Orkney Image Library

Are there any boats fishing out of Westray these days?

The Orkney Development Office was formed in 1967, incorportating the Orkney Fisheries Development Office. The Development Officer was Bob Strachan and I was employed as his sectetary, the post which I held until I emigrated to New Zealand in 1968. We were situated in the old police station in Junction Road. Bob was instrumental in putting Orkney fishermen into their own fishing vessels and he was very enthuiastic about it. Bob used to work at any hour into the evening which suited his fishermen and usually all I ever saw of them being there was all the files lying around his office waiting to be filed away in the morning. I often wonder what ever happened to Bob and his lovely wife Mina. They had two sons, John and ?. Maybe one of them will see this and give me an update.

Hello Violet - I am Margaret Thomson who followed you in the Development Office in Orkney in 1968 and I can provide the information on Bob and Mina Strachan. Bob and Mina moved to Wick in Caithness in 1970 where Bob was the County Development Officer and they built a lovely bungalow. After a few years Bob resigned and joined private business. On retirement they moved to Peterhead where Bob died 10 years ago and where Mina still stays. I am in constant touch with Mina - she does not keep very good health now and is 82 years of age. Their son John lives in Aberdeenshire and their Robert lives in the south of England. My husband and I have for the past 22 years lived in Inverness but remain in close touch with friends in Orkney.