Memorial marks Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster Centenary
The tragic Skelmorlie Dam Disaster - which claimed the lives of five people - has been officially marked exactly 100 years on from the terrible events.
At a community event on Friday 18 April, Skelmorlie Community Council and Association unveiled two memorial plaques to mark the centenary of the tragedy.
On 18th April 1925, the quiet Ayrshire village of Skelmorlie became the scene of a disaster when the embankment of the lower reservoir situated above the village, gave way, releasing millions of gallons of water resulting in the deaths of five people.
The unveiling of the memorial between The Crescent and Halketburn at Eglinton Terrace was part of a special ceremony for residents and guests to pay their respects to those that perished.
Created in partnership with the British Dam Society (BDS), the memorial is the first of several acknowledgements to be situated within the village, with other locations including a plaque at Skelmorlie Cross and a Remembrance Rose at the Village Garden.
BDS Principal Engineer Stephen Lockett, local residents, community volunteers, representatives from North Ayrshire Council, former residents and relatives of the victims who had travelled from Helensburgh, the Borders and as far away as Norway were among those in attendance on the day.
A warm welcome by piper Andrew Campbell began the unveiling ceremony, with thanks from Chairman of Skelmorlie Community Association, Bill Spiers.
Bill said: “Thank you to the British Dam Society for generously providing the funding for this historical memorial as we reflect now on the 100th anniversary of the Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster.
“The location of the memorial is important as it is situated right in the middle of where the torrential flow occurred. At Castle Road, up on the hill, no one was injured or killed, however looking down from the memorial plaque to Halketburn, this is where the devastation unfolded.
Quote: Thank you to everyone involved as a lot of effort has gone into this memorial. We are especially grateful to North Ayrshire Council’s Streetscene officers, Heritage and Culture team and the North Coast Locality team who have been instrumental in helping us to adopt the land and erect the plaques. We are also proud to include a QR code on the plaques that visitors can scan and learn more about the disaster via North Ayrshire’s Heritage and Culture website, so we can make sure to keep the memories of the victims alive.
Quote from: Bill Spiers, Chairman of Skelmorlie Community Association
Engineer Stephen Lockett then officially unveiled the first memorial before guests travelled the short distance to Skelmorlie Community Centre for refreshments and a harrowing presentation about the disaster by local historian and village archivist Nicola Dunsmore.
Niece to victim Winnie Menhennet, Wilma Menhennet shared her family’s recollections of when her cousin made the fateful decision to spend an extra week in Skelmorlie with her Aunt as her expecting parents prepared to welcome their third child in Glasgow.
Wilma shared: “I would like to share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to see the first memorial unveiled and listen to the historical accounts of this devastating moment in history.
“The village memorials will provide a place that our family can return, to reflect and remember and I am pleased that the village of Skelmorlie has come together to memorialise everyone affected by the tragedy. It means so much to me.”
Skelmorlie Garden Group have adopted the land and have taken ownership of the memorial and garden plot, with help from the North Coast Locality team. Plants have kindly been donated by Nigel Ovens from McCaskie’s Butchers.
The thoughtful garden includes five roses to represent the victims of the disaster and a combination of rosemary and forget-me-nots in remembrance of the lives lost.
Event organiser Isy Agnew, Chair of Skelmorlie Community Council shares: “Thank you to everyone in our village who came together in remembrance of those souls who lost their lives in the Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster of 1925.
“Our memorial unveiling was made all the more poignant as direct relatives of the Dallas family were in attendance. I am pleased to reflect that our village did them proud and that was what our ceremony was all about to ensure the families affected are never forgotten.”
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands adds: “Thank you to the community of Skelmorlie for their efforts to remember the lives lost in the Skelmorlie Reservoir tragedy.
“This is a brilliant example of how council services have come together to help residents and community groups to achieve their ambitions and provide spaces in their communities for reflection and remembrance. Everyone involved should be really proud of themselves.”
Find out more about the Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster via the dedicated webpage.
Published: 22 April 2025