The family of a fisherman who died in the Western Isles’ worst fishing disaster for half a century have raised thousands of pounds for a local lifeboat.
Martin Johnstone, 29, from Halkirk in Caithness, died alongside two crew mates when MV Louisa sank off Mingulay on April 9.
Mr Johnstone’s family has donated £8,750 to Barra Lifeboat Station after organising a line dancing fundraiser.
A statement from his family said: “We had a huge amount of support here from family, friends and the local community to do the fundraiser in August and we are just delighted at how much everyone was willing to give to support such a worthy cause.
“We know that nothing can bring Martin back, but to do something to help the crew and station to help others in the future gave us something positive to focus on and the response was certainly worthwhile.”
The fundraiser was held in the Royal British Legion, Thurso, when about 20 line dancers took part in a marathon toe-tapping session.
A total of 14 friends and family helped out on the day and eight local artists provided evening entertainment.
Skipper Paul Alliston, of Lewis, aged 42, and Chris Morrison, 27, of South Harris, also perished in the disaster.
MV Louisa flooded and went down at anchor some 13 miles south of Barra.
Lachlan Armstrong, from Stornoway, survived after managing to swim to shore. He was found the following morning clinging to rocks by Barra Lifeboat.
Mr Armstrong hailed his lost crew mates as “heroes” for their calm, collective response in working together when their only life-raft failed to inflate when the 50ft vessel flooded and rapidly sank.
The wreck of the crabber was brought ashore as part of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) inquiry into the disaster.
The crew of the Louisa were asleep when it started to flood.
They woke up to find the boat sinking in the early hours and scrambled up on deck.
Barra Lifeboat a flotilla of boats were involved in the searches for Mr Alliston, who’s body has still not been found.