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Swell new exhibition at the Scottish Seabird Centre

October 2014

North Berwick's Scottish Seabird Centre has announced a fascinating new exhibition for the autumn.

Call of the Sea, which runs until 16th November, is a two-part living history exhibition and live event which explores the development of fishing in North Berwick and the history of the town's harbour, highlighting the harsh and dangerous realities of life at sea and the vital need for long-term sustainability of our marine environment and wildlife.

The exhibition features images, artefacts and interpretative material which take visitors on a journey from the time of the great auk, through the trading and wartime harbour, up until the 21st century. It explores how the maritime industries have evolved as they have embraced more sustainable practices and highlights demand for further change in the future as the need to conserve and protect our marine environment becomes even greater.

Events and Exhibitions Officer, Caroline Vevers, has worked closely with East Lothian Council Museums Service, the RNLI and the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther to identify key items, including original fishing equipment such as cran baskets, 19th century life jackets and a whaling harpoon.

The Seabird Centre has also engaged with local historians and residents who have added further realism with historical stories about the harbour.

Former history teacher, Len Groom, has added historical detail and personal anecdotes from his time working on the leisure boats in North Berwick and June Douglas-Hamilton, who has contributed to exhibitions at the Coastal Communities Museum, has provided a great deal of personal research.

Simon Fairnie from Musselburgh Museum has offered invaluable insight through research completed for his own project, The Silver Darlings, which focuses on herring fishing and the life of the fishing community at Fisherrow in Musselburgh.

Local resident and councillor, Dave Berry, has also shared research on the infamous Battle of the May as well as material about Robert Louis Stevenson and his family, some of whom were involved in plans for the extension of North Berwick Harbour and the building of the Bass Rock and Isle of May lighthouses.

Caroline Vevers said: "It was important that real stories and authentic artefacts were sourced to really bring this exhibition to life. Call of the Sea is about genuine people and actual adventures, which makes it so poignant and interesting.

"Visitors to the exhibition will learn about the past, present and future of fishing; stories about North Berwick harbour and those who made their living at sea, and how they were affected during wartime; plus the importance of sustaining Scotland's seas.

"Everyone at the Seabird Centre is very excited about this new temporary exhibition. The Centre itself has played a key role in rejuvenating the harbour area and we have enjoyed working with other members of the harbour community in telling the story of this important area's past and helping to ensure that it has a vibrant, successful and sustainable future.

Image: Rob McDougall

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