SCIAF charity director tours Outer Hebrides
SCOTTISH Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) director Alistair Dutton has been touring the stunning islands of the Outer Hebrides with the charity’s WEE BOX appeal.
He wanted to meet local fishing communities as this year’s appeal focuses on the charity’s work to help poor families in Cambodia who depend on fishing to survive.
Alistair spent six days in the Western Isles visiting Barra, Vatersay, North and South Uist, Benbecula and Eriskay, speaking to fishermen as they landed their catch, fish processing firms and wholesalers which get their catch to market.
He outlined the aim of the WEE BOX appeal and learned about similar issues fishing communities in Scotland and Cambodia face.
He also met school pupils, supporters in their parishes, clergy and many other local people to share stories of the people SCIAF helps in Cambodia and described how they’ve struggled to feed their families because of poverty and overfishing.
Alistair said: ‘It great to meet so many people on these stunning islands. I particularly remember their warmth and the way they welcomed us into each of their communities.
‘Whoever we were visiting, whether it was a school, a parish, fishermen on their boats or in the fish processors, they threw their doors open. They were pleased to show us what they were doing and to see the connections with people overseas.
‘I wanted to meet the islanders to let them know they are all an important part of SCIAF and I really enjoyed sharing with them the stories of our work with families who are dependent on fishing in Cambodia.
‘I also learned a lot from them about the challenges they face trying to make a living from fishing on the Scottish islands.
‘I was struck by the many similarities, such as how they manage their fish stocks, how they preserve their catch and make sure they get a decent price at market and how people working together is often the best way to overcome the issues they face.’
Alistair shared the story of the Lang family in Cambodia who feature on this year’s WEE BOX during a visit to Barratlantic fish, shellfish and processing firm and hauliers on Barra. He attended a deanery meeting of local priests and visited Castlebay Community School.
On the Uists, Alistair met fishermen and processors from Kallin Shellfish and was invited onto the White Heather fishing boat to see how the crew land their precious catch of crab and lobster.
Alistair visited Benbecula and spoke to pupils at Sgoil Bhaile a Mhanaich, a Gaelic medium school, about the WEE BOX appeal.
He said: ‘A massive thanks to everyone who has filled their SCIAF WEE BOX this Lent.’
SCIAF works with people in some of the poorest countries in the world, providing emergency aid and practical long-term support to those affected by hunger, poverty, war and disasters.
In Scotland, it tries to persuade governments and big businesses to address the causes of global poverty and injustice.