Fishermen’s memorial is another step closer

28 February 2017

A memorial dedicated to the men and women who lived, worked and died in the fishing industry in Aberdeen has taken another step forward.

Following a meeting of the Fishermen’s Memorial Working Group at Aberdeen City Council work is now under way to draft an artist’s brief, to create either a 2D or 3D tribute, which reflects the major contribution the fishing industry has made to the city’s life and heritage.

After careful consideration of various locations for the memorial the Working Group agreed that the memorial should be located outside the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, in Shiprow.

Earliest records of the fishing industry in Aberdeen date back to the 1100’s with evidence of the first wooden harbour at Shiprow.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the sea and is home to a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history. The award-winning museum also offers visitors a spectacular view over the city’s busy harbour.

The Fishermen’s Memorial Working Group was established following the Lord Provost’s of Aberdeen George Adam put forward a successful motion to Full Council in December 2014.

The motion by the Lord Provost asked:

‘That Aberdeen City Council agrees to take forward approaches from associates of the local fishing industry to create an appropriate and lasting memorial to the men and women who lived, worked and died in it, in peacetime and in war, and to commemorate the major contribution which fishing has made to the city’s life and heritage. Officers are instructed to report on the establishment of a small working group, the scope of a commission, and confirmation of a budget with a view to obtaining contributions to build on external funds already secured.’

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said: “The fishermen and fisherwomen deserve a fitting memorial therefore I am delighted that we will soon move to the next stage of the process and an invitation will go out to artists. I’m looking forward to seeing how the artwork reflects the contribution of both men and women to the industry.”

It is expected that the memorial will endeavour to combine the various elements of the industry and the city’s coastal location in order to create a reflective artwork which both informs and provides opportunity for contemplation.

The completed work should reflect the contribution of both men and women to the industry.

The artist’s brief will be issued later next month (March 2017), which will invite artists to submit their proposals for a memorial.

The artwork is expected to be unveiled in summer 2018. Plans are also under way for a new piece of music dedicated to the ‘fisherfolk’, which will be premiered at the unveiling.