Sparkling Dunbar Strikes Gold Again!
What a stupendous event we had with our highest attendance yet with visitors enjoying superb events to arouse their interest. Relaxing in the sunshine, sparkling on the harbour waters, people came from near and far to enjoy the day. So many participated in our ‘Pirates and the Sea’ fancy-dress theme with enthusiasm and amazing outfits. Even a local yachtsman joined in the fun with a Jolly Roger sail!
'Tis oft heard whispered hereabouts, by Blackheart Wemyss of the Waterfront, that the booty spirited away amounted to nigh close on £1,000+ --- but dead men don't tell no tales, see... or else. (all funds gratefully received by DHT and will be popped into the treasure chest for next years' event)
Big Blu Pizza, The Donut Man, Sno Cream Ices, The Tasty Toastie and Bisset's Fish Van had queues all day long, whilst many plonked themselves onto the upcycled creel benches, painted by children at our Environmental Open Day, to enjoy a liquid refreshment provided by the Linton Hotel & Steakhouse.
Stalls were provided by Hoth Crochet, Sweet Delights, Cats Eyes Crafts, Handpict, Salt Pig Sea Salts, The Soap Farm, Lark and Sea and the RSPB --- a superb selection of quirky crafts and artisan foods, whilst Dominique Oldham painted hundreds of little faces.
The Battery was bustling with a fantastic turnout with the super-appreciative audience tapping toes to mellifluous music and smiling widely at the wonderful children from Dance Discovery. The quality of music at this year’s event, performed by Luke Hunter, Vinyl ’85, The Soul Foundation, Waiting for Pedro and Damson Jam was to be applauded, and was professionally projected by Liam Morrison and his ELJam crew.
One visitor from the West Coast, with family, wrote "We all thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent a fair bit of time exploring the town generally, not just the festival, which I guess is one of the main aims of the event."
Perhaps one of the most astounding things was the lack of litter during and after the event. We would like to thank everyone for being so responsible.
Finally, a huge thank you to the family and friends who worked tirelessly on the lead-up and on the day. Their support was phenomenal, and this event would not have been the success it was without their endless efforts to assist.
Looking forward to 2020 already!
photos by Kenny Maule, click "Read More" for photo 2.
Payments
You have already received our Covid 19 statement a few days ago. Here is a photo of our main harbour as never before seen -- empty of boats and people. No-one knows what the future holds for the harbour but, rest assured, we’ll update you as soon as possible. Meanwhile keep yourself safe!
- We would appreciate it if fishermen would tell us IN ADVANCE if they wish to extend normal payment terms. (We are quite approachable!)
- It will be appreciated if we could have a proposed payment plan
- We would expect fuel to be paid for within 14 days once everyone is back to work
Payments: “The Harbour Trust remains very grateful for the financial support it continues to receive from all harbour users, but recognises that some people will be very hard-hit financially as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The Trust has agreed a reduction in mooring fees of 50%, with the following requirements:- The fee is paid by the due date of 31st March, there are no further refunds irrespective of the future status of restrictions throughout the sailing season and any hard-standing charges are paid in full."
Photos by Kenny Maule
Click <<READ MORE>> to see what a busy harbour should look like!
Fishing report .....
The fish-merchants have mainly stopped buying as demand has stopped from wholesalers: initially for one month, so few landings are expected between now and the end of April at least.
A report from last week:-- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/18/coronavirus-severe-shock-to-uk-fishing-as-markets-dry-up
However some good-ish news, just come in:--
Dear Members, For those of you who haven’t seen it, Fergus Ewing has announced £5m financial support for the in-shore fishermen https://www.gov.scot/news/support-for-seafood-fishing-industry/ It will be administered through Marine Scotland via a letter to all qualified vessel owners and associations. Initial payment of 50% average of two months’ salary (based on 2019 average earnings).There is an email address if any queries.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Keep safe everyone.
Ros Rosalind McArthur, EMFF Programme Coordinator, Forth FLAG
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Here above is a photo from happier times. Sea Breeze, a beautiful boat, colour and proportions.
Update on the Maggie project (postponed)
Work has now been postponed on the Maggie project due to Covid 19, however the latest information is:
Due to site levels, the number of stores has reduced to 5x single units to fit the site constraints, but this will have no impact on available units to let to fishermen. There will be 3x lettable units and 1x garage for the fishermens' forklift. The final unit will be for Harbourmaster use.
Work had started on-site with AG Thomson working on the foundations and slab. A concrete access ramp will eventually follow when possible and then the timber kit.
Photo by Kenny Maule
