A fishermen’s mission in north-west Sutherland that has offered care and support to shipwreck victims and stranded seafarers for more than 50 years is closing because of a downturn in the fishing industry.

07/08/2008 The Press and Journal

A fishermen’s mission in north-west Sutherland that has offered care and support to shipwreck victims and stranded seafarers for more than 50 years is closing because of a downturn in the fishing industry.

The mission building next to the Fish Pier at Kinlochbervie is now on the market for offers over £165,000.

The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen (the Fishermen’s Mission) first established a presence in the village in 1956 when it set up a winter station in a house near the old pier on Loch Clash.

In 1970, it opened the current centre, close to the new harbour facilities which, in its heyday, was well used by the many vessels landing fish at Kinlochbervie.

A marked decline in fishing in the area during recent years has meant many of the facilities are under-used.

The mission has reluctantly decided that the building, which includes a cafe, offices, meeting rooms, workshops, a laundry room and showers, with two three-bedroom apartments on the first floor, should be sold.

However, Captain Dan Conley, who is chief executive of the Fishermen’s Mission, stressed the disposal of the building did not mean the loss of a mission presence at Kinlochbervie.

He said: “Mission staff will remain available to support visiting and local fishermen and their families in case of accidents, incidents and bereavement.

Also there will always be welfare support and pastoral care available for those in need.”

Capt Conley said in the past the mission provided accommodation and meals for people who were shipwrecked or whose boats had broken down.

But he said there were now just a handful of fishing boats operating out of Kinlochbervie, and very few vessels visiting the harbour.

“As a charity that is totally reliant on donations, we are duty-bound to make the best use of our resources,” he said.

He said the mission had already sold its buildings at Lerwick and North Shields, and the others were all under constant review.

He added that the canteen at Kinlochbervie would remain open until the building was sold and the one full-time and two part-time employees would then be made redundant.

The sale is being handled by Graham and Sibbald, chartered surveyors.

One of the major incidents off Kinlochbervie was the loss of the six-man crew of the Banff-registered fishing vessel Bon Ami on December 19, 1985.

The mission’s most recent high-profile activity was in May 2003 when it provided accommodation and meals for Norwegian-born lone sailor, Odd Lyngholm, for about a fortnight after his 42ft yacht Haagaard overturned in the Atlantic while he was sailing from the Azores to Norway.

Mr Lyngholm praised the support he received from Kinlochbervie people while his boat was repaired.

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