Hogmanay 2008

Tay Unit of the Maritime Volunteer Service is once again preparing to see in the New year by sounding North Carr’s foghorn. Last year’s festivities aboard the iconic lightship even trumped the capital’s efforts, which were cancelled due to atrocious weather. This year MVS Tay has joined up with both the City Centre and Harbour Community Council and Friends of Wighton, who have commissioned the Reel McKay as a musical prelude to the bells.

The timetable of entertainment starts at 11.00 p.m. with the Reel McKay performing on the vessel’s after deck. The lightship’s mighty foghorn will sound on the stroke of midnight and rockets will be launched from MVS Marigot in the centre of the dock. A piper will also be available to greet the New Year with a few rousing tunes, and some verses of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ will undoubtedly be heard.

Spectators are very welcome to view proceedings from the surrounding dockside. They are advised to dress warmly, and should keep well clear of the water’s edge and the busy traffic in South Victoria Dock Road.

Friends of Wighton helps to make the Wighton Collection of Scottish music and the Wighton Heritage Centre that houses it more accessible to the people of Dundee and surrounding areas. Members meet in the Centre itself, which is located in Dundee Central Library, and the organisation runs a highly successful series of musical events. The City Centre and Harbour Community Council has provided support to the Friends in bringing a wide variety of musical talents to the heart of the city.

MVS Tay provides sea training for its members in a range of craft, including the 40-ton classic launch Marigot. This and other vessels are employed in providing the Tay River Trips and the Taymara Project for vulnerable groups. Income accruing from the river trips, supplemented by a certain level of grant funding, enables MVS Tay to pursue its charitable activities and to maintain its fleet, including North Carr herself.

This year’s entertainment at the Carr should be the best ever and the organisers look forward to seeing a goodly crowd joining in the revelries.