Petrol Pump - near Loch Alsh in the Scottish Highlands

Location of the Petrol Pump

Question

I was interested to receive an e-mail message from from Dugald Ross who wrote:

Where was the Pump?

"I'm intrigued by the photo of an old green petrol pump near Loch Alsh as there is an identical one in the Staffin Museum.

I rescued it from a dump in Uig, Skye, about 15 years ago.

Would you have more precise details of the location of the pump?"

Dugald Ross: December 16, 2006

Comment

I replied to Dugald:

Near Eilean Donan Castle

"I think the photograph had been taken on one of the minor roads near Eilean Donan Castle. The castle is on the main road leading to Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye.

However, when I returned to the area, about five years ago, and tried to find the location, I was not able to find it."

Perhaps somebody else will remember having seen this pump beside the road, and will tell me where they saw it. If you recognise it, can you please e-mail me? Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: December 16, 2006

Answer

Dugald Ross e-mailed me again on 17 November, telling me that he actually runs the museum at Staffin, where the pump is on display, two miles away from his home on the Isle of Skye.

Dugald wrote:

Ardelve

"Unfortunately, the hose and other parts are missing from my pump, hence my interest in locating the one you photographed.

Having had a closer look at your photo, I can see Eilean Donan Castle in the background so it appears as if the locality is Ardelve.

It's very unlikely that the pump is still around as these early ones are very collectable.

They were made in Springfield USA in the 1920s. Being constructed mainly of cast iron, they were almost indestructible".

I note that the top globe is missing but these have also become very sought after."

Dugald Ross, Ellishadder, Isle of Skye, Scotland: December 17, 2006