100th Anniversary of the Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster

That the Parliament commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Skelmorlie Reservoir Disaster; understands that, on 18 April 1925, the Ayrshire village of Skelmorlie became the scene of a tragedy when the embankment of the lower reservoir, situated above the village, gave way, thus releasing millions of gallons of water; is aware that the fatal accident was caused by torrential rain on 17 and 18 April, leading to the lower reservoir filling to capacity; notes that, at around 2.00 pm, a 30-foot stretch of the embankment gave way, with the water surging down the steep hill with devastating force, carrying off any obstacles it encountered; understands that, within 10 minutes, the reservoir was empty, having claimed the lives of five villagers, Alexander and Frederick Dallas, Winifred Mary Menhennet, Janet Adam and Ursula Scott; notes that around 2,000 people attended the funeral service for the victims of the disaster, which was held in Skelmorlie Parish Church on 22 April 1925; acknowledges that a relief fund was set up at the Clydesdale Bank, Skelmorlie, to help the Dallas family, which had lost their two sons, home, and all their belongings; understands that an inquiry into the Skelmorlie Disaster was held at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, on 22 June 1925, with Sheriff Principal W Lyon Mackenzie presiding, and that the jury returned a unanimous verdict that the accident had been caused by an absence of regular skilled inspection and maintenance of the reservoir; further understands that, after the disaster, in 1930, critical changes were made to reservoir safety legislation, and that, following their implementation, there have been no dam failures causing loss of life in Britain; praises Skelmorlie Community Council which, following a recent appeal for support for a memorial in the village from a research engineer, has worked hard to ensure that those who perished are remembered, and understands that there are various memorial plans and that the community council has indicated its willingness to take on ownership of the memorial, furnished by the British Dams Society, installing it in Skelmorlie community garden.