A Solemn Remembrance at Dornoch Beach: 250 Years Since the Heartbreaking Voyage of the Nancy

On September 17, 1773, a brig named the ‘Nancy’ set forth from Dornoch Firth. Its decks were filled with 280 migrants, each carrying dreams of escaping the hardships they faced in the Highlands. They were hopeful souls, looking towards the horizon and envisioning a promising future in the vast lands of America. However, their dreams were met with a harsh reality. By the time the ship anchored in the bustling port of New York, the voyage had claimed the lives of nearly 80 of its passengers. Among the tragedies were the deaths of six out of seven expectant mothers. Their journey, which should have been one of hope, was instead marred by the pangs of hunger, the relentless wrath of nature, and the unspeakable cruelty meted out by the ship's captain and his crew.

For many years, the harrowing details of this voyage were lost, like whispers in the wind. But history has a way of resurfacing, and thanks to the diligent research of Jim Bell, one of the founders of the Dornoch museum Historylinks, the tale of the Nancy was brought back from obscurity. His son, Professor David Bell, took the mantle of his father's work, delving deeper into the annals of history to piece together the story.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of this somber event, a deeply moving ceremony was organized at the top car park of Dornoch beach. The skies seemed to mourn too, as a gentle drizzle enveloped the gathering. The mournful tunes played by Pipe Major Willie Fraser echoed the sentiments of the attendees, setting a reflective tone for the event. As the crowd listened intently, Professor Bell took to the stage, recounting the tragic tale of the Nancy. He drew upon a wealth of information, much of which was sourced from Scots Magazine, a publication that has chronicled events since 1739.

Professor David Bell tells the story of the Nancy to the gathering

In his words: "We do not know what happened to the survivors - it may be we need to take a trip over to New York to see if there are any records over there, but there was no retribution to anyone. The event disappeared from people's knowledge until I came across this card on which my father had written the 'Nancy', and I followed it up."

(left) Rev. Graeme Muckart - (right) Kara Mackay

The ceremony continued with Rev. Graeme Muckart, who led a touching service. Adding to the poignancy of the event, young Kara Mackay, a resident of Dornoch, recited a heartfelt poem titled "Although I am Hidden in the Forest." She also lent her voice to the song "Fear a Bhata (The Boat Man)." In a symbolic act of remembrance, Provost Murray presented a bouquet of flowers to Deputy Lieutenant Catriona Whitfield. She, in turn, handed them to the crew of the East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) lifeboat. With reverence, the ESRA members took the flowers to the sea, laying them upon the waves as a tribute to the souls who met their untimely end on the Nancy.

(left) Deputy Lieutenant Catriona Whitfield hands flowers to ESRA crew - (right) ESRA crew lay the flowers at sea, signalling to those on shore with a flare

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of the Nancy's ill-fated journey, Professor Bell has penned a comprehensive account - click here.

Photos courtesy of Ashley Rose and Willie Morrison