Luing History Group

15/10/2026

Hot off the press Luing History Group’s new booklet The shipwreck of the Latvian S.S. ‘Helena Faulbaums’ Monday 26th October 1936.

Published to mark the 90th anniversary of the event in 2026 and commemorate the enduring links between the Isle of Luing and the people of Latvia.

Available from the Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing.

13/10/2026

Don’t forget to book your place for the Latvian - Scottish buffet on Saturday 24th. Not only delicious Scottish and Latvian dishes to be enjoyed but also Latvian singing from the Scottish Latvian Choir and songs and remembrances from locals. Call in to the Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing to book and pay for your ticket by this Sunday 18th October.

We’ve a full program for the weekend of 23rd - 26th October to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the Latvian ship Helena Foulbaums off Belnahua.

There are exhibitions to see, a commemorative booklet,Latvian dancing on Saturday afternoon, a Latvian - Scottish buffet on the Saturday evening at the Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing followed by remembrances including singing by a Latvian choir, a communion service on Sunday and a graveside vigil at the graves of the Latvian mariners on the anniversary itself. More details to follow!

12/10/2026

Luing History Group is delighted to announce the award of an Archives Revealed Scoping Grant by a group of organisations through the National Archives in London - Archives Revealed, Heritage Fund, Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and the National Archives.

The purpose of the grant is to fund an archivist to assess our photos, maps, records, documents and artefacts and help us plan for the future. Our collection has built up over the past 26 years and we need help to ensure it remains accessible for future generations.

Alison Diamond, who works as an archivist at Argyll Estates Archives, Inveraray Castle will be coming to Luing this month to help us with this process.

The full list of all those awarded grants and more details can be seen on the website https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-revealed/scoping-grant/current-and-past-projects/

05/10/2026

We’ve a full program for the weekend of 23rd - 26th October to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the Latvian ship Helena Foulbaums off Belnahua.

There are exhibitions to see, a commemorative booklet,Latvian dancing on Saturday afternoon, a Latvian - Scottish buffet on the Saturday evening at the Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing followed by remembrances including singing by a Latvian choir, a communion service on Sunday and a graveside vigil at the graves of the Latvian mariners on the anniversary itself. More details to follow!

07/07/2026

Here it is in the Atlantic Islands Centre!

07/07/2026

The map is now on a new interactive screen in the History Group exhibition area in the Atlantic Islands Centre! Drop in and explore the info on it!
Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing

Documenting sites of historical importance on the Scottish Isle of Luing.

04/06/2026

We have a NEW edition of Ancient Luing: a historical guide to the Isle of Luing, written by Mary Braithwaite!

It includes information that has emerged since the first edition was published with new perspectives on some of Luing’s prehistoric and historic sites, including the promontory forts and duns at Ardinamar and Ardluing, the roundhouse at Park and the Kilchattan church graffiti. And it now includes some of Luing’s historic characters, not least Hector of Ardluing and his dramatic rise and downfall in the 16th century.

The only thing that hasn’t changed is the price. Ancient Luing: a historical guide to the Isle of Luing costs £12.50 and is on sale now at the Atlantic Islands Centre!

Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing

27/04/2026

Slate production is set to return to the Isle of Luing after 60 years, raising hopes of jobs, housing and renewed life for the Hebridean island…

20/04/2026

At short notice this week on Wednesday 22 April we are holding 2 meetings to begin the Latvian Shipwreck anniversary work. At the AGM in March we mentioned that this October is the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the "Helena Faulbaums". Many of the crew are buried in our graveyard.

From 3.30 to 5 PM this Weds at the Atlantic Islands Centre we will look through two large folders of archives, photos, stories and facts to compile a timeline of records beginning with the Storm and its consequent shipwreck, and anniversaries since then and up to the present time. For those who are not familiar with the story this is a useful start.

Then on the same day from 7 to 8 PM this Weds we will meet to discuss ideas for how to commemorate the shipwreck in October this year.

Even if you are unable to attend this week you can still be involved at the further meetings or by contacting the committee members with ideas.

Very much looking forward to seeing you - All welcome!

N.B. The Centre itself is closed so sorry no bar is available!