Group of fisherfolk holding fishermen's banner
In Fisherrow, Musselburgh, a Fishermen’s Walk or ‘Box Walk’, was held in September, to mark the end of the summer fishing season. This 200 year old tradition ended in the 1950s. ‘The Box’ held contributions for pensions or for those in need in the fishing community. A dance was held afterwards and later, a thanksgiving service.
The group in this photograph are mostly fisherfolk from Fisherrow. Lady Hope of Pinkie is seen presenting the Fishermen’s Walk committee with a new banner. The fishwives and fishermen are wearing traditional dress, the women in blouses and striped aprons and skirts, the men in ‘gansey’ sweaters. The photograph was taken in 1925.
Fisherrow has always kept its separate identity as the fishing community of Musselburgh. Here, the Abbey of Dunfermline granted fishing rights in medieval times. White fishing, and in the mid 19C, herring, provided a good source of income. Today, distance from the fishing grounds means that only leisure craft use the harbour.
Museum id no. 0090.000
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