An Albion van which has been resident in Ardvourlie for the last 42 years has been recovered and taken to Marybank for preservation by the Western Isles Transport Preservation Group (WITPG).
Registration number DJS 725 came new to Kenneth Mackenzie's Harris Tweed mill, known locally as Stickie's mill. It was at that time the largest vehicle on the roads of Lewis and Harris and its photo featured on the front page of the local paper, getting craned from the Loch Seaforth.
The Albion was based on a bus chassis and the bodywork was specified by Stickie's family for their use and built by Bonallack. Supplied by the Inverness Motor Company and driven to Kyle for transporting by steamer. It is believed it to have been in service with the mill for about 10 years.
At that time Stickie's owned Aline lodge and transferred it there for use as a store during refurbishment. After a few years it came into the ownership of the Morrison family in Ardvourlie where it was also used for storage. Mr Morrison who was a stonemason, built a beautiful stone wall to give it protection from the prevailing wind. Despite this it was blown over twice and it was returned on to its wheels.
Two volunteers from WITPG spent two and a half days preparing it for transporting to Marybank and forming a plan to access and recovery. It is now sheltered indoors and will be restored when funds permit.
A WITPG spokesperson said: “At the moment we are researching its history and would invite any snippets of information that you might think would be useful. Also looking for photographs when it was delivering or collecting tweeds.
“A copy of the photo that was on display in the Cluanie Inn on the A87 road would be much appreciated. All originals will be copied and returned. Contact telephone is 07765131493 or email witpg@aol.com.”
WITPG give grateful thanks to three generations of the Morrison family for preserving and donating this unique vehicle. To John Maciver & Sons for advice and administering the lifting operation. To Hebridean Plant Hire for transportation to Marybank. To I A & C Maciver for providing material for groundworks.
WITPG are holding their annual Motor Show at Tong Showground on Sat 11th Aug starting at 1pm. There will be a large gathering of assorted transport of all types on display. Lorries buses, classic cars, motorbikes, tractors with awards given to the best on show. An invitation is extended to anyone with any interesting items for putting on display.
Restoration plans for 50-