Fishing Disaster ‘Black Friday’

On Friday the 14th of October 1881, hurricane “Euroclydon” struck, the wind shrieked and howled as it increased in intensity, laying flat 30,000 trees. 19 boats did not return from the sea with a total of 189 fishermen losing their lives and leaving 73 widows and 263 fatherless children.

From Farming to Fishing

Being the only safe landing place on the coast of Berwickshire, Eyemouth has always been associated with the sea and fishing. However, agriculture played a significant part in the initial development of the harbour with its grain export. Consequently traditional trades built up around the harbour, including the blacksmith, the wheelwright and the cooper, who serviced both the farming and fishing industries. You will be able to see many of the tools and artefacts from a bygone era, when you visit.

Social History

The life of fisher families was hard and unrelenting with the wives collecting mussels, baiting the lines, mending the nets and keeping house while the men went to sea. Even the children were involved before and after school. In the summer the young women travelled with the fleet, gutting salting and packing the herring in to barrels, from as far north as Lerwick to Great Yarmouth in the south. Come and learn more and see the realistic fisherman’s living quarters as it was over a hundred years ago.

Special Exhibitions

Our first floor gallery showcases exhibitions of local interest that change regularly. Details of current exhibitions and events can be found on our website. Please contact us if you are interested in participating in any exhibitions, or displaying your work.