diff --git a/fedora_repository.module b/fedora_repository.module
index 41ac102c..799e1e10 100644
--- a/fedora_repository.module
+++ b/fedora_repository.module
@@ -1839,6 +1839,7 @@ function islandora_guarantee_root_collection($pid) {
   }
   $item = new Fedora_Item($pid);
   if ($item->exists()) {
+    drupal_set_message(t('Fedora is not available'));
     return;
   }
   $item = Fedora_item::ingest_new_item($pid, 'A', 'Islandora Root Collection', 'admin');