Challenging Journeys – The Fishing Industry in Kintyre
While most of us are tucked up in bed in the early hours of the morning, Al Mclean is on the road.
As a refrigerated truck driver from Campbeltown, Al’s work is crucial to the fishing industry in Kintyre. He drives down long, hazardous routes along winding single carriageway roads from some of the most remote locations in the UK. Drivers like Al are the only way for these fishermen’s hard-earned catch will make it to market.
Few would be prepared to take on Al’s job, but he is dedicated to the people in his community and genuinely cares for the fishing industry. We saw that dedication again recently when Al asked for donations to us at the Fishermen’s Mission instead of presents for his birthday, raising an impressive sum of £1,300 to support local fishermen and their families.
Fishing in Kintyre – A Remote and Resilient Industry
Al’s is just one link in the chain that keeps the fishing industry in Kintyre alive. The region is beautiful, but the seas can be unpredictable, and the workforce here is dwindling.
“I cover an area of beautiful coastline that is longer in miles than that of France and takes in 28 inhabited islands,” explains Chris Holden, our Port Officer for Kintyre. “The nearest large acute hospital is a three-and-a-half-hour drive away in Glasgow. I work out of Campbeltown, often considered the UK’s most remote mainland town.”
The fishing communities here span from historic fishing hubs like Tarbert to tiny communities like the Isle of Luing, with its population of around 200 people.
In January 2018 and December 2023, both Tarbert and the Isle of Luing suffered tragic losses of beloved fishermen.
Much of the support Chris can provide has to happen remotely. “I can meet some fishermen face-to-face, but due to the logistics and distances involved, a lot of my interaction is by phone and messaging,” he says. “This was something we majored on during the Covid pandemic and it works well and efficiently here.”
The Fight to Keep Kintyre’s Fishing Industry Afloat
Challenges have not stopped the fishermen of Kintyre from carrying on their work. It’s not just rough seas they face.
“I’m continually in awe of how hard the fishing community works,” says Chris. “Struggles with new legislation, an ageing fleet, challenges in recruiting crew, along with the sheer remoteness of this part of the country, make it so tough just getting the catch from the sea to the market.”
That, of course, brings us back to Al. Transport drivers like him are an essential part of the community here, bridging the gap between fishermen and consumers.
A Fishing Community That Looks After Its Own
Al’s fundraiser reflects the deep sense of community and care in Kintyre.
“He was thrilled to see £1,300 raised,” says Chris. “I was overwhelmed by Alistair’s kindness, and the donations raised show the respect and appreciation people here have for him, our fishermen, and the Fishermen’s Mission.”
Help Secure the Future of Kintyre’s Fishing Industry
For every £1 donated to us, 88p goes directly to supporting fishermen and their families. The remaining 12p helps train and equip our staff to continue this work.
We don’t receive government or lottery funding—our work depends entirely on people like Al, Chris, and you.
Help us support the fishing communities in Kintyre and beyond.
