Call for statue to honour Aberdeen's trawlermen
There's been a call to honour the trawlermen who worked in the North East fishing industry.
Should Aberdeen have a memorial statue for one of its most famous industries?
There's been a call to honour the trawlermen who have worked in the North East fishing industry.
It's been led by retired trawlerman Robin Youngman.
Here is his message to Aberdeen City Council:　
"For many years and down through the generations Aberdeen was a vibrant fishing port. From the early days of sail, then steam and finally diesel a fleet of trawlers sailed from the port.
"Many were also built in their home port. These ships were crewed mainly by local Aberdonians alongside men from the North East of Scotland. Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Buckie and many other small ports as well. These men and ships provided much of the revenue for the port and the city's coffers.
"Also bear in mind the fact that for every man at sea it meant work for seven people ashore which in turn meant much employment in the city. Many people became very well off indeed from the labours of the trawlermen, such was the wealth they created. Not bad for people who had never mended a torn net or gutted a fish in their lives!
"The hardships endured by these men almost beggars belief today. Spartan living conditions, poor food, poor pay, working in all weathers and more often than not cold, wet and tired. They simply took it all in their stride. During the war years these same trawlers and crews just put the fishing gear ashore and went back to sea to defend the nation.
"As history has shown, their expertise proved to be invaluable to the Navy
"For them is was simply a case of feeding the nation in peace time and fighting for the nation in wartime. Sadly as in peace time many ships and men were lost, far too many. The fortunate trawlers and crews who survived the war simply returned to what they did best... feeding the nation.
"Hence it comes as a surprise that in view of the history of that once proud fleet that Aberdeen as seaport has done virtually nothing to honour their memory. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep that fleet going, they lost their lives. If you look around our island nation you will see, both in ports large and small that statues, memorials and plaques abound.
"Other major ports have even retained a old trawler as a focal point, attracting many visitors and have proved to be extremely popular allowing the public a glimpse of life at sea in a trawler in days gone by. Aberdeen..? History books will be kind to us and honour our achievements which are well documented. Time now for Aberdeen to do the same..!! You certainly owe it to the past generations, and the future generations deserve it.
"The old Roundhouse, a once familiar sight to the few of us left from that bygone era is now out of use.
"I'm sure that the Aberdeen Harbour Board in light of the many many years of profitable revenue they received from the trawling fleet would be open to suggestions as to change of use. I.e to use as a Memorial along with a suitable statue.
"There are only a few of us left now, most in our 'twilight years' so please oh please will somebody do something.
"Don't let the memory of generations of trawlermen die with us..."