Eildih Hosts Fishermen's Mission Reception In Commons

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford hosted a reception for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen in the House of Commons on Thursday.

The event, which was to promote the work of the Mission, was attended by Mission officials from around the UK, MPs with fishing interests and the crew of the Lunar Bow, which had sailed to London to publicise the work of the Mission during Seafarers' Awareness Week.

Speaking from Westminster after the event, Eilidh said:

(1^st left) Stephen Campbell; (3^rd left) Eilidh Whiteford;
(2^nd right) Michael Willox; (1^st right) Mark Buchan

“I was delighted to be able to host a Reception for the Fishermen’s Mission in the Houses of Parliament, and I was especially pleased to welcome Skipper Alex Buchan and the crew of the Lunar Bow. They sailed down from Peterhead to highlight the Mission’s valuable work in our maritime communities, and really helped raise the Mission's profile during national Seafarers Awareness Week.

“Quite a few MPs were able to board the Lunar Bow while it was tied up beside HMS Belfast. I’m sure we were all impressed with this modern, state of the art pelagic vessel. However, we shouldn’t forget that fishing remains an inherently high risk occupation that takes place in what is often a hostile environment.

“The Mission continues to play a vital role in supporting the welfare of fishermen, during and after their time at sea, and holds a very special place in the hearts of our coastal towns and villages.”