East coast fishertouns in focus

ADOCUMENT that takes in the history of every fishing community between Dundee and the Mearns is to see the light of day 11 years after its author’s death.

Brechin historian David Adams, known as Davy, previously published several monographs on some of the Angus and Mearns fishertouns, but was never able to release his masterwork on the history of all of the communities between Torry and Dundee.

His research was incomplete on his death in 2002, and the relevant papers, computer files, notes, drawings and photographs passed to Angus Council Cultural Services.

An assessment of the feasibility of completing his project was made and a plan emerged to release Fishing Communities of Angus and the Mearns.

Published by Pinkfoot Press in Brechin, the book takes in fishing methods and the stories of places such as Crawton, Catterline, St Cyrus Bay and North Esk, Heicham and Usan, Buddon Ness, Broughty Ferry and Dundee.

Gillian Zealand, who had worked with Mr Adams and understood his methods, took on the task of editing the disparate material and filling the gaps.

Fishing methods, types of boats, markets and cures are all explored, but the bulk of the book is a Gazetteer comprising individual sections on the history of each of the communities.

The 240-page book includes drawings, photographs and maps to help pinpoint many of the communities which have disappeared. The book will be launched at Montrose Library on July 27 at 11.30am.

Hostrose, oome to mussel asd salmos fisoeries is years gose by.