The launch of the first commercial fishing boat at Arbroath in more than 20 years has been hailed as a landmark by the town’s seafaring community.
Neil Pattison, 39, and his father George, 80, will celebrate months of painstaking work and effort when they launch their catamaran Endurance off the slipway at McKay’s boatyard on Friday afternoon.
The boat, which is just under 10 metres long and five metres wide, will be used to catch lobster off the Arbroath coast as Neil carries on his family’s links with the industry in the town.
Fishing has undergone a radical change in Arbroath in recent years with the move towards shell fishing, and the hospitality and tourism industry taking prominence over trawling.
The vessel has been housed at McKay’s while the duo work on it and the boatyard’s co-owner Harry Simpson has spoken of his delight at the launching of the new vessel.
“The last commercial boat launched from the yard was The Nimrod in 1989 but other boats have been launched over the years, including the Fifie the rescue boat for the Tay road bridge,” said Mr Simpson.
“I think it’s great to see that there are people still willing to spend money in the fishing industry and it shows that there is life out there.
“There has been a lot of money spent down at the harbour through investment from Angus Council and others and we are really pleased to see this.”
Neil and his family have been entrenched in the fishing industry all their lives and he is looking forward to celebrating a day that will have great importance to both his family and the town.
He has owned boats in the past and has grown up in the business.
Sadly, Neil’s brother George tragically died along with three other men in 1997 when his vessel, Westhaven, capsized off the coast of Aberdeen.
Neil said his brother is never far from his mind and he will be there in his thoughts during Friday’s historic and poignant event.
“It’s going to be a significant day for us but also for the town,” said Neil. “I remember watching the boats being launched when I was a kid and it was always a big event, so we are proud to be doing this.
“My other brother is at sea as well and he has said he will be there too he’s very excited.
“The name Endurance actually came from a jumper I was wearing which had the words written across it and my dad picked it out as the name.
“However, it obviously means long-lasting as well and I’m hoping that’s the case with this.”
The launch will be attended by members of the fishing community as well as a pastor from the Fisherman Ministry.
Neil’s mother and sister will have the pleasure of officially launching the boat from the slipway at McKay’s boatyard as it starts its maiden voyage.
Neil added: “This is a really nice thing for us to have. My father is 81 next month and is still helping me work on the boat.
“The fishing side of the family started with him as a teenager and that’s basically where we have come from.
“This is something I never expected to get to do when I was younger and we are all looking forward to it.”
Endurance will be launched from the slipway of McKay’s boatyard on Friday, at 4pm.