The Aberdeen-based Scottish Fishermen’s Trust is donating £50,000 towards the prestigious new Library project at the University of Aberdeen. The donation was for the pet project which highlights the education area which recognises the vital role played by commercial fishing in the cultural and historical heritage of the North East of Scotland. The donation will be use to create a seminar room in a part of the library building which will commemorate the major industries which have shaped the history of the North East of Scotland and promote their continued importance in Scotland.
The room recognising fishing will form part of a suite of rooms on the second floor of the new Library and Special Collections Centre. It will also focus on the heritage of fishing, the room will look to the future by highlighting how Scotland’s modern fleet is committed to sustainable harvesting and environmental responsibility.
James Brown, chairman of the Trust, said that fishing forms an incredibly important part in our heritage and we are delighted that in making this donation we are taking the opportunity to ensure that its importance is given due and proper recognition. He added that the new library will be an iconic building and it is important that it reflects the role fishing has, and continues to play, in our community. As well as a focus on the past, the room recognising fishing will look to the future and the determination of our fishermen to protect an extremely valuable and renewable natural resource.
Professor Christopher Gane, Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Aberdeen, said the fishing industry has played a vital role in shaping the cultural fabric of the North East of Scotland and continues to do so today therefore the library suite would not be complete without representation from the fishing industry.
