Grangemouth

AOS port chaplain Richard Haggarty provides practical and pastoral services in one of Scotland's busiest ports

The port of Grangemouth handles approximately 9 million tonnes of cargo every year. It is the largest container port in Scotland and also has facilities for oil tankers. As the tanker terminal is some distance from the exit to the town, Richard is on hand to provide transport. The 24-hour supermarket is a popular destination for seafarers needing to stock up on provisions.

Ships are often on regular routes and also call at ports such as Rotterdam, South Shields, Immingham and Felixstowe. Richard is able to build up relationships with the crews. They have his mobile number and can ring or text him when they are due to arrive in Grangemouth. If there is a problem on a ship, or concern about a particular seafarer, Richard and his fellow AOS chaplains in the ports on the ship's route alert each other.

Many of the seafarers working onboard tankers are from the Philippines. Coming from a hot country, they are often unprepared for the cold Scottish climate. While their employers provide overalls and safety clothing, the seafarers lack warm base layers and casual clothes suitable for wearing ashore. AOS pastoral volunteer John McAteer collects donations of good quality clothes. These are made available in the Grangemouth seafarers' centre where seafarers can help themselves.

Clothes are donated by local parishes and community groups. Richard is especially grateful for the support of the local Church of Scotland women's groups. He is often invited to give talks. He says

"People are always surprised to learn about the immensity of the shipping industry and shocked to hear about the employment conditions. Most people just don't realise".

In addition to providing practical services such as transport and clothing, Richard is onhand to attend to the needs of mind and spirit. A serious conversation with a captain about ethics; an excursion to a local attraction; or the chance to attend a religious service: all of these provide some relief in the high-pressured and often lonely lives of seafarers.