Generous grant from the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust removes transport barriers for Fife pupils to explore Scotland’s fishing heritage.
The Scottish Fisheries Museum (SFM) is delighted to announce that it has secured vital funding of £5,000 from the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust. This generous support will directly fund the cost of coach transport for Fife primary schools to visit the Museum and its historic fishing vessel, the Reaper, over the next three years, and allow children to experience Scotland’s maritime heritage in person.
Thanks to this new funding, the museum’s dedicated Learning Team and Fleet Volunteers will be able to welcome over 400 pupils from across Fife to take part in hands-on curriculum-linked activities that will inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection to Fife’s fishing heritage.
The funding covers visits during May 2026, 2027, and 2028 for a special learning programme focusing on Scotland’s herring fishing heritage. School pupils will:
- Step directly into history aboard the Reaper, the museum’s authentic Fifie herring drifter built in 1902.
- Explore life on and below deck with the museum’s expert Fleet Volunteers.
- Handle Museum objects and trace the journey of the catch from sea to shore.
- Get into character and dress up as fisherlads and fisherlassies. Explore the clothes worn by fisherfolk in the past and compare it with what we wear today.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this support from the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust,” says Julia Branch, Learning and Engagement Officer at the Scottish Fisheries Museum. “Fife is a rural area, and we firmly believe that a school’s budget and location should not dictate a child’s access to high-quality cultural learning. This funding takes away the biggest obstacle facing our local schools: the cost of transport. We can’t wait to see the next generation exploring the galleries and hoisting the sail on the Reaper!”
Scottish Fishermen’s Trust Chairman, Ian Gatt added: “The Scottish Fisheries Museum is a valuable national resource. We are delighted to help to bring pupils from local schools into the Museum to get a feel for what it was like to be involved in the fishing industry in years gone by and, perhaps, kindle some young people’s interest in future careers in a forward-looking and sustainable sector.”
While the funding guarantees transport support for between 16 and 24 primary school classes across the three-year project, spaces are strictly limited.
The museum is now urging local primary schools and teachers to get in touch as soon as possible to secure their slots for May 2026, as well as advance bookings for 2027 and 2028.
To book a visit for your class or to reserve your spot for next year, please contact the Julia Branch, Learning and Engagement Officer at julia@scotfishmuseum.org or call the Museum on 01333 310 628.