Gutted but TV star in her element

MEMBERS of a Banffshire heritage group are about to star on television.

The Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association trio have taken part in a short film about the area’s former ‘herring lassies’ for the BBC One Show.

Presenter Carrie Grant got her hands dirty in being shown how to gut fish.

Evelyn Davidson shows Carrie Grant how to gut a fish.

Association secretary Stan Bruce said: "I was contacted by the film researcher about six weeks ago and he was intially looking at focusing the film on the herring lassies of Gardenstown.

"After a few weeks of communication it became clear that Gardenstown was not

going to be suitable for the filming and he asked if there would be any other harbours along the coast that would work.

"I suggested Fraserburgh and because it is a bigger port, it was better for the film crew and they decided on that."

Mr Bruce travelled through with his son Andrew and association chairwoman Rosemary Sanderson. His aunt Evelyn Davidson, a former herring lassie, gave a demonstration on gutting and Ms Sanderson was also interviewed.

Herring lassie songs were recorded at the traditional fishing cottage museum Maggie’s Hoosie at Inverallochy.

"Carrie Grant was terrific, very down to earth and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty with fish scales and guts," said Mr Bruce.

Carrie Grant with Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association members, from left, Stan Bruce, Rosemary Sanderson and Andrew Bruce.

"I said she was the most glamourous herring lassie in history as she stood there with her gutting apron and six-inch heels.

"We had a great day with the film crew and can’t wait to see it on the One Show in the weeks ahead.

"It is apparently to be part of a series of short films based on working lives."