This is the true story of a Russian cruiser which sank off the coast of Stranraer just over 100 years ago. A monument was erected near the small hamlet of Lendalfoot 3 years ago which is now a fantastic picnic area ideally situated to take in the breathtaking scenery over the Firth of Clyde.

The 1st Class cruiser Varyag was the first in the series of Russian protected cruisers built as part of the program “for the needs of the Russian Far East”. On 20 April 1898 the Russian Emperor Nikolai II approved the contract to build a protected cruiser by the American Company “William Cramp & Sons”. The building cost was estimated at just over $2 million without armaments.

The keel-laying ceremony took place on 10 May 1899. On 19 October 1899, the Varyag cruiser was launched in the presence of the Russian Ambassador to the United States A.P. Kassini and other officials representing both countries.

The ship was first tested in July 1900. A storm broke out during the test. However, the cruiser passed the harsh weather test with flying colours having set the against-weather speed world record among its own class cruisers at 24.59 knots.

Russian Cruiser Varyag

Russian Cruiser Varyag

The crew from Russia hoisted the pennant on the Varyag’s main mast on 2 January 1901 and the vessel was officially commissioned into the Navy.

The vessel made a few trial cruises around the Delaware Bay and left America for good.

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