Whaling memorial unveiled

AROUND 150 ex-whalers and their family and friends turned out on Sunday morning for the unveiling and dedication of a commemorative plaque to the Shetland seamen who worked in the South Georgia whaling industry.

Designed by Davie Cooper, the memorial plaque made of black Indian granite was unveiled by former chairman of the Shetland ex-Whalers Association, Willie Tait, and the dedication was carried out by port missioner Aubrey Jamieson of the Fishermen’s Mission.

Sunday’s event was the culmination of 12 months of hectic fundraising during which the newly formed association hosted photo and video shows, as well as a very successful ex-whalers reunion, last autumn.

The association hopes to record and preserve the history of Shetland’s involvement in Antarctic whaling between 1908 and 1963.

Association chairman Gibbie Fraser said: “Shetland ex-Whalers Association are extremely grateful for the support received from the Shetland public and the many local businesses who gave them both cash and excellent raffle prizes, and also all the ex-whalers, their families and descendants and the Salvesen family for help and encouragement over the last year.”