Iconic 118 year old Reaper welcomes visitors back onboard

Following a £1million conservation, the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther is set to welcome visitors back onboard the iconic ‘Fifie’ Reaper, a Rare Survivor from the golden age of sail.

Article Source: The Scottish Fisheries Museum
Last Updated: 2 August 2021 13:26

FUTURE FOR RARE SURVIVOR FROM THE GREAT AGE OF SAIL AS THE SCOTTISH FISHERIES MUSEUM COMPLETES £1MILLION CONSERVATION OF THE REAPER

Following a £1million conservation, the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife, is set to welcome visitors back onboard the iconic ‘Fifie’ Reaper, the last of the great First Class Scottish Herring Luggers and a ‘Rare Survivor’ from the golden age of sail.

One of the few vessels in the UK’s prestigious National Historic Fleet kept in seagoing condition, the two-masted, 70 foot, 50 tonne Reaper will open to the public on Wednesday (4 August) at her pontoon on Anstruther Harbour, once Scotland’s busiest fishing port.

The £1million project, which has been recognised by the National Historic Ships UK 2020 Excellence in Maritime Conservation Award, began in 2018 and was made
possible by funding from the Scottish Government, Museums Galleries Scotland and
Oor Bairns Charitable Trust. The main contractor, Babcock International Group, also made a charitable donation.

The 118 year old Reaper, which has starred on screen, most recently in the hit TV
series ‘Outlander’ and film ‘Tommy’s Honour’, is of Carvel construction and built of oak and larch. She was built in Sandhaven, near Fraserburgh, in 1903, at the height of the worldwide boom for Scottish salt-cured herring.

The tight turnaround of 24 hours to catch, gut and salt the herring led to the
development of these fast, powerful deep sea sailing luggers or ‘drifters’.
Inspired by Viking longship design and powered by wind alone with their huge,
heavy, square lugsails stretching over 3,355sq ft and sleek hulls, ‘Fifies’ became the most popular fishing vessel on Scotland’s North Sea coast during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Reopening the Reaper, Karen Seath, Chair of the Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust, said:
“The Reaper is a stunning and extraordinary vessel and a significant part of
Scotland’s rich national maritime and fishing heritage. She’s a rare survivor of
the golden age of sail and our booming herring industry of the past.

“The Reaper is also unusual in that, through ongoing conservation and care, she
remains seaworthy and has become a striking sight at Anstruther and ports across
the UK, welcoming some 180,000 people onboard to date.

“We are grateful to our funders, skilled boat builders, Museum Boat Club volunteers, supporters and visitors, everyone who has made this conservation of the Reaper possible. It has been a true labour of love and craftsmanship and we look forward to welcoming visitors onboard during what is her first full summer in Anstruther Harbour.”

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland added:
“We are delighted to have supported the Scottish Fisheries Museum with the
conservation and interpretation for the nationally important vessel the Reaper. This is an incredible example of conservation bringing history to life, allowing visitors and residents to once again experience life aboard the Reaper and explore the rich heritage of Scotland’s maritime industry.”

The Reaper at Work

Although ‘Fifies’ looked effortless and graceful when under sail, leaving harbour and turning with the sun in long-held tradition, managing the heavy gear and herring nets, which extended a mile long, was physically demanding and skilled work for the crew of ‘8 men and a boy’.

On shore, the Reaper, which held the Shetland record for a catch of 223 crans
(almost 250,000 herring) in the 1930s, supported various industries. These included the ‘Herring Lassies’ who gutted 60 herrings a minute on the gutting tables or ‘farlans’ before packing them in salted barrels for export to Europe.

The Conservation

The conservation began in 2018 under the direction of the Scottish Fisheries
Museum’s Historic Boat Expert Leonardo Bortolami and the Reaper’s Skipper Mike
Barton.

Highlights of the project include strengthening work which has given the Reaper the strongest hull of any ‘Fifie’ ever built, even during the heyday of these great First Class Scottish Herring Luggers, and a new 67 foot Fore Mast.

The new Fore Mast, which will be installed in Autumn, represents a change in
manufacturing tradition for ‘Fifie’ boats from simple Douglas Fir poles to a mast
laminated from Douglas Fir giving both increased strength and a longer life.

