“For centuries fishing has been a way of life here.”
For us, supporting fishermen and their families is not just about responding in a moment of crisis. We build long-lasting relationships with those who live a unique way of life that you can only find on our country’s coastlines.
Louise Liddell, our Area Manager for Southwest Scotland, builds many of these connections herself and knows firsthand how crucial that understanding is.
Our fishing communities in Southwest Scotland
“Boats here head out to sea from tiny craggy coves as well as larger ports like Troon and Stranraer.”
Fishing remains central to many coastal communities in Southwest Scotland. A big part of Louise’s role is staying connected with the fishermen and families who live and work there.
Recently, she visited Martin and Michelle in the village of Borgue, a family she has known for years.
Remembering Dan
Martin and Michelle’s son, Dan, was only 16 years-old when he was lost at sea in 2010.
“Dan was meant to go on holiday with his parents, but instead joined his brother Joseph on their trawler, Homeland. Dan loved nothing more than being at sea.”
Tragically, a passenger ferry collided with Homeland off the coast of Eyemouth, plunging the brothers into the icy North Sea as the vessel sank.
Two nearby trawlers rushed to the rescue, but despite their best efforts, they could only rescue Joseph. Dan was swept out to sea.
Keeping the memory alive
Louise has remained close to Martin and Michelle throughout the years.
“Our work here is all about relationships,” Louise explains. “Martin and Michelle have remained in contact, becoming keen supporters of our work. Michelle has even bravely completed a skydive to raise funds for the Fishermen’s Mission.”
The pair’s fundraising efforts have raised over £10,000 to support other fishermen and their families, astonishing themselves.
“For Martin and Michelle, supporting the caring work of the Fishermen’s Mission that meant so much to them, helps keep the memory of Dan alive.”
Honouring fishermen who never returned
Dan is one of many whom we remember and honour the memory of. Louise is often involved in helping her communities through grief and commemoration.
One of the communities Louise works with is in Kirkcudbright, where the fishing memorial was in disrepair after weathering many years of stormy weather. Louise was surprised and delighted when the team from the BBC programme ‘Repair Shop on the Road’ contacted her.
Timing was crucial – National Fishing Remembrance Day was just around the corner, and the memorial was the centrepiece of Louise’s services for the day.
“The Repair Shop Team restored the memorial to look almost brand new. It was a race against the clock… but the work was completed just in time!”
Be part of the story
Louise is just one of our Port Staff who work closely with people like Martin and Michelle every day. As a charity that receives no funding from the government or lotteries, your support is what helps us keep these relationships alive.
