The Earl of Seafield’s larger harbour survived destruction by an 1839 storm through an extensive concrete reconstruction in 1884.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1825–28; reconstructed 1884
- Architect / designer
- Built for the Earl of Seafield; individual engineer not stated
- Type
- Rectangular harbour basin with protective projecting arm
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB40298)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 59033 66455
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The rectangular basin opens through its sheltered side, while a broad harbour arm projects into the bay to protect the entrance. Rubble fabric is reinforced by concrete and a raised seaward wall.
Its story
Built and financed in 1825–28, the harbour was almost destroyed in January 1839. After its channel was cleared, major works in 1884 rebuilt the structure in concrete at a recorded cost of £12,000.
Why it is included
Category B listing captures both nineteenth-century commercial ambition and a major engineering response to coastal damage.
What to notice
- The broad arm shielding the entrance.
- Contrasts between rubble and concrete work.
- The raised wall facing open water.
Reading the surroundings
Remain on authorised routes, avoid closed or working sections and keep back from exposed edges in poor weather.
Timeline
- 1825–1828 A larger basin expanded Portsoy’s capacity under Seafield patronage.
- January 1839 A severe storm left the new works virtually destroyed.
- 1884 Concrete reconstruction returned the harbour to service.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The designation does not state the responsible designers for either principal phase.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Portsoy New Harbour, LB40298 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB40298 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 59033 66455 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms record identity and archival context. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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