The iron cargo steamship Margaret Banks was launched from the Hartlepool yard of Denton, Gray and Company (Yard No 98) in August 1870. She measured 213.6′ x 29.2′ x 16.2′ and her tonnage was 830 gross, 532 net. She was powered by a 2 cylinder compound steam engine by T. Richardson & Sons of Hartlepool delivering 96 registered horse power. Her official number was 63646. The Margaret Banks had been launched to the order of William Banks of London who retained her until 1882 when she was sold to Hine Brothers of Maryport and renamed Glen Holme. Hine Brothers retained her until her loss.
Extract Lloyd’s Register 1893
The Glen Holme was en route from Windau, Latvia for Ardrossan with a cargo of pit props under the command of a Captain Wilson. As she sailed south through the Minch her engine failed and, around 8:40pm on Friday 26th May 1893 she was towed into Stornoway harbour. The engine could not be repaired and so, the following morning, she set off under tow by the tug Commodore which was also heading for Ardrossan. On the Saturday morning, as the Glen Holme and the Commodore left Stornoway, the DFDS steamer C.P.A. Koch left Greenock bound for Copenhagen. As midnight on the 27th approached, the three vessels reached the opposite ends of the Sound of Islay. Around 2am, close to Port Askaig, they collided, with the C.P.A. Koch hitting the Glen Holme on her port side midships inflicting serious damage and badly damaging her own bow.
The newly built C.P.A. Koch
The C.P.A. Koch was able to turn round and return to Greenock for repairs but the Glen Holme was forced to beach on the shore opposite Port Askaig. Her crew barely had time to scramble ashore before she heeled over and sank in six fathoms.
In October 1893 both owners sued for damages against each other. The owners of the Glen Holme were suing for a sum of £8,830 for the replacement of their vessel. DFDS then lodged a counter action for £3,000 covering the cost of repairs to their vessel. We have been unable to establish the outcome of these actions.
The wreck of the Glen Holme was put up for auction in June 1893 with a reserve price of £200, the auction was held on 9th June and realised £230.
The wreck of the Glen Holme can be found on the Jura shore of the Sound of Islay, approximately 400 metres south of the Feolin Ferry. The wreck lies parallel to the pebble beach in depths up to 10.5 metres with bows pointing south. The wreck appears to have been heavily salvaged at some stage since her loss but still retains some ship like features.
The wreck lies in approximate position 55° 50.705’N, 006° 05.498’W and during the summer is heavily overgrown with kelp. The wreck is also subject to the strong tidal streams that run up and down the Sound of Islay.
