Documents

There are no additional online documents for this record.

Summary

Description

Early 18th century, extended 19th century. Irregularly shaped pier. Coursed and uncoursed dry rubble pier, rubble secured with pinnnings to S pierhead. Later coped, rubble parapet to W. Tarmac to pier surface. Steps within pier to S, N and NE. Workshop and Clubhouse built up from SW pier (former weigh house), uncoursed rubble with later brick wallhead, various openings, irregular shaped roof; green corrugated sheeting. Brick and timber 1960s toilet block to far W.

Statement of Special Interest

There is mention of a port at Aberdour in the 16th century, however this probably refers to the naturally sheltered anchorage afforded by the mouth of the Dour burn. In 1703 it is recorded that there was a quay at Aberdour for the loading of coal and salt, in the subsequent year the port was granted by charter to the Earl of Morton. A plan of 1785 shows the harbour to be a straight projection of about 380ft. It is documented in the late 18th century that the harbour was used to ship limestone from the Earl of Morton's quarries. At some point between the late 18th and early 19th century a curved pierhead was added to the harbour. A plan of 1811 shows an east pier of about 70ft between the main pier and the burn mouth, (the pier no longer survives, a rebuilt jetty currently occupies its probable position, 2002). A pend built to the most southwesterly point of the pier served as the weigh house, the rear at some later date was converted into a fisherman's shiel with a chimney at the rear. During the 19th century the pend and shiel were heightened and completely roofed over as one building, it is at this point it assumed the role as workshop indicated by the large doors to the E and clubhouse to the W. In the First World War the building was given over to the Navy to be used as a mortuary should the need have arisen, it is only noted that it held 1 sailor who accidentally drowned. During the mid to late 19th century Aberdour was a very popular destination for daytrippers travelling from Granton and Leith by steam ship. The harbour however could only be used when the tide was high, therefore a wooden pier was built in the later 19th century to the E at Hawkcraing point allowing people to disembark when the tide was low (Hawkcraig pier is in poor condition, 2002). The wooden sentry box which slightly overhangs the harbour - of the way out to sea is a replacement of a ticket booth for the cross Forth steamer trips, it is noted as operating in 1897.

References

Bibliography

About Listed Buildings

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Listing is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

We list buildings which are found to be of special architectural or historic interest using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Listed building records provide an indication of the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building which has been identified by its statutory address. The description and additional information provided are supplementary and have no legal weight.

These records are not definitive historical accounts or a complete description of the building(s). If part of a building is not described it does not mean it is not listed. The format of the listed building record has changed over time. Earlier records may be brief and some information will not have been recorded.

The legal part of the listing is the address/name of site which is known as the statutory address. Other than the name or address of a listed building, further details are provided for information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a consequence of inaccuracies in the information provided. Addresses and building names may have changed since the date of listing. Even if a number or name is missing from a listing address it will still be listed. Listing covers both the exterior and the interior and any object or structure fixed to the building. Listing also applies to buildings or structures not physically attached but which are part of the curtilage (or land) of the listed building as long as they were erected before 1 July 1948.

While Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating listed buildings, the planning authority is responsible for determining what is covered by the listing, including what is listed through curtilage. However, for listed buildings designated or for listings amended from 1 October 2015, legal exclusions to the listing may apply.

If part of a building is not listed, it will say that it is excluded in the statutory address and in the statement of special interest in the listed building record. The statement will use the word 'excluding' and quote the relevant section of the 1997 Act. Some earlier listed building records may use the word 'excluding', but if the Act is not quoted, the record has not been revised to reflect subsequent legislation.

Listed building consent is required for changes to a listed building which affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The relevant planning authority is the point of contact for applications for listed building consent.

Find out more about listing and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.