The Fishermen’s Mission in Troon is part of the wider UK charity The Fishermen’s Mission, which has been operating since 1881 to support fishermen and their families. Troon, being one of Scotland’s key fishing ports for prawns and other shellfish, has an active Mission Centre and Louise Liddell, who is based there, recently spoke to Largs Probus Club on the Mission’s work, showing a video specific to the Troon Centre.
Louise advised that the Mission currently provides 24/7 welfare and pastoral care for around 300 fishermen and their families in Troon and Southwest Scotland, giving practical, financial, and emotional support and offering pastoral care, regardless of faith. This includes visiting boats and crews in Troon harbour and supporting retired fishermen as well as those still working at sea. The Mission also offers emergency support and crisis response for accidents at sea, injuries, or sudden bereavements, providing fishermen with emergency accommodation, food, and financial aid in times of hardship.
Many of the fishermen are foreign and require support with their visas, banking and dental/health arrangements. The Mission co-ordinates work with healthcare providers to address the physical and mental health challenges fishermen face and raises awareness of safety at sea. The Troon Centre is used as a training facility where fishermen can obtain their health and safety and other certification.
The organisation particularly excels in community and family support for families in Troon when fishermen are away at sea for long stretches, helping with benefits’ applications, debt issues, and housing as well as providing a listening ear and community connection in what can be an isolating lifestyle. Staff and volunteers in Troon are visible around the harbour, visiting boats and speaking with crews as well as further afield, including here at Largs. Fundraising is important to them as they receive no Government or Lottery support. They organise local fundraising and awareness events to sustain the Mission’s work and will have a presence at this year’s Largs Viking Festival.
Roddy Eunson proposed the vote of thanks and commended Louise and the Fishermen’s Mission for providing a lifeline service for both active and retired fishermen, as well as their families. He invited the members to donate to the work of the Mission at the conclusion of the meeting, when £170 was raised.
Why not join us at our next meeting?
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, sorry ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and email info@largsprobus.org.uk if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.
Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday 3rd September at 10am when Tom Ward will speak on Prisoners of War.