OS1/1/73/83

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 83
Town of Peterhead

South Harbour - [continued from previous page] end of it not having been founded upon the Solid rock; the hearting or packing of it is als [also] very indifferent. A Jetty or small quay was erected nearly at right angles to it, which stood but a very short time, being all demolished in the course of one tide; and the whole of the materials of which it was composed were thrown into the Channel, which decreased its depth of water at least six feet, this happened in 1783, and although there were a number of people employed every stream ebb, yet so slow was the progress that in 1793 there were not above 200 tons got up, In January 1793, the South quay received considerable damage; the tide being higher than usual, and the wind blowing in a direction that threw the waves upon the Centre of the quay in one tide upwards of 300 tons of the pavement and cribs were thrown into the harbour; and as the breach was once made, the whole of the quay very narrowly escaped being demolished. Upon this four Commissioners were appointed with full power to use their utmost exertions in order to get the back of the quay properly secured. This Committee appointed Mr James Arbuthnott Junr [Junior] to act as Engineer. Mr Arbuthnott made a complete alteration in the machinery which was formerly used about the harbour, and also invented several machines, which were found both useful and economical [continued on page 84]