Isabella Shipwreck Sculpture, Newtonhill – Nautical Art Photography, Scottish Coastal History

A striking new nautical sculpture by the artist known as the “Stonehaven Banksy” has been revealed on the cliffs above the historic shipwreck that inspired it.

The intricate metal artwork depicts the ill-fated schooner Isabella, which met its fate off the coast at Newtonhill.Built in Banff, the 93-tonne coal-laden vessel was caught in a ferocious south-south-easterly gale in 1888 while attempting to reach harbour from Sunderland. As towering waves smashed over the pier, a brave group of local residents gathered in the storm to attempt a rescue.Clinging to iron rings to avoid being swept away, they managed to throw a rope to the stricken ship. One by one, the crew hauled themselves to safety through the crashing seas. The skipper was the last to leave the deck and was knocked back by a powerful breaker, savede only when two locals grabbed his feet and pulled him ashore.

Although the Isabella and her cargo were lost, the courage of the rescuers became part of local legend — a story now captured in this powerful coastal sculpture