Tags
Bernd Igwerks, donkeyman, Edinburgh, Flaschenpost, Help, Inspiration, James Robertson, message in a bottle, Mystery, Norderney
My friends, we have a mystery to solve!
On January 12th, 2017, Nomo Online published a brief article–just a wee little paragraph–about a man named Bernd Igwerks who had just found a message in a bottle sent in 1970.

Bernd Igwerks, with the 46 Year Old Message in a Bottle He Found. Photo courtesy: Nomo Online / nomo-norderney.de
Whoa. That caught my eye! As best I could tell, they planned to mail their article to the address on the message–but that was all. If the people living there didn’t know James, the story would die. I couldn’t let that happen!
I was hooked. I mean, look at this thing!

“Donkeyman” James Robertson’s Message in a Bottle from 1970. Found by Bernd Igwerks. Photo courtesy: Nomo Online / nomo-norderney.de
Donkeyman?! I love it!
At first I thought this was a nickname, mainly because it is in quotation marks. But I’ve learned that “Donkeyman” is a position in the engine room on certain kinds of boats. So, probably this guy worked on board ships.
I am always amazed by the power of the internet–a consequence of growing up before it was around, I guess. I know that, together, we can find James Robertson of 42 Sleigh Drive, Edinburgh (1970).
So, today, I’m asking for your help connecting two men I’ve never met, and maybe you haven’t either. There’s something special to be shared between them–the magical connection of a message in a bottle that opens the door to friendship. With your help, we can connect two men who have lived their whole lives an ocean apart…
So, please please please share this post and spread the word: We are looking for a man named James Robertson who lived on Sleigh Drive in Edinburgh in 1970. Let’s find him!
Read more at: The Herald – Scotland
Pingback: Scottish Author of 46 Year Old Message in a Bottle Has Been Found! | Message In A Bottle Hunter
Hi I am the James Robertson ( donkeyman ) I have been waiting for the sun newspaper to get back to me. I did live at 72 Sleigh dr Edinburgh but that was a long time ago I will leave my Wife’s E mail address if you would like to contact me. James Robertson
I lived at 68 sleigh drive and there was a family. Who liked in the stair at 72/5 sleigh drive called Robertson and he was a seaman
I know of a Mary robertson from sleigh drive edinburgh and I’m sure it was 72 she did have a brother but unfortunately she passed away last week her funeral is next Wednesday to which I will be going I will defo ask around but quite convinced it could be him
It could be James Robertson (“Da Pirate”) a Scalloway, Shetland man who has spent most if not all his working life at sea. He now lives in Aberdeen. The last time I spoke to him he was working as a “Donkeyman” on board the Northlink ferries on the Aberdeen /Shetland route. This would have been about 2 years ago. He was just passed retiring age at that time. He could easily be traced through Nortlink, Aberdeen.
Is that not a 7 ie 72?
Greetings! I’ve been reading your website for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a
shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to say keep
up the excellent job!
There is a James Robertson in 211/5 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh (www.thephonebook.bt.com) and this adress is not far away from the adress mentioned in the message in the bottle. Maybe…
Sorry, *address
The islands newspaper “Norderneyer Morgen” sent a print of the report to James’ adress in Edinburgh. Let’s see if anything happens. 🙂