YARD VISIT

DON’T FEAR THE REAPER

Meet the team behind the conservation of Scotland’s fishing past

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY MERVYN MAGGS

The establishment of The Scottish Fisheries Museum in 1969 was an important first step to representing the fishing history of Scotland. Fishing has served an important role in the economy of Scotland and UK, with exports to many European markets at a time when the fleets were primarily engaged in fishing for the ‘silver darling’ herring.

The museum’s enlightened approach took on the di cult task of creating a floating section and did not just relegate the past to static exhibits. This approach was supported by full engagement with the local community to conserve and explore the physical methodology of fishing, its people and ancillary industries. This was reflected very soon after the establishment of the museum by a desire to have boats in a seagoing condition; a further impetus to this ambition was the involvement of Dr Robert Prescott from St Andrews University.

Dr Prescott had a long and passionate interest in the historic fishing boats that sailed in Scottish waters as well as an ambition to restore a lugsail drifter for the floating museum with public access.

A challenge was set and the museum recognised the rarity and di culty of finding a first-class Fifie herring lugger in seagoing condition before they completely disappeared. Their search ended up with the boat we now know as Reaper FR958.

Over the following years, much of the work was done by government-funded work creation, supported by local marine industries and volunteers. Dr Prescott led this process with his thorough research into all aspects of design, the social significance, and the skills needed.

Finally Reaper was restored to be used at sea, and it was recognised that the formation of a group of skilled and knowledgeable people from the community would be beneficial to the boat’s long-term operation, and that of other vessels in the collection such as White Wing.

The Museum Boats Club was established on 4 December 1985 by Gareth Stern, the museum’s director at that time. The conditions for the club were set out as:

“Use appropriate materials and finishes for authentic restoration or accurate reproduction; Maintain vessels in seaworthy and/or exhibition condition; Ensure the safety of public, members of crew.”

The group was led by David Tod, chairman of the Museum for 20 years and supported by the very wide range of his knowledge as a boat owner, designer, engineer, shipwright and fishermen. The Museum Boats Club was awarded the Queens Award for Volunteering in 2011 and David himself was awarded a BEM for his services to the Museum and Scottish fishing heritage in 2017. Sadly he died earlier this year. Gradually, Reaper grew back to her old self. Over the past 30 years she has been skippered and crewed by the Museum Boats Club, visiting many ports, mostly on Scotland’s east coast and in north east England, where visitors were warmly welcomed on board. This has not happened without the need for continued maintenance and dedication. Time took its toll on the boat and by 2015 plans were being made to give Reaper a full refit. For this, some major structural work was needed to ensure seaworthiness, while remaining very conscious of the need to conserve as much as possible from her role as a sailing Fifie. This work is now only months away from completion, with a new foremast ready on the quay and the interior work and structural elements being finished by Ali Beedie from Speybuilt Boats.

Alongside maintaining Reaper and White Wing, a 33ft (10m) Baldie, the Museum Boats Club have also been involved and assisted in conserving Research LK62, a Zulu housed in the museum; Shirly II, a prototype Fifer inshore fishing boat; Rose Leaf K160, a small Fifie; Athene KY240, a creel boat; and just to fill in the time, Antares KY23, a 33ft (10) motor-fishing vessel. All these wonderful boats can be seen either afloat or in the museum.

What I did notice on the wild and windy winter day of my visit, was the energy and pride of the club, and the constant reference to Dr Robert Prescott’s work, research and to his spirit. It should also not be forgotten that professionals are engaged when they are needed and can be funded, in order to achieve the high standards expected.

A final observation is how this group have realised such high ambitions, working with the museum in the restoration of a historic past. Without their work there is no doubt this heritage would have been lost forever.

This is nothing but a brief look at the work of the Museum Boats Club and its relationship with the Scottish Fisheries Museum. There is no doubt, it is a must see place when visiting this part of the world.

Facing page, clockwise from top left: John Firn, Rodger McAslan, Bob Flann, Wins Stewart, Dave Raeside, Dave Crowther, Ali Beedie and Donald McDonald. Not shown Chair Joan Paton; Ali Beedie with Reaper foremast skades; Donald McDonald measuring from Reaper plans; Dave Raeside working on Antares; Bob Flann working on Antares; Dave Crowther caulking Antares