This is not the title of a new murder mystery television show; rather, it is the intriguing story of an everyday object from the 1940s that was recently discovered in an unexpected place. This object, a whisky bottle, was found at the historic HMS Tern Living Museum Airfield, located in Orkney—a site rich in history and significance.

The discovery sheds light on the daily lives of individuals in that era and provides a tangible connection to the past, reminding us of the fascinating stories hidden within the rubbish discarded so many years ago.

During a recent site check, Volunteer Nick and Site Manager Lindsay Bailey discovered an intriguing object in the flooded air-raid shelter on the airfield. This shelter, which sits low on the water table, frequently experiences flooding but is home to a diverse array of wildlife. As a result, access to the shelter is restricted to the public.

Using a fishing net, Nick successfully retrieved the object from the water, revealing it to be a whisky bottle. Upon further inspection and cleaning, Lindsay conducted research on the bottle, which dates back to the 1940s. It is labelled “Abbot’s Choice,” a brand of Scottish whisky associated with John McEwen’s and bottled in Leith.

But what was it doing in that dark water-filled shelter? Who threw it in there, and what events led to our unexpected discovery?  Though we may never uncover the truth, it’s fascinating to imagine if it once played a role in a grand celebration over 80 years ago. Perhaps it was part of a vibrant festivity filled with laughter, music, and joy, only to be forgotten as time moved on. The possibilities are endless, inviting us to contemplate the lost moments and the quiet and not-so-quiet untold tales of the past.

After the bottle was thoroughly cleaned and documented, Lindsay entered it into our object catalogue. This item will be featured in an upcoming exhibition planned for July and August.