‘Tremendous accolade’ for Wick team in National Historic Ships UK Awards
The volunteers who look after Wick’s historic fishing vessel Isabella Fortuna have been honoured in a national award scheme.
The Wick Society boat team won the group category of the Marsh Volunteer Awards, part of the 2024 National Historic Ships UK Awards.
It was described as “a tremendous accolade” by Alan Miller, the boat team secretary.
Speaking as the Wick volunteers gathered to hear the announcement on Wednesday night, Mr Miller said: “Winning this award is no mean feat and we were competing against the elite of volunteers involved in the conservation of historic vessels and buildings.
“I for one am personally very proud to be part of this close-knit group who have all the attributes required to be worthy of this award.
“We have always received local recognition for what we do, but to receive national recognition is a tremendous accolade.”
The National Historic Ships UK Awards are a celebration of maritime heritage around the UK.
The Marsh Volunteer Awards recognise outstanding volunteers in the conservation or operation of historic vessels.
Judges said the Wick Society’s application “really stood out”. The local heritage group bought the Isabella Fortuna in 1997 and since then volunteers have been engaged on a continuous programme of renewal and restoration.
The 19th-century vessel visits ports for festivals and other sea-based events.
Built by James Weir of Arbroath and launched in 1890, the Isabella Fortuna is an example of a traditional Fifie.
Mr Miller told fellow members of the boat team: “We have received this award not only for ourselves but for those no longer with us but who have contributed greatly to the conservation journey of the Isabella, many of whom set the bar on what we can achieve.
“I would also like to mention Andy Anderson, Jimmy Bruce and Adam Polson who are not as fit and able any more but are still involved and contribute in their own way.”
Mr Miller also highlighted the dedication of long-standing volunteers Tony Sinclair and Malcolm Bremner.
“Tony was involved with the Isabella, sailing with the previous owners, before she was acquired by the Wick Society.
“Both Malcolm and Tony have spent countless hours working together on the betterment of the Isabella and Malcolm’s commitment, knowledge and leadership is a huge asset to our cause.”
He added: “We are a unique group due to the fact that all our conservation on the Isabella is done in-house with our own people and we source our own materials.
“We are together as a team and are there for each other.”
Mr Miller acknowledged the generous support for the boat team from local businesses and members of the community.
“We must give a big thank-you to people and organisations who continue to support us in our conservation of the Isabella,” he said.
The 134-year-old Isabella won the award for best boat at the 2024 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy.
In 2019 it became one of three regional flagships appointed by National Historic Ships UK.
In that same year, Malcolm Bremner was named as joint individual winner in the Marsh Volunteer Awards.
It has also had an award from the Worshipful Society of Shipwrights.
