In the Footsteps of Orkney’s Most Notorious Pirate
The UHI Institute for Northern Studies in partnership with J. Gow Distillery is pleased to announce the launch of the John Gow Heritage Trail, a significant new heritage trail in Orkney.
The trail tells the story of John Gow, Orkney’s most renowned eighteenth-century pirate, and the locations associated with his intriguing adventures. This initiative is the result of a whole year of research conducted by Dr Andrew Lind from the UHI Institute for Northern Studies and the J. Gow Distillery located on Lamb Holm Island, one of the southern Orkney Islands linked to the Mainland by the Churchill Barriers. Visitors to Orkney will be able to explore John Gow's story and visit associated sites through a printed fold-out map and leaflet. Additionally, the map and leaflet are available for download to mobile phones.
John Gow was born in Wick in 1697, and shortly after, his family moved to Stromness, where they acquired a charming estate at Hammigar, near today’s thriving Copland’s Dock, a hub for Orkney's renewable energy sector! While details about his early life are scarce, by 1720, when his father passed away, it appears that Gow had already set out on an adventurous journey to seek his fortune at sea. His story highlights the spirit of exploration and ambition that has always characterised our maritime heritage!
By 1724, Gow had already made a name for himself as a talented second mate on merchant vessels, showcasing his skills on the seas of the growing British Empire. While his story might have continued like many others, fate had exciting plans in store! He boldly led a mutiny aboard a Guernsey-based merchant ship named the ‘Caroline’, which he proudly transformed into the fearsome ‘Revenge’. This thrilling turn of events set him on a remarkable path, capturing the imagination of all who love tales of adventure and daring at sea!
After an adventurous career as a pirate, where he raided the prosperous Spanish, American and French merchant fleets, John Gow and his crew returned to Orkney in 1725 to lay low for a while. However, fate had other plans! Recognised while trying to escape, their ship unfortunately ran aground on the rocks near the Calf of Eday. In a twist of irony, Gow was captured by none other than his old schoolmate, James Fea, the owner of Carrick House. He was secured in chains as he awaited his destiny.
According to local legend, a mysterious dark stain in the house marks the spot where Gow bravely tried to make his escape, adding a sense of intrigue to the tale. Many have claimed to hear ghostly sounds from the very room where he was held, further enriching the legend.
Dr. Lind remarked, “I am thrilled that our research has contributed to the creation of this intriguing heritage trail in Orkney, which connects various attractions on the islands linked to the pirate John Gow. Our investigation revealed some captivating stories. For example, we found out that John Gow’s seaman’s chest still exists and is being preserved by a private owner.”
To explore the captivating story of John Gow, be sure to check out the John Gow Heritage Trail map and leaflet—it’s a great way to learn more about this incredible piece of history!
You can find download the map and leaflet from the UHI Institute for Northern Studies website. The John Gow Heritage Trail was funded by an Interface Standard Innovation Voucher.
The J. Gow Distillery was founded in 2016 by Collin van Schayk in Lamb Holm. Since then, the distillery has produced a rich array of rums, many of which draw inspiration from Gow himself.