Scrabster fayre reels in cash for fishermen
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ALL the fun of the fayre was to be had at Scrabster at the weekend as locals turned out to raise funds to support workers in the fishing industry.
Hundreds of visitors attended the annual Scrabster Mission Fayre last Saturday, helping to boost the sum raised for charity to around £9000.
The event at Scrabster’s fish market was officially opened by Dan Conley, the chief executive of the Fishermen’s Mission.
The opening was followed by a performance from Thurso Junior Pipe Band and Mina Mackay’s Highland dancers.
Local mission superintendent Colin Mackay said organisers were overwhelmed by the amount of public support they continue to receive.
“To raise around £9000 is a fantastic result for us,” he said. “The backing we always get from the local community has been great. Despite there being a recession, businesses and hotels based here continue to help us as much as they can.”
During the day, there were the usual attractions such as bric-a-brac stalls, a lucky dip, and games.
Also taking place was a vintage car exhibition and demonstrations from Caithness Canine Search and Rescue Dogs, Thurso RNLI and Thurso firefighters.
The money raised will go towards helping fund staff and services the Fishermen’s Mission offers.
These include providing emergency support to fishermen who have been injured or shipwrecked. Financial and pastoral care is also offered to families who have lost a loved one through the fishing industry.
The mission provides immediate material, emotional and pastoral support as well as expert guidance through the benefits system and sourcing long-term grants.
Mr Mackay said those who use the services provided by the mission find them beneficial.
“The purpose of the Fishermen’s Mission is to look after the lives of those working in the industry, their dependants and orphans. We are here to help spiritually, physically and financially.
“If a fisherman dies at sea and hasn’t a church, we will help the family with funeral arrangements if required. The Fishermen’s Mission is a Christian organisation, but we work and support fishermen from all religious backgrounds.”
He added: “We also can arrange housing or medical appointments or issues for foreign nationals who are working in the fishing industry in Caithness.”
