Kirk moderator tells of sadness over Mingulay boat sinking that killed relative

Chris Morrison, 27, was one of two men who died when the Louisa sank near Mingulay a week ago, and a third man remains missing.

A fourth crew member, Lachlan Armstrong, was rescued after clinging to some rocks.

Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “It was with a sense of shock and sadness that I learned of the sinking of the Louisa off Mingulay, with tragic loss of life.

“Since then, my thoughts and prayers, as those of us all in the Church of Scotland, have been with the families of those who lost their lives, and with Lachlan the sole survivor.

“For me the sadness of this event has a very personal element, as one of the crew lost, Chris Morrison, was a relative. Chris will be laid to rest in his native Harris today.”

Mr Morrison was the grandson of the Moderator’s cousin.

Martin Johnstone, 29, from Caithness, also died in the tragedy last Saturday.

Moderator Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison (Andrew O'Brien) — Moderator Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison (Andrew O’Brien)

The missing fisherman has been named as Paul Alliston, 42, from Lewis.

Mr Armstrong, 27, also from Lewis, managed to swim to shore and clung to rocks until he was rescued by a lifeboat.

An investigation will be carried out by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

The Moderator said: “Island communities are no strangers to tragedies at sea.

“One of the great strengths of these communities, however, is the way in which they come together to support one another, especially at difficult times such as this.

“I know that in every community of the Western Isles people will be grieving with and praying for the bereaved families. Such solidarity will help mitigate the pain and grief.”