Moray fishing village pays tribute to those lost at sea

A village with a 200-year link to the fishing industry has paid tribute to those lost at sea.

Hopeman showed a “very good response” to a moving service which saw a monument and plaque dedicated to the village’s brave legacy of seafarers and fisherman.

The new tribute is formed of a huge propellor blade, donated by two men from local fishing families who now work for Northlink Ferries, along with a plaque dedicated to all those from Hopeman who have died while at sea.

Stevie McPherson, captain of the MV Hrossey sailing between Aberdeen and Shetland, and Graham Mackenzie, retired engineering manager, contacted John McPherson last year with the idea of donating the propeller blade.

Despite having been installed at the harbour earlier this year, local historian and retired seafarer John McPherson and Hopeman Community Association chairman Dennis Slater wanted to host a proper ceremony to dedicate the monument.

“We just did it for all the seafarers that we've lost over the years,” Mr McPherson said.

“Because it touches nearly every Hopeman fishing family.

“When I was younger, it was all fishing families and every family was affected by people being lost in boats.”

Dennis Slater from the Hopeman Community Association introduced the event, followed by a piper and a dedication service by Murray Campbell from the Seaman’s Mission.

After the wreath was laid by two men from Hopeman fishing families, who work for Northlink Ferries, local historian and retired seafarer John Macpherson spoke about the history behind the memorial.

At the end of the ceremony, the crowd joined together to sing fisherman’s hymn Eternal Father Strong to Save.

Also participating in the dedication as flagbearers were the skippers of Hopeman’s two remaining fishing boats, Scott McPherson of the Ardent and Edd Fiske of the Arcturus.

James McPherson, a retired fisherman who is now working offshore, also attended the service.

Historical records show that a large number of Hopeman seafarers and fisherman have died at sea, since the village was a thriving port with up to 150 boats based there in the 1800s, according to local historian Mr McPherson.

“A lot of Hopeman guys have drowned, or hit the rocks, or their boats have gone ashore, over the years,” he added.

“In the last 30 or 40 years, we've lost two fishing boats, the type of boats you will see today in Peterhead, and we've lost the crews of both of them.

“And there have been seven men lost overboard from fishing boats, or lost climbing down onto their boat and that sort of thing.

“Some have just went over with the net or they've fallen overboard and disappeared.

“It is a tragic thing.”

Over the last 20 years, Mr McPherson has also been involved in setting up landmarks in Hopeman Harbour, including the mast, crane and ice house projects.