Peterhead Harbour has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was a major hub for the fishing industry, with the harbour's strategic location making it an ideal spot for fishermen to unload their catch.
The harbour's status as a major fishing port was cemented in 1900 when the Peterhead Harbour Commissioners were established to oversee the harbour's development. This marked a significant turning point in the harbour's history, paving the way for further growth and investment.
Today, Peterhead Harbour remains a vital fishing port, with a strong focus on sustainable fishing practices and harbour maintenance. The harbour's efforts to reduce its environmental impact are evident in its innovative approaches to waste management and energy efficiency.
19th Century Lighthouses
The South Breakwater lighthouse, built in 1833 by Robert Stevenson, is a notable feature of Peterhead Harbour. It's the easternmost lighthouse on mainland Scotland.
The Harbour South lighthouse, built in 1849 by Thomas Stevenson, is now inactive and was originally located on the Albert Quay before being relocated in 2015.
Here are some key facts about Peterhead's 19th-century lighthouses:
The Harbour North lighthouse, built in 1908, is now also inactive, but its history is an important part of Peterhead Harbour's heritage.
Challenge
Working in a busy port environment like Peterhead Harbour comes with its own set of challenges.
The harbour's bedrock throughout the harbour basin is highly variable, making it difficult to plan and execute construction projects.
Maintaining normal port vessel operations is crucial, which adds an extra layer of complexity to any construction project.
Our team had to address several technical challenges while working on the harbour. Here are some of the key ones:
- A high degree of variability in the bedrock throughout the harbour basin
- The potential for water ingress if undertaking works in the dry
- Phasing of dredging and underpinning works to maintain the stability of existing walls
- Maximising the beneficial re-use of dredged rock in reclamation works
- Diversion of major services
- Phasing and integration with simultaneous construction of a new fish market
Period and Status
The Harbour of Refuge at Peterhead Bay is a fascinating piece of engineering history. The harbour is an area of approximately 300 acres.
It was constructed with two massive breakwaters, the north breakwater being approximately 1500 ft long, founded on levelled rock and built with 40 ton precast concrete blocks.
The south breakwater, on the other hand, is a staggering 2700 ft long, also built with precast concrete blocks, but founded on a shallow tipped stone mound.
Period Unassigned
The "Period Unassigned" label can be a bit misleading, but it simply means that the Harbour of Refuge in Peterhead Bay doesn't fit neatly into a specific time period.
This harbour, an area of approximately 300 acres in Peterhead bay, is enclosed by two breakwaters.
The construction of the north breakwater, which is approximately 1500 ft long, began in 1912 and continued until 1956, founded on levelled rock and constructed of 40 ton precast concrete blocks laid in horizontal courses.
The south breakwater, constructed from 1892–1912, is approximately 2700 ft long, and is of similar construction to the north breakwater.
Convict labour from nearby Peterhead prison was used as direct labour during construction, which is a fascinating piece of history.
Construction ceased during winter months to prevent damage by rough seas, and unfinished work was secured by 2 in. diameter steel clamps that were removable and re-used at the end of each building season.
SC 1673565
The SC 1673565 designation marks a general oblique aerial view of the harbour, taken from the northwest. This view captures the harbour's layout and surrounding features.
The view is centred on the harbour, specifically the South Harbour, with the North Breakwater visible in the foreground. The South Harbour is situated between NK 13766 45244 and NK 13891 45608.
A plan from 1834 shows the harbour as a semi-oval enclosure among rocks, outside the then northwest limit of the harbour. This plan is consistent with the 1868 edition of the OS 6-inch map.
The harbour's expansion is evident in the 1968 edition of the OS 6-inch map, which marks the trace of the vanished North quadrant. The North quadrant is shown as lying just below the converging ends of Brook Street and Ellis Street.
The harbour's development is tied to its expansion, with the South Pier being built in the 1770s by John Smeaton. The South Pier was a significant addition to the harbour's infrastructure.
The harbour's whaling industry began to take off in the late 18th century, with 72 Peterhead-owned vessels operating from the port by 1815. This number has since increased, with over 400 boats now operating from the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Peterhead Harbour?
Peterhead Harbour has a rich history spanning over 400 years, with its success closely tied to maritime trade and activity. The harbour experienced significant growth during boom years associated with whaling, herring, and white fish species.
What is the largest fishing port in the UK?
Peterhead Port in Scotland is the largest fishing port in the UK, serving as a major hub for the country's fishing industry. Located in Aberdeenshire, it handles a significant proportion of the UK's fish landings.
What fish was caught in Peterhead?
Unfortunately, there is limited information on fish catches in Peterhead, but Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic pollock were reported caught by some members.
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