The community of Nairn is proud to announce the installation of a bespoke memorial bench dedicated to the memory of Mr David Bunker Main, father of local resident Dawn Main. This unique bench, situated at the Harbour, is crafted from recycled plastics collected during beach clean-ups in Nairn, symbolising both a tribute to a beloved individual and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mr. Main was a cherished member of the Nairn community, and a skipper on the last large commercial fishing boat which sailed belonging to Nairn – INS 185 Strathnairn. He was known for his love of his family, being a skilled and respected Skipper, and dedicated Rangers supporter with a love of getting a wee bite to eat and a pint or two of special, especially in the Seaforth Club in Nairn where many stories started with “I only went in for a pint….”.
The project was spearheaded by Dawn Main, who envisioned a memorial that not only honoured her father's memory but also contributed positively to the environment he cared for so deeply. “Dad loved the sea after spending his working life on it, he would go and sit at the harbour when he retired, and we often got a bag of chips and just watched the gulls and the waves. When he was young, he could be found at the end of pier, setting lines and catching fish before he went full-time to Sea on his 15th birthday. This spot means a lot to our family and I’m very grateful to Robert Barron, Harbour Master, who gave us permission to place the bench here and who was also a long time Crew member of the Strathnairn. I hope lots of people enjoy watching the gulls and the waves from the bench. Working with Green Hive has been a wonderful experience, they have a great team and I’m delighted with the design of the bench they created for me”. said Dawn Main.
The recycled plastics used in the construction of the bench were gathered through collaborative efforts by Green Hive and local volunteers dedicated to cleaning Nairn’s beaches. This initiative not only helps reduce plastic waste but also raises awareness about the impact of pollution on marine life and coastal ecosystems.
The bench's design, crafted by the team and volunteers at Green Hive’s Community Workshop combines durability with aesthetic appeal, ensuring that it will be a lasting fixture in the community for years to come. Its placement offers a serene spot for reflection, with a beautiful view of the beach that Mr. Main loved.
"We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition," said Matthew Withey, Chief Executive of Green Hive. "It is a testament to the power of community action and a beautiful way to honour someone who made a significant impact on our town. We hope it inspires others to continue efforts in preserving our environment.
"What’s more the bench has been made using recycled plastics collected from Nairn Beach and the bespoke build was completed in our Nairn Workshop.”
The installation of the memorial bench took place on 11th July with a family tribute taking place on the 20th July.
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