Hidden coins found in The Tall Ship Glenlee as the huge masts start their journey down south tomorrow
Placing coins under the main mast before stepping, or lifting the masts, is an ancient tradition thought to bring good luck to the ship.
Article Source: The Tall Ship Glenlee
Last Updated: 19 January 2026 13:43
Image: Martin Shields
On Thursday 16 July 1998, all three lower mast sections were lifted and carefully slotted into position. Beneath the main mast, a small wooden box was ceremonially placed. Inside were a 1998 gold sovereign and a silver dollar, along with a scroll acknowledging the members of the Trust and Ship Committee who contributed to the restoration process. The scroll also included thanks to the US National Park Service’s San Francisco Maritime Museum, which had allowed Jamie White, an American rigger a secondment to research, plan, and develop the restoration of the rig.
As this solemn ceremony took place, ten-year-old Tom Gibson stood proudly beside his grandad, Murray Scrimgeour, watching the mast being stepped. Suddenly realising he too had a shiny coin in his pocket, Tom threw his own contribution—a 10p coin—into the mast step, next to the official box.
For the next 28 years, both the box and Tom’s coin remained safely hidden. Then, on Friday, 16 January 2026, they were rediscovered during the lifting of the masts by TS Rigging. Tom, now an engineer with CalMac, was delighted to hear the news, saying, “I never thought I would see it again!”
During the current restoration, the box and its contents will be kept safe in the Museum store, but they will be returned to their rightful place—perhaps accompanied by a new 2026 coin. And, of course, Tom’s coin will be put back too.
Placing coins under the main mast before stepping, or lifting the masts, is an ancient tradition thought to bring good luck to the ship.
Lauren Henning, Museum and Learning Manager, said: “While the dramatic lifting of the masts has quite rightly been the focus of attention this week, the rediscovery of the box reminds us what a remarkable achievement the 1990s restoration project was. Tom’s coin also encourages us to view the ship through the eyes of a child, reminding us that Glenlee’s story is not only about engineering and conservation, but about the people and personal moments that give the ship its enduring meaning.”
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