The Orkney Image Library
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A Norwegian Shark (?) Fisher in the Kirkwall Basin in 1956. Same details as Sigurd & Thorfinn.
View Large VersionPicture added on 28 October 2007
This was a Norwegian Whaler - note the 'crows nest' lookout and harpoon.
Added by Rob Thomson on 28 October 2007
Rob, you could be right about "whaler" but at the time I took this photo a "knowledgeable" person informed me that the boat was engaged in shark fishing. At that time there was a lot of shark fishing going on off the Western Isles and there was a station on one of the Hebrides, I believe Colonsay, where the sharks were processed. Have a look at my shot of the bow of this vessel, picture #5552, the harpoon gun and tackle looks a bit light for dealing with whales.
Added by Tom Scott on 30 October 2007
Yes Tom, there was a basking shark fishery in Norway, Scotland, and Ireland between 1946 and 1986. There was a quota exchange of white fish from Norwegian waters for sharks from Scottish waters. A small 'whale harpoon' was used for the shark fishery. This vessel was quite probably engaged in that fishery.
Added by Rob Thomson on 30 October 2007
The basking shark fishery was run by Gavin Maxwell of otter fame and was assisted by Tex Geddes, father of Duncan Geddes of the oyster fishery in Finstown. a book was written called Harpoon at a Venture. He operated from Soay near Skye where Tex lived.
Added by William Watters on 30 October 2007
Kirkwall
