Relics recovered from shipwreck to go on display

First showing of SS Eagle artefacts

- RYAN MCDOUGALL

A rare collection of 19th century ceramics recovered from a shipwreck is to go on display for the first time.

The SS Eagle, which launched in Dumbarton, sank off the Isle of Arran on November 28, 1859 after colliding with a sailing boat, with the loss of 11 lives.

The ship was sailing from Glasgow to Londonderry with a general cargo, 200 sheep and 54 passengers when the collision happened.

The ceramics, discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery.

During the 19th century Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics, and the items from SS Eagle will form part of the Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition from Saturday.

Mr Bruce said: “Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. For me, a shipwreck is a time capsule hidden from view over time by the sea.