Lead shipwright on the project Ali Beedie contributed hundreds of man hours to
complete the complex tasks, working alongside the main contractor Babcock
International Group and expert craftsmen from A&R Way Boatbuilding,
Lochgilphead, who cut and inserted each individually shaped repaired or replaced
oak frame and larch plank.

Work also included installation of a new air compressor to power the original steam capstan, which has helped crew handle the Reaper’s heavy gear since it was made in the 1920s by McDonald Brothers of Portsoy.

Volunteers at the Scottish Fisheries Museum’s Boat Club, which helps maintain and
sail the Reaper, have also contributed over 700 hours to date to the final phase of works. This phase, which is still ongoing, includes the remaining internal refit, reinstating the crew cabins, galley, display areas and navigational aids.

The Museum received further funding from Museums Galleries Scotland for new
interpretation panels; from the Scottish Fisherman’s Trust for part-time guides for tours aboard the Reaper and from FLAG (Forth Local Action Group) to improve the Reaper’s pontoon for public access.

The Museum recently launched a Crowdfunder to raise money for full-time guides
and further interpretation.

The Scottish Fisheries Museum, in picturesque Anstruther in the East Neuk of Fife, is home to a Nationally Recognised Collection of vessels, fishing equipment, exhibits, photographs, reminiscences and artworks.

Housed within handsome historic buildings connected with fishing since the 14th
century, the Museum tells the rich story of the ‘boats, fish and folk’ of Scotland’s fishing industry, which played such an important role in the country’s economic, social and cultural life for centuries.

The Museum’s 22 vessels are listed on the UK’s National Register of Historic Vessels. The Reaper, Research (the last remaining First Class ‘Zulu’ in Scotland) and the Lively Hope (a ring-net herring boat) are part of the National Historic Fleet alongside vessels such as the Cutty Sark, RRS Discovery, MV Kyles and HMS Victory.

Tickets for a tour aboard the Reaper are available at the entrance to the pontoon
and priced Adult £5, Children FREE.

To ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit, there is a maximum party size of six and, as part of Covid measures, visitors receive a timeslot to board the vessel when booking.

For more information, visit https://www.scotfishmuseum.org/
*The National Historic Ships UK National Historic Fleet

Issued on behalf of the Scottish Fisheries Museum by Joanna Harrison PR
E: joannaharrisonpr@aol.com / M: 07884 18740

Image: Martin Shields Photography

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Fife News

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

Digital Innovation brings centuries old ceilings to life at Kellie Castle

The National Trust for Scotland has partnered with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to produce digital scans and 3D models of the precious plasterwork ceilings at Kellie Castle.

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

National Lottery Support will help drive investment and opportunity in River Park programme

Plans for a 4km River Park that will support nature recovery and create new opportunities for Fife communities have been boosted with confirmation of nearly £3 million National Lottery support.

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.

Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!

BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

Seaton House Chef Patron, Roy Brett, shares his perfect Burns Night dessert

Roy Brett, the Chef Patron at Scotland’s newest five-star hotel, has shared a dessert recipe which pairs perfectly with your haggis, neeps and tatties.

Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!

Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Bowhouse and Food From Fife team up to host first ever February Monthly Market

Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife has announced that, for the first time since they launched, they’ll be extending their hotly anticipated Monthly Market Weekends to include February.

Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

Fife knitting expert takes on the toughest row in the world

Fife knitting and yarn entrepreneur, Milli Abrams, is set to row solo and unsupported 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to raise money for charity.

Celebrate the Arrival of Spring at the 2025 Snowdrop Festival in Cambo Estate

Cambo Country House and Estate is thrilled to announce details of its upcoming renowned Snowdrop Festival, now in its 16th year, which will run throughout February and early March 2025.

Popular Listings

Adam Smith Theatre Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Corn Exchange Cupar Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Lochgelly Centre PJ Molloys Rothes Halls Teasses Estate The Byre Theatre St Andrews

Iconic 118 year old Reaper welcomes visitors back onboard

Following a £1million conservation, the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther is set to welcome visitors back onboard the iconic ‘Fifie’ Reaper, a Rare Survivor from the golden age of sail.

Sponsored Links

Latest Fife News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings