The East Neuk fishing tragedy of 1875

“WE LIVE BY THE SEA” (‘Mare Vivimus’)

Come and hear the story of the people who lived in St Monans 150 years ago, and what it meant to live ‘by the sea’ in both senses of the town’s motto, ‘Mare Vivimus’. In November 1875, a dreadful storm blew up as the East Neuk fleet was setting off from Yarmouth and Lowestoft at the end of the herring fishing season. Five ‘Fifies’, three from St Monans and two from Cellardyke, failed to return, and 37 lives were lost. 19 women were widowed and … children left without a father. It is a story of tragic loss, but also one of courage, faith and resilience. And it is a story that needs to be remembered and retold, which is why a Memorial Garden is being set up in St Monance as a permanent tribute to the brave people who lived here before us.

Age 12+

You may also like the following events from St Monans:

• Next Friday, 5th September, 07:00 pm, Drink & Draw in Anstruther
• Next Saturday, 6th September, 03:00 am, Giant Bubbles, with Bill & Scott in Surrey
• Next Saturday, 6th September, 10:00 am, Charcoal Drawing with Nichola Martin in Anstruther