Fish farm worker’s partner addresses memorial day
Fish farm worker Clive Hendry, who died in an accident during a boat-to-boat transfer in Loch Alsh just over two years ago, was honoured at a recent event in Inverness to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.
The ceremony – staged at the city’s memorial, created by Highland sculptor Mary Bourne, a fortnight ago – saw Mr Hendry, from Dornie, remembered along with others who have died at work or from work-related injury and diseases.
With the theme ‘remember the dead, fight for the living’, the event included speeches, laying of wreaths on behalf of the local trades council and a message from the Scottish Trades Union Congress.
Among those speaking at the event was Mr Hendry’s partner, Catriona Lockhart, who told the gathering of the impact which Mr Hendry’s tragic death had had on her.
Afterwards, Ms Lockhart told the Lochaber Times: ‘Before Clive died I had never heard of International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD). Never would I have envisaged having to speak at an IWMD event because of the death of my everything.
‘No one who sees their loved one leave for work in the morning should ever have to suffer the fate of them not returning home.
‘I told Clive’s story this year and will do so again and again because I don’t want anyone else to have to suffer this heartache I am enduring.’
Munro Ross, treasurer of Inverness and District Trades Union Council, which organised the event, said Ms Lockhart’s address had been powerful and moving. He told the Lochaber Times: ‘This annual event commemorates those who have died at work or been seriously injured at work.
‘The past two years of the Covid pandemic have been particularly hard not just on our NHS but on those many others who have kept public services going – police officers, the fire service, posties, local government staff especially refuse collectors and those who got grants out to companies quickly and to shop workers.
‘Many of them were unprotected, especially in the early days, and regularly received abuse from customers which is unacceptable at any time.
‘It was therefore appropriate that the theme this year was to improve health and safety at work and the phrase “remember the dead, fight for the living” was even more appropriate.
‘Catriona’s story had an impact on the large numbers present. Her real fear that someone else could suffer the same fate struck a chord.’
Mr Hendry, 58, drowned after he was caught between a boat and a feed barge after falling from the barge’s access ladder into the water during a boat transfer.
Mr Hendry’s work colleagues got him out of the water but, despite their determined efforts and those of the emergency services, he died.
The official report said Mr Hendry had worked in the fish farming industry for more than 20 years and was regarded as a hard-working member of his team who was respected for his experience.
Recommendations were made regarding the vessel and to fish farm operator Mowi (Scotland) Limited.
The report noted the safety recommendations did not create a presumption of blame or liability.