Lobster fishing, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. 9 September 1986

Made the Youth Hostel after 10 miles [from Tarbert]. Walked down to the bay. Said hello to a fisherman outside his home. He welcomed me in, gave me a salmon sandwich and a cup of tea. He [I think a Macleod] had been in the merchant navy for 35 years after joining aged 17, and had been to Wellington & Melbourne. Had been fishing for lobster for 10 years. Seemed a bit lonely now that his parents had died.

He wanted to take me out to the point – at first I thought by car – so we clambered into his small boat. I hopelessly tried to keep the boat steady while he lifted up the cray pots. Had a series of three stops – all empty bar one small one that he threw back and several crabs. Showery and windy, very cold. I took a few photos. Later we had a bowl of homemade soup and bread with cottage cheese.