ICONIC fishing vessel The Watchful has been left abandoned and neglected in Ayr despite being given a fresh coat of paint several years ago.

Built in 1955, The Watchful’s initial home port was in Maidens but fate has landed her at a dry dock, near the busy fishing harbour, as she is meant to be a memorial to all Fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.

The issue was discussed at a public meeting recently where it was conveyed that the Ayr Port Authority may choose to invest in the ship.

Speaking after the gathering, Cllr Bill Grant, said: “This is an iconic vessel which was owned by the Sloan family.

“She now finds herself sitting in the south end of the harbour but something should be done to make the most of this boat and care for her.

“She needs tender loving care. Seven years ago, the community association looked after her and a team of workers on a community payback order gave her the attention she needed.

“We recognise she needs cherishing and we have been talking to the Associated British Ports regarding a solution.

“As far as I am aware Mike Newall, head of planning and enterprise at South Ayrshire and Kenny Dalrymple who looked after economy, neighbourhood and environment services have contacted the owners.” 

The Watchful was built by Weatherhead and Blakey at Port Seton during the 50s. She was a ring-net herring boat until she decommissioned at Campbeltown in 1995.

It would seem the boat will spend her days as an exhibit, sitting in a dry dock in Ayr harbour. 

She seems a rather sad spectacle sitting in this lonely spot trapped within site of the sea, but she is at home here and she provides a thread of heritage, which stretches back to the more vibrant days of Ayr harbour.

Concern has been raised by locals about the state the vessel seems to fallen into. She has been described as being hidden away from tourism and only stumbled upon by chance. 

One suggestion for The Watchful would be to put her on display properly as part of a heritage site with information for schools and excursions explaining her history and some of the heritage of the town.

Others feel the vessel has been hidden away and more should be done to promote her existence.

South Ayrshire Council hope a solution can be found with ABP.