Carradale remembers fishermen lost at sea

The harbour service included readings by Mr Paterson, Sam McLeod of Kintyre Veterans and Campbeltown Sea Cadets’ commanding officer CPO (SCC) Alasdair MacPhail, while piper Arran Brown performed the Fisherman’s Lament.

Rev Sass said he had been deeply moved by the experience of leading the services.

“It was an amazing turnout,” he said. “It was a deeply emotional experience for me to name the various vessels that were lost over the years, and also to mention the names of those fishermen who lost their lives, especially the young ones who were never found.

“It was especially poignant when I noticed in the crowd many family members of those lost.”

He also praised the contribution of the Kintyre Veterans, Campbeltown Sea Cadets and Carradale Primary School, all of which took part in the wreath-laying.

Following the harbour remembrance, the congregation moved to Saddell and Carradale Church, where photographs of lost vessels, collated by Mr Paterson, and the names of fishermen who died at sea were displayed during the service.

After the church service, members of Kintyre Veterans formed a guard of honour as the congregation departed.

Mr Mitchell said: “Kintyre Veterans were honoured to be invited to remember those fishermen lost at sea never to return.”

Rev Sass described the moment as “really special”, adding: “It was wonderful to see the people of Carradale honoured in that way, especially all those who have been affected by these deaths and losses over so many years.”

Louise Liddell, area officer for the Fishermen’s Mission, thanked the community for supporting the event.

“A very moving National Fishing Remembrance Day service was held in Carradale this year, with an excellent turnout from the local community,” she said.

“Special thanks go to Rev Steven Sass and everyone within the community who helped the Fishermen’s Mission make the service possible.

“It is hoped that this will now become an annual event across the Argyll areas, continuing to bring communities together to recognise the sacrifices made within the fishing industry and to honour the memory of those lost at sea.”