Local Hero

“The life of the historical hero of Eyemouth, Willie Spears (1812–1885), is celebrated by the dramatic bronze statue in the Market Place, where he stands pointing the way to Ayton, the scene of his peaceful demonstration. At great personal risk, Spears led a revolt against the tithes on fish levied by the Church of Scotland, even after the great Disruption of 1843 when most fishermen left the established Church to join other congregations.”