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Summary

Description

16th century and later, extended 1825-35, Robert Stevenson, and later, repaired 1970s. The harbour comprises middle, inner and outer basins, and four piers (Net Pier or Old Pier (before 1795), South Pier (1825-6), Fish Jetty (1830s) and Breakwater (1901-8

. The Net Pier has vertically coursed masonry and the South Pier has masonry in inclined courses. There are high coped rubble parapets to South Pier, which together with the Fish Jetty forms the inner basin. The original rubble works have been modified with sheet piling.

Statement of Special Interest

Stonehaven Harbour, situated in a natural bay between the River Carron and Downie Point, has long been the focal point of the town. Its special interest derives from the fine stonework, structure and plan, as well as the historical significance of its role in the development of Stonehaven from small fishing port to flourishing burgh.

The town is said to have been named after the large rock called Craig-ma-cair, which sat in the bay and formed part of the foundations of Robert Stevenson's South Pier. The original north pier, built in the 16th century, was twice destroyed and subsequently rebuilt in 1688 by the 9th Earl Marischal. In 1658 Richard Franck had described the harbour thus 'Now at the foot of this pavement there's a small harbour which they call Steenhive, but I have taken the liberty to call it Stinking hive, because it is so unsavoury, which serves only for pirates and pickeroons' (Franck, 1821: p.230). A second pier, built in 1700, formed the north harbour. Although hugely important for the import and export of goods to and from Stonehaven during the 18th century, the harbour is now (early-21st century) predominantly used for recreation. During the herring boom of the 1890s, the harbour supported nearly 200 fishing boats. The Third Statistical Account tells of the importance of the fishing industry when 'herring barrels used to line the whole length of the High Street' (Smith, 1988: p.87).

References

Bibliography

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