During a hurricane on the 8 April 1847, the Glasgow registered brigantine, Salima, with a cargo of grain from Inverness to Islay, was driven from her anchor at Scrabster and went ashore off Dunnet Head.  Her mate, William Kelland, the sole survivor of her crew of six, managed to get ashore and then successfully climbed a 100 foot cliff at night to save himself. The bodies of some of his companions were later found and buried in Dunnet churchyard.

The Salima was built of wood in 1833.  Commanded by Captain Menzies, she was 98 burthen tons, 19m long and 5m wide.