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this immersive journey into the hidden treasures and stories below the waves. "We're also excited to feature artefacts recovered from SS Eagle , a vessel built by Alexander Denny, the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our Museum in Dumbarton." Graeme Bruce added: "For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks to have a new life connecting people means everything.' To celebrate the opening of 'Beneath the Waves', Lawson Wood will give a talk entitled '60 Years Underwater' at 6pm on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. During the talk, Lawson, who was born in the Scottish Borders, will chart the early days of marine conservation. He will also describe his work co-founding the Berwickshire Marine Reserve, which is the UK's largest marine conservation area. Guests will also a receive a complimentary signed print of a sea anemone or seal. Visitors can now also purchase three of Lawson's books in the Museum Giftshop – 'Marine Life of the North Sea and English Channel', 'Scapa Flow 100th Anniversary Edition' and 'The Bull and the Barriers (The Wrecks of Scapa Flow)'. To celebrate the opening of 'Beneath the Waves' and the upcoming World Ocean Day, the Museum will also host 'Dive-In', a free day of activities on Saturday, June 7. Highlights will include a sustainability fair; 'Trashion' - a community exhibition exploring the damage being done to the planet through fast fashion; a pop-up repair shop and short, guided cycle tours led by Active Travel. 'Beneath the Waves' will run from Saturday, June 7 to Saturday, September 13. Admission to 'Beneath the Waves' is included in museum admission. Tickets for Lawson Wood's talks on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 are priced £10 and are now available on the museum's website here. The museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
Press and Journal
07-05-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Norovirus outbreak forces lockdown at Belford Hospital in Fort William
Belford Hospital in Fort William has been placed under lockdown following a Norovirus outbreak, with both wards closed to new patients. Health officials have confirmed that several cases of the highly contagious virus, commonly referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug', have been detected within the hospital. Norovirus is known for spreading rapidly in healthcare settings and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Both wards in Belford Hospital, Fort William closed An NHS Highland spokesperson said: 'We have had to close both wards in Belford Hospital to new admissions due to Norovirus. 'Restricted visiting is also in place but please contact staff on the ward if you feel your visit is necessary and they will be able to advise. The spokesperson added: 'We would also ask that if you or someone you live with has symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting you refrain from visiting a health or social care setting until clear for 48 hours.' The temporary lockdown is a precautionary measure aimed at controlling the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable patients and healthcare staff. What is Norovirus? Norovirus is a highly infectious stomach bug that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or consuming contaminated food and water. Outbreaks are especially common in care homes, schools, and hospitals. NHS Highland is reminding the public to maintain good hygiene, especially handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand gels are not effective against Norovirus. Have you signed up for our Oban and Hebrides newsletter? Every week our Oban-based reporter Louise Glen curates the best news in the area. Sign up here for local news straight to your inbox. And if you'd like to join the conversation on West Coast Chat on Facebook, we'd love to hear from you.
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Quest for answers to begin after three climbers fell to death on notorious Glencoe ridge
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of three climbers on a ridge in Glencoe is expected to take place this summer. The climbers — Graham Cox, 60, Hazel Crombie, 64, and David Fowler, 39 — lost their lives during an expedition on the notorious Aonach Eagach Ridge in August 2023. At a preliminary hearing on Monday, Sheriff Neil Wilson confirmed that the inquiry is scheduled for 18 and 19 August at Fort William Sheriff Court. A further procedural hearing is due to take place on 9 June to finalise arrangements, the BBC has reported. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday August 5, when the climbers failed to return as expected from their route. Concerns were raised, prompting a major search and rescue effort. Climbers failed to return to base after Aonach Eagach trek The operation took place in poor weather conditions, with mist and fog severely hampering visibility and complicating access. The Inverness coastguard helicopter was deployed, along with teams from Glencoe Mountain Rescue and the RAF. Despite the difficult terrain, the climbers' bodies were discovered the following day. The Aonach Eagach ridge, where the incident occurred, is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous scrambles in the UK. The ridge runs for six miles along Glencoe and rises to 3,608 feet at its highest point. Its steep drops, exposed sections and jagged crest attract experienced climbers but pose serious risks, particularly in poor weather. The inquiry will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identify any contributing factors and determine whether lessons can be learned to improve safety for future climbers. The proceedings are expected to shed light on one of Scotland's most serious recent mountaineering accidents. Have you signed up for our Oban and Hebrides newsletter? Every week our Oban-based reporter Louise Glen curates the best news in the area. Sign up here for local news straight to your inbox. And if you'd like to join the conversation on West Coast Chat on Facebook, we'd love to hear from you.
