Local historian and Tolbooth Museum volunteer David Fleming has released a second publication of his history of Stonehaven Harbour..
The People of Stonehaven Harbour brings to life the smugglers, prisoners, engineers, and everyday heroes who shaped the town’s waterfront over the centuries.
While the harbour is now a peaceful spot for a coffee or a walk, Fleming’s research reveals a much more turbulent past.
The book highlights remarkable stories that have been tucked away in archives for years, including secret baptisms by clergymen imprisoned in the Tolbooth, a miracle survival and the legacy of the Stevensons, the famous engineering family.
”I’ve spent years talking to visitors at the Tolbooth Museum,” said Mr Fleming.
“I realised that while people love the view, they often don’t know the incredible struggle it took to build and maintain the harbour. I wanted to write something that honoured the people — the fishermen, the publicans, the stonemasons, and the families who lived and worked on the piers.”
“Thank you to all those who bought copies of the first edition. It has all but sold out, and allowed me to print a second one.
“For this second edition, I am very grateful for the appreciations mentioned to me and for the updates required. In addition, I have rectified the absence of a mention of the wonderful metal scultpures along the Boardwalk, and put in further detail about the late Ian Balgowan’s activities.”
The People of Stonehaven Harbour is an essential read for locals and visitors alike, featuring over 200 pages of painstaking research, rare historical photographs, and modern maps that anchor the past in the present day.
About The Author
After graduating from St Andrews, David Fleming worked for Mother’s Pride as the Technical Manager, Scotland, before being promoted to their IT Division. The rest of his career was in Information Management in a very wide variety of organisations, finishing up as Senior Auditor for Information Governance with the Audit Commission in London.
He has lived in Stonehaven since 2001. He was Chairman of the Stonehaven & District Community Council and then Secretary of Stonehaven Town Partnership.
He was appointed as Buildings Convenor for St James Episcopal Church and masterminded the permanent Exhibition there. He was awarded the BEM for services to the community in the King’s 2024 Honours.
David will be available to discuss the book and sign copies at But ‘n’ Ben Bookshop – 6, Cameron Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2BL on Saturday 25th April from 14:00 to 16:00.
The book is £10 and available to purchase online at www.surescribe.com and in Stonehaven from:
- But ‘n’ Ben – Cameron Street
- Giulianotti’s – Evan Street
- The Panini Shop –Barclay Street
- Haven’s Treasures, Barclay Street
- Cool Gourmet – High Street
- Ship Inn – Shorehead
- Marine Hotel – Shorehead
- Old Pier Café – Old Pier
In Banchory from:
- Yeadon’s
In Aberdeen from:
- Michie’s – Union Street
- Somerville’s – Rosemount Viaduct