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VIDEO: 50-strong flotilla accompanies the Reaper’s return to Fife town

A 50-strong flotilla of ships, with the historic Reaper fishing vessel at its helm, has sailed into Anstruther to mark the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

A lone piper and a cannon salute signalled their arrival while onlookers lined the harbour walls as the former herring drifter, the last of its type still seaworthy, made her triumphant return to Fife fishing village.

The Reaper returns to Anstruther.
The Reaper arrives in Anstruther.

The Reaper had  joined the rest of the boats as it reached Elie Ness before continuing up the Forth.

It is now back at its regular mooring following major restoration work recently completed by Babcock at its Rosyth dockyard.

The occasion marked the start of year-long programme of events to celebrate 50 years since the museum was set up.

Opened in July, 1969 by documentary filmmaker,  Dr John Grierson with the aim of preserving the rich heritage of Scotland’s fishing industry, Anstruther was chosen as its location as it was once the country’s busiest fishing port.

Having grown over the years and now in partnership of national industrial museums in Scotland, the Fishery’s Museum’s extensive collection has since been formally recognised as being of national significance.

The museum’s events officer, Andrea Elder, said the team were planning to mark the 50th anniversary with a whole host of events and activities between now and July 2020.

“It will help us thank the local community, fisherman from around Scotland and of course the volunteers and staff that have kept the museum running over the last 50 years and helped us draw visitors from all over the world,” she said.

Built in 1901 by Forbes J & G Ltd in Sandhaven near Fraserburgh, the Reaper also served during both World Wars. The 21 metre-long vessel continued fishing around Shetland until 1957  where it holds the record catch for Shetland of 233 cran (almost 250,000 herrings).

From 1959 she served the local council as a cargo boat until she was retired following the introduction of the roll-n roll-off ferries.

Among those welcoming the flotilla was Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, a long-term supporter of the museum.

She said: “This is a special day for Anstruther and in particular the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

“Over the past 50 years the museum has established itself as both a centre of unrivalled expertise on Scotland’s fishing heritage and an important tourist attraction.

“The return of its newly renovated flagship, will underpin the museum’s ambitious plans for the future.

“As a core funder, the Scottish Government recognises the museum’s national significance and I am particularly pleased to have provided an additional £830,000 for this impressive restoration.”