Condition

3
FISHING STATION (POST MEDIEVAL)
Post-Medieval
37207
NO99NW0204
Aberdeenshire

Description

Salmon fishing station, Portlethen, Kincardineshire This is essentially a cove in the rocky cliffs of this stretch of coast, with a railed slip for drawing boats up the beach, and a bothy/store and net-drying poles on the headland to the east of the beach.
The tiny harbour of Portlethen, currently has 4 railed slipways, 7 winch sheds and at least 5 winches. There is the remains of a Blondin apparatus, a cable way introduced in the early 20th century to transport fish, nets and heavy gear from the shore to the top of the steep cliffs. Blondin apparatus (named after the French high wire walker who traversed Niagra Falls) were installed when these coves became salmon fishing stations focused on salmon fishing using bag nets. This one is shown in use in photographs taken in the 1970s, along with nets drying. Most of these tiny bays have a long history as fishing ports, utilising the natural coves. In 1845 the NSA identifies Portlethen as primarily engaged in white fishing and along with neigbouring Downies and Findon had 18 boats. Salmon fishing stations declined and ceased in the 1980s. This is the master record for a series of former fishing harbours, latterly salmon fishing stations, situated in small coves and bays along the rocky coastline between Aberdeen and Stonehaven. Further fishing station records for Newtonhill/Skateraw (SCAPE ID: 14719); Cove Harbour (SCAPE ID: 15067); Downies (SCAPE ID: 15307); Burnbanks Haven (SCAPE ID: 15804) and Altens (SCAPE ID: 15161)

Location

393501.00
796264.00
27700
57.0573850
-2.1087759

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
14/04/2023 joannahambly
14/04/2023 joannahambly
14/04/2023 joannahambly
14/04/2023 joannahambly
14/04/2023 joannahambly
14/04/2023 joannahambly
14/04/2023 joannahambly

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
4469 14/04/2023 joannahambly
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Access accessible - difficult terrain
Description 4 railed slipways, 7 winch sheds and at least 5 winches. Head of a Blondin apparatus and associated store next to the old salmon fishing station.

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