The True Story Behind Whisky Galore - Polly

Whisky Galore, directed by Alexander Mackendrick and released in 1949, is a classic British comedy film based on the novel of the same name by Sir Compton Mackenzie. It tells the story of a small Scottish island community that gets excited when a ship carrying whisky crashes just off the coast. The locals try to smuggle the precious cargo before the authorities find out. While the film is highly entertaining, what many people don't know is that it was inspired by a true story involving a shipwreck, alcohol, and a remarkable woman named Polly.

The Shipwreck

In February 1941, the SS Politician ran aground on the island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The ship was carrying a cargo of whisky, among other goods, destined for Jamaica and the United States. This event became the starting point for the extraordinary events that inspired Whisky Galore. Now let's meet the person who played a significant role during and after the shipwreck - Polly.

Polly: The True Story Behind Whisky Galore

by Roger Hutchinson (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	618 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages

FREE

Polly - The Unsung Heroine

Polly MacFarlane, a young Scottish woman in her twenties, was the postmistress on the island of Eriskay during the time of the shipwreck. She was known for her bold and courageous personality, always ready to help others. When the SS Politician ran aground, it was Polly who witnessed the scene and alerted the authorities. However, she also noticed something unusual - whisky bottles floating amidst the wreckage.

Knowing the limited supply of alcohol in those times, Polly realized the value of the whisky that could be salvaged and sold on the black market. She decided to take a huge risk and kept it a secret from the authorities. Over the next few days, she used her wit and charm to rally the islanders together and successfully retrieve hundreds of bottles of whisky from the shipwreck.

The Whisky Heist

The whisky heist on Eriskay quickly gained momentum, with the islanders collaborating to hide the bottles and distribute them discreetly among themselves. Polly became the mastermind behind the operation, ensuring that everything was done in secret and without drawing suspicion from the local police or coastguards.

Legend has it that the islanders hid the whisky in various locations, including barns, haystacks, and even, unbelievably, inside a coffin. Polly played a crucial role in organizing these hiding spots and coordinating the entire operation.

The Aftermath

Although the authorities eventually discovered the illegal activities taking place on Eriskay, Polly and the islanders had managed to enjoy their beloved whisky in secret for months. The story attracted attention from the media, and the locals were dubbed "The Whisky Galore Islanders."

The incident also served to uplift spirits during the challenging years of World War II, providing a brief respite from the hardships faced by the community. Whisky Galore, the subsequent novel and film based on these events, immortalized the story and made Polly's brave actions known to the world.

Polly's Legacy

Polly MacFarlane's legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience, resourcefulness, and communal strength. Her courage and determination in the face of adversity have become an integral part of Scottish folklore.

Today, a memorial stands in her honor on the island of Eriskay, reminding visitors of the true story behind Whisky Galore and acknowledging Polly's significant role in ensuring the whisky reached the locals' lips during a time of scarcity.

The true story behind Whisky Galore reveals the remarkable tale of a shipwreck, a community's clever heist, and Polly MacFarlane, the unsung heroine who played a vital role in it all. Her bravery and determination continue to inspire generations, and the legacy of the Whisky Galore Islanders lives on.

Polly: The True Story Behind Whisky Galore

by Roger Hutchinson (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	618 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages

FREE

Early on a wartime winter's morning in 1941, an 8,000-ton cargo ship loaded with whisky ran aground in the beautiful and treacherous seas of the Outer Hebrides. The events which followed became the stuff of folklore, and resulted in the famous fiction of Whisky Galore. But what really happened ... ?