The name “Cutty Sark” for a ship may indeed seem peculiar at first glance. However, its origins can be traced back to the famous poem “Tam O'Shanter” by the renowned Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The poem tells the story of a farmer named Tam who finds himself in a rather precarious situation one night.
In the poem, Tam is portrayed as a bit of a mischievous character who enjoys a good drink at the local pub. On his way home one stormy night, Tam comes across a gathering of witches and warlocks, led by a particularly alluring witch named Nannie. She is described as wearing a “cutty sark,” which means a short underskirt or petticoat.
Nannie, dressed in her revealing attire, catches Tam's eye and he becomes captivated by her beauty. As the witches and warlocks give chase, Tam frantically rides his horse, desperately trying to escape their clutches. In the end, Tam's horse loses its tail as Nannie grabs hold of it just before he crosses a nearby river, saving himself from the witches' grasp.
Now, you may be wondering why a ship would be named after a scantily-clad witch from a poem. The answer lies in the time and place in which the ship was built. Cutty Sark was constructed in 1869 in Dumbarton, Scotland, during a period known as the “tea clipper era.”
Tea clippers were fast-sailing ships designed to transport tea from China to Britain as quickly as possible. These ships competed fiercely to be the first to reach the British shores with their valuable cargo. As such, they were often named after mythical or legendary characters associated with speed or agility.
The name “Cutty Sark” was chosen for the ship to reflect its intended purpose as a swift and nimble vessel. By associating the ship with the image of Nannie, the seductive witch from Burns' poem, the builders hoped to convey the ship's speed and agility in a playful and memorable way.
Additionally, selecting a name with a Scottish connection was likely a nod to the ship's origins. Scotland has a rich maritime history, and many famous ships have been built on its shores. By choosing a name from one of Scotland's most beloved poems, the builders paid homage to their heritage while also ensuring the ship would stand out among its competitors.
While the name “Cutty Sark” may seem unusual for a ship, its origins can be traced back to the famous poem “Tam O'Shanter” by Robert Burns. The ship was given this name to evoke the image of the alluring witch Nannie and to convey its intended qualities of speed and agility. It stands as a testament to the rich literary and maritime traditions of Scotland.