A north-east charity is preparing to launch a round-the-clock service at a newly-refurbished Fishermen’s Mission.
The site at Shore Street in Fraserburgh has been completely restructured to make best use of the available property.
It is understood the charity will be able to return to Shore Street in the near future. Fraserburgh is the UK’s biggest shellfish port.
Superindendent Miriam Kemp, who has carried on the Mission’s work in the midst of the renovation, is upbeat about the future.
She said: “It is nearing completion – it has been quite slow, but hopefully we shall be back soon.
“We are seeing progress and we should get the building back towards the end of this year or early next year.”
Mrs Kemp added: “We will also have a 24/7 facility which will be for fishermen only.
“It will provide them with a home from home with showers, kitchenette and a lounge area, where we hope to have video games and a computer area.”
Foreign fishermen will be able to use the computer area to keep in contact with family overseas.
The Shore Street premises is no longer owned by the Mission charity. Instead, it has been bought over by a long-term supporter of the organisation to ensure its future.
Alex West, chairman of Westward Fishing Company, will provide the office space with showers and a social area.
When the partnership arrangement between the charity and Mr West was first announced two years ago, it was welcomed by the Mission’s chief executive, Commodore David Dickens, who argued the plans would “better reflect the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s fishermen.”
As part of the proposals, the memorial room within the Mission will remain intact.
Mrs Kemp has also confirmed the new facilities will allow her to expand her outreach work within the local area’s more rural communities.
