Jack’s mission to reel in cash for the fishermen

Fundraiser Jack Gatacre, from Sussex, has chosen our coastal village to play a prominent part in his epic journey due to links he has with the area.

In late summer Jack is planning to kayak almost 700 miles around the southern half of Scotland in a fortnight in a Taran 18 kayak.

The journey will start and finish in Pittenweem and pass Edinburgh, Falkirk, enter the Forth and Clyde Canal to Glasgow and then pass the Isle of Arran, Kintyre, Jura, Scarba, Mull, Fort William before joining the Caledonian Canal past Loch Lochy, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness and Inverness.

He’ll then enter the North Sea to pass Nairn, Lossiemouth, Buckie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Montrose, Arbroath, Dundee and St Andrews before returning to Pittenweem.

But there’s a purpose to it all, Jack wants to raise cash for the The Fishermen’s Mission in honour of his girlfriend’s father who retired from 50 years of fishing at Pittenweem near where he still lives.

“Whilst fishing is a great and noble trade, culture and way of life it can also be difficult and dangerous for fishermen and their families,” he explained.

“This year has also been particularly difficult for fishermen financially as Covid 19 has reduced the value of their catch to such an extent that it is currently not economical to leave the harbour in their boats.

“The Fishermen’s Mission aims to help by providing financial assistance, support and life saving during storms.”

Few in this area would doubt the value of the charity’s work and Jack is determined to raise as much cash an awareness of it as possible.

It’s a venture which won’t be easy, though, with each day already being planned out.

Jack added: “I would aim to kayak about 50 miles a day between dusk and dawn to capture the landscape in different light and weather, sleeping in a tent by night, and have a rough itinerary.”

If you would like to support the venture please, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jack-gatacre1.

Jack’s plans rely on lockdown restrictions being lifted.