Aberdour
June 21, 2021
There was something very calm about Aberdour (pronounced Aberdower) harbour - there were no fishermen!
Managed by a Pier and Harbour Committee, the majority of whom are sailors, we were welcomed by their Convenor* Roy Marrian (right) and the Harbour Master, Dick Drummond (centre). This tiny harbour is within spitting distance of both the Forth Bridge and the island housing Inchcolm Abbey where we anchored overnight several times (photo 4).
Photo 5 shows Good Dog leaning happily against Aberdour's sloping stone wall. Setting the correct angle of the boat so you don't fall off the quay into the mud and remain at a reasonable angle to sleep, is a challenge I love. Photo 6 shows a thick rope run from the quayside under Good Dog's bow to stop her tilting forward and photo 7 shows her anchor and 60 metres of chain (weighing 125 kg) fed out onto the seabed to remove weight from the bow.
The history of this harbour, as with so many in this area, started with coal exports. However due to the proximity to Edinburgh, it became a popular Paddle Steamer destination from Leith in Victorian times (photo 8).
It was also the home of the well known author of Imray Pilots, Andy Carnduff, who I have been helping by supplying photos for the new North East Scotland pilot book due out in 2021. He showed us around Aberdour's historic Boat Club and of course enjoyed a wee dram on board! It was also where my sister Bridget and her husband Nick embarked for a few sunny days' sailing further up the Forth (photo 10).
Thank you Dick, Roy and Andy for a very happy stay.
Managed by a Pier and Harbour Committee, the majority of whom are sailors, we were welcomed by their Convenor* Roy Marrian (right) and the Harbour Master, Dick Drummond (centre). This tiny harbour is within spitting distance of both the Forth Bridge and the island housing Inchcolm Abbey where we anchored overnight several times (photo 4).
Photo 5 shows Good Dog leaning happily against Aberdour's sloping stone wall. Setting the correct angle of the boat so you don't fall off the quay into the mud and remain at a reasonable angle to sleep, is a challenge I love. Photo 6 shows a thick rope run from the quayside under Good Dog's bow to stop her tilting forward and photo 7 shows her anchor and 60 metres of chain (weighing 125 kg) fed out onto the seabed to remove weight from the bow.
The history of this harbour, as with so many in this area, started with coal exports. However due to the proximity to Edinburgh, it became a popular Paddle Steamer destination from Leith in Victorian times (photo 8).
It was also the home of the well known author of Imray Pilots, Andy Carnduff, who I have been helping by supplying photos for the new North East Scotland pilot book due out in 2021. He showed us around Aberdour's historic Boat Club and of course enjoyed a wee dram on board! It was also where my sister Bridget and her husband Nick embarked for a few sunny days' sailing further up the Forth (photo 10).
Thank you Dick, Roy and Andy for a very happy stay.