New tartan to honour the Fishermen's Mission

The Fishermen's Mission tartan was devised by sustainable fishing company Fishbox and Highland design house Prickly Thistle. PIC Contributed.

The tartan, devised by seafood supplier Fishbox and Highland design house Prickly Thistle, will be launched on St Andrew’s Day in support of the charity.

It comes as the UK fishing industry endures one of its deadliest years with 16 fishermen killed at sea since January.

The Fishermen's Mission has been helping those who make a living from the sea for more than 130 years. It has 10 centres in Scotland at present. PIC Contirbuted.

Magnus Houston, founder of Fishbox and a former fisherman, said he wanted to support the mission given his personal connection to the charity, which provides support to fishing communities across the country.

Mr Houston said: “For fishermen, the mission is their main emergency service. When things go wrong and when you feel helpless, the fact that you have someone to phone any day or time, makes you feel secure. They’re like a guardian and extended family.”

Clare Campbell, founder of Prickly Thistle, said the project had allowed for a unique creation that reflected the heritage and traditions of both fishing and weaving, while helping to protect these industries for years to come.

The finished tartan which will raise funds for The Fishermen's Mission. PIC Contributed.

Mr Houston added: “We wanted to create a design that not only told the story of Fishbox, but represented the many generations of Scottish fishermen who support communities across the country.

“We believe there is a deep-rooted connection between the art of tartan weaving and the skill of fishing net making.”

The first bolt of tartan cloth was woven by A Elliot Fine Fabrics Ltd, a second generation family business in Selkirk.

Hand stitched throws, scarves, shopper bags and seafood dining kits form part of the launch collection.

The Fishermen's Mission has been helping those who make a living from the sea for more than 130 years. It has 10 centres in Scotland at present. PIC Contirbuted.

The Fishermen’s Mission began in the late 1800s when the first staff set sail to deliver food, compassion and the gospel to Scotland’s fishing crews.

At present, there are 10 Fisherman’s Mission Centres around Scotland’s coastline, supporting some of the largest and busiest fishing ports in Europe.

The mission strives to provide practical and pastoral assistance to those in need, opening their doors to all fishermen from home and overseas.

Mr Houston said the mission was an essential lifeline to Scottish fishermen and functions without receive any government funding.

The finished tartan which will raise funds for The Fishermen's Mission. PIC Contributed.

Alison Godfrey, Director of Business Development at Fishermen’s Mission, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Fishbox to support our work.

“Throughout our 135 years of providing support to our fishermen and their families a large proportion of our work has, of course, always been in the Scottish ports.

“This remains the case today. Fishbox works to promote the very best of our wonderful British fish and recognises the risks taken by fishermen to bring home their catch. We wish them every success with their beautiful new products and thank them for the opportunity to work together.