Scottish Independent Media

By Claire Elliot

SILVER treasures salvaged from a Scottish shipwreck have been returned home - after 138 years.

The Victorian coffee pot and jug were rescued from the steamer, City of Aberdeen, which ran ashore eight miles south of the city on January 20, 1871.

For more than a century the historic artefacts have been kept as family heirlooms in Australia.

But, Margot Rutherford, who is now in her 90s and has looked after them since marrying her late husband James in 1945, felt it was time they were returned to their city of origin.

And as from today (Monday) their new home will be in Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum.

Mrs Rutherford, of Claremont, Western Australia, said: "For well over a century this beautiful coffee pot and cream jug have been cared for by my family here in Australia, and they've brought us a great deal of pleasure over these years.

“However, my daughter, Debbie, and I feel that the time has come for them to return home to Aberdeen.

“By donating them to the Maritime Museum, we know that they will continue bringing pleasure to many more people across the years ahead."

The silver items were originally bought at auction in 1871 by her late husband’s grandfather, also James Rutherford, who lived in Newcastle. They were taken to Australia when he emigrated in 1905.

Mrs Rutherford, said they both remained in perfect condition except for a “very slight bruise” on the jug, which is thought to have received a blow during the shipping incident.

The vessel, built in Port Glasgow in 1865 and owned by Aberdeen Steam Navigation Company, was on a voyage from London to Aberdeen when it ran ashore near Portlethen.

Two days later the ship split in two and was lost. But, part of the cargo, materials and cabin stores were saved, as were the passengers.

On January 30 that year the hull and machinery were reported to have sold at auction for £200.

Mrs Rutherford hoped the pot and jug, designed especially for travelling at sea, would make a “worthwhile contribution” to the collection of maritime artefacts that commemorate the shipbuilding traditions of the city.

Aberdeen Lord Provost Peter Stephen, said: “This very generous donation from Mrs Rutherford will be treasured by the City of Aberdeen."