Engineer John Fraser declined payment for ice plant work, suggesting charity support
Fraserburgh Harbour has donated £1,000 to the RNLI’s Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station. The donation follows a suggestion from retired refrigeration engineer John Fraser, who proposed supporting the charity instead of accepting payment for his recent work with the Harbour’s ice plant.
Mr. Fraser, who grew up in Fraserburgh, has a longstanding family connection to the lifeboat station. His great-grandfather, Andrew Noble, served as Fraserburgh’s longest-serving lifeboat Coxswain for 32 years. Mr. Noble was lost when the Lady Rothes lifeboat capsized in 1919, alongside his crewmate Andrew Farquhar. During his time as Coxswain, Andrew Noble received two silver medals for rescues in 1909 and oversaw the station’s transition from rowing boats to motorised vessels in 1915.
Having spent much of his younger years around the Harbour, John Fraser witnessed the impact of the 1970 lifeboat disaster on the town. He wanted the funds to support a service that holds significant meaning for him and the local community.
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Speaking of the donation, John Fraser said: “My career started in Fraserburgh 55 years ago when I started an Apprenticeship at Fraserburgh Ice & Cold Storage. The Ice Factory gave me a great start to my working life prior to attending university in Glasgow. I then worked at BOC-Linde Refrigeration in London before working with Star Refrigeration for about 30 years. After retiring, I ran my own sole trader business, which I wound up about three years ago. John Murison, Harbour Superintendent, then got in touch about the ice plant they were purchasing, which I saw as an opportunity to go back to where it all started. I’m Broch born and bred, I spent much of my younger years around the Harbour, and the lifeboat means a lot. I was at school in 1970 when The Duchess of Kent lifeboat capsized and 5 lives were lost, which impacted the entire community. My great-grandfather, Andrew, was lost when the Lady Rothes lifeboat capsized in 1919. So, when John suggested they donate my payment, I suggested the RNLI Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station.”
Vic Sutherland, full-time Coxswain Mechanic at Fraserburgh Lifeboat station, said: “We were delighted when Fraserburgh Harbour chose to donate to the RNLI Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station on behalf of John Fraser. His great-grandfather’s story is deep-rooted in our history and will be told for centuries to come, so the connection is incredibly meaningful, not just to the RNLI but to the local community.” He added that receiving £1,000 would significantly impact the station and allow for the training of new volunteer recruits.
Fraserburgh Harbour acquired full ownership and operational control of the ice plant in 2024. This move safeguards the provision of ice for all vessels that require it, as well as the local fish processing industry. The acquisition included a 6-figure modernisation of the space and its facilities.
