Bill Abernethy, who found Scotland’s largest freshwater pearl

November 26, 2021 - Bill dies at age 96

In 1965 he uncovered the pearl known as the Abernethy Pearl while fishing on the River Tay, which he and his father, Robert, had worked for decades. It secured Bill’s place in history.

He took one from the Earn which I believe was incorporated into a piece of jewellery presented by the City of Perth to the Queen Mother.

“It was something special, beautiful salmon pink in colour and you could almost see through it. The Abernethy Pearl, also known as Little Willie, was big and perfect but not as subtle as the one found on the Earn.”

Bill’s ashes are to be scattered on the River Conon where Bill fished and close to Nairn and Culloden where he lived in later life.

More about Bill Abernethy: Bill Abernethy Videos

Seeing the Little Willie Pearl


Source: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/obituaries/2769999/perthshires-bill-abernethy-who-found-scotlands-largest-freshwater-pearl-dies-aged-96/