Widows and Bairns

On Remembrance Sunday when people remember those who have suffered and died in wars and conflicts, I was reminded about another Remembrance.  Not of war this time but of Black Friday in Eyemouth.

129 fishermen from the little town of Eyemouth perished in a great storm in 1881 as many of their relatives watched helplessly. Last month this 5 metre long bronze sculpture which was designed by Jill Watson was unveiled with each bronze figure representing a real person and  they are arranged in groups above the name of their boat.  Another 60 fishermen from the neighbouring communities also died and there are also memorials at Cove, St Abbs and Burnmouth.  A total of 189 men lost their lives that day leaving 93 widows and 267 children. A fund was set up and the widows received 5/- a week, with 2/6d for each child who was attending school regularly.

The inscription states
The Sculpture commemorates the Widows and Bairns left behind by the great storm of 14th October 1881 when Scotland suffered her worst fishing disaster and the Berwickshire ports lost 189 men, many within sight of here. The hurricane left 78 widows and 182 fatherless children.  Some children were offered places in a Quarrier’s Children’s Home but the Mothers refused saying “We shall keep our bairns for the future of our ports”. It’s because of the tenacity and determination of the women of the town that Eyemouth continues to be a thriving community and proud of its heritage.


Fishing boats have greatly improved since then but still our fishermen face dreadful conditions whenever there are severe storms at sea.