THE fishing industry in a small Mearns community has been revived after 25 years since the last working boat left the harbour.

The Press and Journal Published: 29/07/2008

A Catterline couple have launched the village’s first working fishing boat in a quarter of a century.

Dave and Lynette Cawthorne, of South Row, are the proud owners of Jeannie, due to make her first fishing trip this week. The pair both have a strong connection to the sea, with Mrs Cawthorne’s late grandfather, John Watt, known to be the village’s last fisher- man.

Mr Cawthorne, who is originally from Elgin, also comes from a family of keen fishermen.

After spending five years in the armed forces, he realised his love of the sea when he spent time working for local fishermen. I realised how much I loved the job and decided it was what I wanted to do,” he said.

“You couldn’t ask for better scenery when you are out on the coast here.

“A lot of people would pay to see what I get to see every day.”

Catterline’s thriving fishing heritage peaked in the late 19th century with nine boats working from the small harbour.

The industry went into steady decline until the 1950s, with a brief revival by Mr Watt a decade later.

Mr Cawthorne says he would not have succeeded without the support of the community and in particular his father-in-law, Brian Watt, who spent three months helping to get the boat ready for the sea.

“The support I have had from local people and those who know the industry has been fantastic,” he said. “Because I’m fishing on my own it can be more dangerous.

“We are trying to cut down any dangerous parts, but you have got to keep your wits about you.”

Having spent the last few weeks testing the Jeannie’s readiness, he will this week set out for his first haul of lobster and crab to sell to local restaurants and markets.

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