One hundred years ago the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Scotland arrived on a visit to Falmouth from Plymouth, under the command of Capt Gillies, for a 16 day drydocking programme in number three drydock. The liner at the time was the largest ship to enter Falmouth harbour.

Such was the interest in this ship that she was open for public inspection - one shilling for adults and sixpence for children, with all proceeds going to the Royal Cornwall Sailors’ Home, Falmouth Hospital and the Royal Cornwall Little Girls Home.

The 25,000 liner was laid down as the Europa in Stettin for the Hamburg Amerika Line. As one of the largest ships built at the time the launch was witnessed by the Kaiser and Empress who sponsored the ship.

Bestowing such an honour on the shipping company it was decided to rename the ship Kaiserin Auguste Victoria. Fitted with quadruple expansion engines the ship could reach 17 knots.

During World War One the ship remained in New York harbour for the duration of the war.

Following the peace treaty the vessel transferred to British ownership and was eventually purchased by Canadian Pacific and renamed Empress of Scotland.

The year 1925 saw the ship on two world cruises - the largest ship at the time to pass through the Panama Canal. A decision was made to scrap the liner in 1930 at Blyth.

Onboard the passenger accommodation was adorned with Persian, Chinese and Indian carpets with wood panelling of maple and satinwood. Paintings given by the Kaiser were still onboard.

Unfortunately, whilst alongside she caught fire; such was the ferocity of the fire, holes were cut in the ship’s side to allow water in, the ship listed and settled. All of the beautiful artefacts were lost.

A year later the scrapping had been completed.