DESCENDANTS of 12 Scottish fishermen lost at sea 61 years ago set off yesterday to Iceland to visit the graves for the first time.

The Aberdeen trawler Loch Morar was wrecked in 1937, leaving 12 widows and 36 children without fathers.

Margaret Patrone was 15 when her father, the cook Duncan Lownie, died, then 42.

Now, as the sole-surviving member of his family of four, Mrs Patrone feels it is her duty to see his grave.

She said: ''Their vessel went on rocks and stuck. Her sister ship had called her earlier, at midnight - but when she rang back at 3am there was no reply.

''The skipper, Walter Barbour, was found with distress flags attached to his jumper. He had tried to swim to shore to raise the alarm.''

Also taking part in the trip is Mrs Margaret Milne, 87, who lost both her husband, Charles, and her father, John Connell.

''To see my husband's grave is something I have wanted to do for 61 years. It is going to be very emotional.''

The inhabitants of the village of Eyrarbakki buried the victims and twice a year hold services to mark the tragedy of March 30, 1937.

Mr Douglas Paterson, chief executive of Aberdeen City Council, will be leading a delegation to another part of the country, at Patrecksfjordur, where the relatives will join other seafaring families in a tribute to all British fishermen lost off Iceland.

He said: ''The Icelandic people have done us proud over the years and the relatives want to say thank you to them as much as to visit the graves.

''It is going to be a very taxing and difficult weekend for them and they have my utmost respect.''