Montrose centre is a Haven for sailors like proud father Jun

A MARITIME visitor has seen his newborn son on the other side of the world for the first time thanks to modern technology — and Angus hospitality.

The Haven Centre in Montrose is marking seven years of service to the seafarers whose ships visit the port.

Filipino sailor Jun is among thousands of seafarers to use the centre’s facilities to keep in touch with families and friends thousands of miles away.

Jun had not been able to phone home for some weeks and his wife had given birth to their baby in the meantime.

He first saw his son on a monitor in the Meridian Street centre, and captured the picture with his mobile phone — before proudly showing it to his crewmates.

Sailors Society port chaplain Peter Donald said he has encountered people from 78 different countries during his time at the centre.

“The biggest number are probably from the Philippines and Russia — and on a busy night we may have three rooms occupied as they chatter excitedly with their wives and children,” he said.

“If they are on Skype, they will often ask us to say hello to their families and they introduce us as their new Scottish friends.”

In recent months, the centre has been a lifeline for Ukrainians desperate to follow events in their troubled homeland, explained Mr Donald.

There are no paid staff at the centre and running costs are met by donations.

Operating the cherished facility can be costly though so the centre is holding a fundraising coffee morning in Montrose’s Old and St Andrew’s Church Hall at 10am today and everyone is welcome.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Haven Centre can email Mr Donald at pdonald@sailors-society.org.uk or call him on 07833 140202.

Sailor Jun saw his son for the first time thanks to the Haven Centre, below.