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Prince & Princess of Wales

The Earl and Countess of Strathearn meet with local fishermen in Scotland

The Duke and Duchess of Strathearn met with fishermen from the Pittenweem Fishermen’s Mutual Association on Wednesday, along with their families, to hear about the fishing industry in Fife and the impact the pandemic has had on fishing communities on the East Coast of Scotland.

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During the visit, the Duke and Duchess were shown the fishermen’s boats which are used to catch lobsters, crabs, and langoustines. They also spoke with individuals who are in various stages of the fishing process. This includes fishermen, the harbourmaster, and a fish merchant. The couple then sat down for a seafood BBQ with local restaurateur Amy Elles who buys produce from the harbour at a local market.

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The couple also took time to talk with a group of school children who presented the couple with a special card which read: “Hope you enjoy your visit.”

The Duchess received a bouquet of flowers from eight-year-old Sam Scott from Pittenweem. Sam was joined by his 15–year-old brother Sean, his mum Pauline, and his dad Richard. Richard who catches around 180 lobsters a day in a one-man operation is the vice president of the Fishermen’s Mutual Association (Pittenweem). When reflecting on how the pandemic has impacted the last year, Richard said:

“The restaurants here were all closed but luckily Europe still wanted our seafood so we were only stopped for about a month. Others were stopped for longer so it was very difficult.”

The Fishermen’s Mutual Association (Pittenweem) was formed in 1948 when a group of local fishermen got together and decided to join a co-operative. Selling their daily catch as a group rather than selling it as individuals. Over the years, the FMA has evolved to becoming oil distributors by installing tanks on the pier, and opening their own chandlery to supply gear and all fishing needs for boats. The FMA also settles clothing, homeware, and other various products to the general public.

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The engagement comes as the couple continue their royal tour of Scotland and after they visited their former university, St Andrews. The University is where the two met as first-year students 20 years ago. The two were enrolled in the same art history course but the Prince later switched to Geography. The couple celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in April and last visited the University in February 2011 prior to their wedding.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.