From a herring station to clinkers and coal boats - help needed to record proud history of Lochinver harbour
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It has a long and proud history that a local group are now keen to record.
Historic Assynt is at the early stages of launching a project to collate an oral history of Lochinver harbour.
It is seeking funding but in the meantime is appealing to local people to come forward with their own memories of the harbour.
And there is an certainly an exciting tale to be told – from the herring station and cannery that once operated at the harbour to the clinkers and coal boat landings.
Then there is the arrival of East coast fleets, French and Spanish boats and the transformation of the harbour site.
Historic Assynt secretary Dave McBain said: “It’s been on our minds for a while that the harbour in Lochinver has an amazing history.
“History often records paper documentation - landing records, sale numbers and suchlike and of course we are interested in those.
“But what we really want is to write down the many great stories and memories from the people who worked on the harbour and at sea.
“The characters, the laughs, the tears – the sheer exhaustion of long days and even the pub tales when the boats settled up.”
He added: “Anyone else remember those cannons in front of the Culag? Or the wee beach in front of where the lesiure centre is now?
“There is a real worry that many of these great stories will be forgotten and particularly the harbour boom and demise in the last half of the 20th century.”
Mr McBain said the group was very much hoping that local people would rally round and contribute to the project.
“Help would be much appreciated with this - not just if people have knowledge of a source of funds to help us do it but mostly if anyone can recall any stories either from working on the harbour, on a boat or even some nice pub tales. Lots of us have them and it would be something special to gather them together and help us build a picture of what life was like in Lochinver so that we can share it with future generations.”
A Highland council run harbour, Lochinver is currently a landing point for both the UK whitefish fleet and for vessels from other various European countries. A fish market is held regularly at the harbour.
