The Royal Navy's elite Northern Diving Group, responsible for bomb disposal, kindly delivered a mine to Bruichladdich.

Some months ago Lieutenant Commander John Law and his team were called out to Islay to deal with the small matter of a World War II mine found on a beach close to the distillery.

Once the mine had been safely detonated, the team was later invited to Bruichladdich Distillery courtesy of distillery manager Duncan MacGillivray, and also a member of the local Coastguard team in attendance.

“After the CIA, the Yellow Submarine – the Bomb Squad turning up at the distillery was all we needed” recounts Mark, on seeing the convoy pull in to the courtyard.

“When I realised there was no danger of an imminent disaster, I asked John if we could have our very own fundraising mine in the distillery’s courtyard and the Northern Diving Group were only too happy to help us out.”

The giant Mk 17 World War II buoyant mine – provided by the mine team at the Defence Munitions Centre in Crombie – stands more than six feet tall including it’s sinker, weighs one tonne and is topped with some rather noticeable orange paint – making it really stand out from the crowd.

It has a collection box attached to the front to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution – a charity at the heart of the community of Islay, which is home to one of the west coast’s largest and busiest lifeboats.

Lieutenant Commander John Law, Warrant Officer Steve Strange and Australian Navy exchange diver Brad Eames attended the Bruichladdich Open Day during the 2006 Feis Ile to deliver and formally present the mine.

This very smart trio, as guests of honour, were invited on stage to make the presentation before John delivered a short formal handover speech.

“It’s actually great to be able to do something like this,” said John. “The RNLI is a most worthwhile cause, with its volunteer men and women risking their lives at sea around our coasts.

“The Northern Diving Group has been delighted to supply this mine which will hopefully raise loads of cash for the charity.

“We were made to feel incredibly welcome and will, no doubt, pop in next time we’re over on an emergency call out.”

And we very much look forward to receiving these very brave men again soon. But hopefully not on official business.

Following the run in with the Ministry of Defence over the Yellow Submarine issue, critics claim the mine may not be disarmed after all…