A SINGER and songwriter from Paisley – who has connections with Lewis – has written a new song about the 'Iolaire' that can be downloaded online.
Twenty-four-year-old Alan McKim wrote the song, 'Stornoway', following a visit to the island in the spring.
He explains: "I loved the trip so much that once I returned home I began researching the history of the Isle of Lewis. The story of the 'Iolaire' truly moved me as I read about the horrific events which unfolded that night, so much so that I wanted to pay tribute to those who lost their lives by writing a song about it.
"As I researched further, I found some pieces (poems/songs) which told the story from the woman's perspective, therefore I decided to write it from the man's.
"I can't stress enough how much the story grabbed hold of me throughout the songwriting process. Along with this emotion though came great responsibility, as I wanted to do it justice and get it right," says Alan.
The songwriter's lyrics tell about the man on board the 'Iolaire' looking forward to meeting his loved ones in Stornoway on that fateful night.
But as the weather worsens, he fears that the boat won't reach the shore.
He sings: "It's looking like we won't get home tonight ...please remember me as time floats by...I'm sad to say I won't be home tonight."
Alan has not, as yet, recorded the song for a record label although he signed a publishing deal two years ago to a company called Nettwerk One Music Limited.
Says Alan: "I've been writing and performing songs as a solo singer/songwriter for the past three years although this is the first song I've written about an historic event."
Regarding his local connections, Alan says: "My family in Lewis are Jan and Callum Campbell, who live in Back. Jan is my grandmother's sister."
He says he would truly love to come back to the island, play a gig and perform 'Iolaire' to an island audience.
Here are the words of the song:
StornowayNeed to get the next boat,
There's no room left on this one,
How I can't wait to see my family.
Young and tough, in my prime,
I've done my bit, served my time,
My loved ones are waiting there for me.
A Happy New Year would have been so much better.
Turns out it's not supposed to be...'cause I can see,
The Stornoway rain clouds coming,
It's looking like we won't get home tonight,
The Stornoway sky, is coming alive.
Navigate us in, avoid the Beasts of Holm.
I wonder if this is how it ends.
The angry rock, with its jagged edge,
I don't mind, I'm not scared,
'Cause I have got a gift for my girl.
A Happy New Year would have been, so much better.
Turns out it's not supposed to be...'cause I can see,
The Stornoway rain clouds coming,
It's looking like we won't get home tonight,
The Stornoway sky, is coming alive.
The Stornoway rain clouds coming,
It's looking like we won't get home tonight,
The Stornoway sky, is coming alive.
I'm hoping that we're gonna get home and dry,
I'm looking for an answer in the dark sky.
The wind and the rain is raging,
Fast approaching as it heads straight for us.
I'm beginning to wish I could swim,
But the boots that I'm wearing ain't helping no.
Help me now, save me now, I'm sinking, I'm drowning,
goodbye baby...
The Stornoway rain clouds coming,
It's looking like we won't get home tonight,
The Stornoway sky, is coming alive.
The Stornoway rain clouds coming,
It's looking like we won't get home tonight,
The Stornoway sky, is coming alive.
Please remember me, as time floats by.
Never forget the fondness of our last kiss.
I'll remember you from my liquid grave,
I rest in peace, as I lay.
I'm sad to say, I won't be coming home.
Alan has decided to split the proceeds made from the download of the song between the RNLI and the Bethesda Care Home and Hospice in Stornoway. He has posted the link to buy the track (for £1) on his website, www.alanmckim.com.