'A High Tide In Short Wellies'

Jim F (Atlas Obscura User)

Situated along the main promenade overlooking the beaches and sea in Filey, is Finlay (as he is known locally), a 12-foot-tall steel sculpture by artist Ray Lonsdale.

Donated to the town by Maureen Robinson in 2012, he looks out into the distance, while at his feet a rat attempts to steal his catch, wrapped in newspaper. Making the point about the decline in the fishing industry, on the newspaper is written a short poem, titled “A High Tide In Short Wellies.” Written from the perspective of the fisherman who will “face the sea with a thousand mile stare / and wish that I was floating there.”

Easily spotted and not too far from the lifeboat headquarters on the promenade, Finlay looks over the town’s visitors as they pass him by.

Know Before You Go

There is no specific parking for the statue, however if you park on the street or in any of the beach car parks then it’s no more than a few minutes walk along the promenade.