Mission wants a local person

The Fishermen’s Mission is aiming to recruit a local to run its service in Shetland for the first time following the transfer of superintendent Paul Govier back to his old job in Peterhead.

The mission’s national chaplain the Reverend Andrew Wright said on Tuesday it was hoped a new superintendent would be in place soon to replace Mr Govier, who has been on paid leave since April while his conduct was investigated. The matter was not related to any financial irregularity or other criminal activity.

The mission is advertising locally this week for a port welfare officer, or superintendent, who is required to be “an active, committed Christian in good standing with a local church”.

Rev Wright said the mission had appointed superintendents from the local community in a number of national cases recently and they could expect to remain in post for a number of years rather than being moved on. He said: “This policy has been very successful and such members of staff have usually brought both skill and stability as well as absolutely vital local knowledge.”

Mr Govier has been with the mission for five years and took over as superintendent in Lerwick from Peter Dade last summer.

Mission chief executive Captain Dan Conley, a regular visitor to Shetland, emphasised the continuing commitment to maintaining a service in the islands. He said: “The Shetland post is very important and particularly in the winter the mission is vital in supporting fishermen.”