Heritage
A Rich Fishing Heritage on the Moray Coast
Nestled on the picturesque Moray Coast, Buckie and Findochty are towns that boast a rich fishing heritage, deeply intertwined with their history and culture. These charming Scottish communities, both founded in the late 18th century, have long been beacons for the fishing industry, shaping the lives of their residents and leaving a lasting legacy that still resonates today.
Buckie: A Legacy Built on the Sea
Buckie’s roots in the fishing industry date back to the late 18th century when it emerged as a significant hub for fishing activities. The town’s strategic location on the Moray Firth made it an ideal spot for herring fishing, which became the lifeblood of the community. By the 19th century, Buckie had grown into one of Scotland’s foremost fishing ports, with its harbours bustling with activity and its people thriving on the wealth brought by the sea.
The development of Cluny Harbour in 1877 was a pivotal moment for Buckie, providing a safe haven for the increasing number of fishing vessels. The harbour, named after the Earl of Fife, contributed significantly to the town’s economic prosperity, enabling larger fleets to operate and facilitating the export of fish to markets far and wide.
Findochty: A Seaside Gem
Just a short distance east of Buckie lies Findochty, a picturesque fishing village with its own rich history. Ogilvys of Cullen were granted the lands ‘Fyndacthie’ by James V in 1521. The Ogilvys held Findochty Castle until 1568 at which time the Ord family acquired the fisher lands, port, customs and manor. The family were still dominant in 1716 when they brought fishermen from Fraserburgh, and this led to the expansion of the port with herring and white fish. The village’s natural harbour provided a perfect refuge for the small fishing boats known as “zulus,” which were commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Herring Boom
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the peak of the fishing industry for both Buckie and Findochty. Known as the “Herring Boom,” this period saw the population of these towns swell and their economies flourish. The “silver darlings,” as herrings were affectionately called, became the mainstay, with hundreds of boats setting out to sea daily during the fishing season.
The herring industry not only supported the fishermen but also created a plethora of associated jobs. Fish curing yards, cooperages for barrel making, and net manufacturing businesses sprouted up, providing employment to countless locals. This period of prosperity was a golden age, embedding fishing deep into the identity of both Buckie and Findochty.
Evolution and Modern Day
However, the mid-20th century brought challenges that reshaped the fishing industry. Overfishing, changing market demands, and advancements in technology led to a decline in the traditional herring trade. Both towns adapted by diversifying their fishing activities, focusing on whitefish and shellfish, and modernising their fleets and facilities to stay competitive.
Today, Buckie and Findochty remain proud of their fishing heritage while embracing new opportunities. The harbours in both towns continue to serve a smaller but active fishing community, whilst Findochty is home to small yachts and leisure craft. The Buckie Shipyard still plays a crucial role in the local economy by providing repair and maintenance services to a range of vessels from across the region, salmon is now processed locally alongside whitefish and shellfish, and FAL Propellers deal with customers from all over the UK and overseas. Most noticeably, Buckie Harbour has been developed to service offshore windfarms, and is now the operations and maintenance base for the operators of the Moray West Offshore Windfarm.
