Fisherman’s friend in 700-mile journey to raise cash for charity

Kayaker’s trip to highlight plight of seafarers during coronavirus crisis

A kayaker intends to paddle almost 700 miles around some of the most scenic parts of Scotland to help a fishermen’s charity.

Jack Gatacre will set out challenge from Pittenweem.

His route will take him along the Forth and Clyde Canal, past the Isle of Arran and Fort William, along the Caledonian Canal, including Loch Lochy and Loch Ness, to the Moray coast and into the North Sea where he will paddle round the coast back to the Firth of Forth and the East Neuk.

His venture, inspired by girlfriend Janet Gourlay’s grandfather Alexander Gourlay, will raise money for the Fishermen’s Mission.

Alexander, who lives in Pittenweem, retired after 50 years as a fisherman. on his Jack, 28, a travelling salesman from Essex, will undertake his challenge in a Taran 18 kayak later this summer, lockdown restrictions permitting.

He said: “While fishing is a great and noble trade, culture and way of life it can also be difficult and dangerous for fishermen and their families.

“This year has also been particularly difficult for fishermen financially as Covid-19 has reduced the value of their catch to such an extent that it is currently not economical to leave the harbour in their boats.

“The Fishermen’s Mission aims to help by providing financial assistance, support and life-saving during storms.”

Jack aims to travel around 50 miles a day for two weeks, stopping to pitch his tent each night.

He said: “It will be tough, especially in bad weather.

“It will be very remote in spots.”

Two years ago he canoed with a friend from London to Land’s End in two weeks, raising £4,000 for the MS Society.

His Scottish voyage, for which he has set up a JustGiving page, will be training for his ambition to canoe from London to Istanbul.

“While fishing is a great and noble trade, culture and way of life it can also be difficult and dangerous for all fishermen and their families. JACK GATACRE

beautiful but very

Jack Gatacre, right, with friend Raf Le Cornu at the end of their London to Land’s End challenge in 2018 – now he is set to paddle almost 700 miles around some of the most scenic parts of Scotland.