Award winning writer's latest book pays tribute to "tenacity" of Lossiemouth fisherman

AWARD winning writer, Yvonne M. Findlay, has launched her latest book at the Lossiemouth Fisheries Museum.

Yvonne's book, 'A Way of Life-Now Gone', reflects on the history of the fishing community in Lossiemouth prior to the demise of the industry in the area.

The book was launched alongside the former Lossiemouth fisherman that helped shape the industry in the community.

Yvonne said: "I compiled this book over a number of years talking with local fishermen at the Lossiemouth Fisheries Museum.

"We lost so much with the demise of the fishing-I feel the voices of our fishermen has not been heard nor has the true impact on our coastal communities been fully recorded.

"We lost so much along with the fishing industry-a way of life which over centuries united communities and passed on to the young skills, values, faith and respect. It was a way of life-sadly now gone."

Former Skipper J.W.C Thomson added: "We the fishermen of Lossiemouth have to give much thanks to Yvonne M. Findlay for the publication of her latest book 'A Way of Life-Now Gone.'

"The time work and research were considerable. This book is most informative to understand what our fishermen had to face and endure to produce the harvest of the sea and to survive in such a harsh environment.

"Political promises for our fishermen and industry have proved absolutely worthless. However, ‘A Way of Life-Now Gone’ is now an irrefutable fact of truth."

Yvonne's book also includes illustrations from artist Oliver Macfarlane. Environmental issues are also explored in particular with reference to sustainable fishing.

Yvonne says the book is a tribute to the hard work, humour and tenacity of the fisherman of Lossiemouth and their families.

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