Burnmouth
July 13, 2021
13th July 2021. HM 141. Burnmouth - my 103rd and final Scottish Harbour.
What a delightful place Burnmouth is. I was lucky enough to meet 74 year old Harbour Master John Aitchison sitting outside his sunny cottage which is positioned bang opposite the harbour entrance. Born and bred on the spot, he and his wife Heather typify the dedication of so many Harbour Masters. I believe "harbourmastering" is very much like farming.... the HM is on duty 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year and John has been on duty for 40 years.
Originally a fisherman, John left the industry and started his own unusual marine taxidermy business. He and Heather also ran the local restaurant and as I sat and chatted to them in the sunshine, I could understand why they were so happy with life!
From the sea the harbour is well hidden (photo 6) and it seems from the history boards the locals are very proud of its smuggling history. I am sure being so close to the ever changing Scottish - English border helped when confusing the customs officials. John told me when he started, the Harbour Trustees always included the local councillor, school master and minister. Go back 200 years and you can imagine them all enjoying being paid off by the smugglers for turning a blind eye to visiting ships!
The harbour buildings sport bright colours as you can see in the photos. The row of 1950s houses (photo 7) were designed by architect Basil Spence and are now listed buildings. The colourful fishermen's stores (photo 8) featured in the TV show "Vera", but much to John's chagrin they insisted repainting them blue!
Thank you John and Heather and I hope you have many more years of guarding the entrance to your special harbour!
What a delightful place Burnmouth is. I was lucky enough to meet 74 year old Harbour Master John Aitchison sitting outside his sunny cottage which is positioned bang opposite the harbour entrance. Born and bred on the spot, he and his wife Heather typify the dedication of so many Harbour Masters. I believe "harbourmastering" is very much like farming.... the HM is on duty 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year and John has been on duty for 40 years.
Originally a fisherman, John left the industry and started his own unusual marine taxidermy business. He and Heather also ran the local restaurant and as I sat and chatted to them in the sunshine, I could understand why they were so happy with life!
From the sea the harbour is well hidden (photo 6) and it seems from the history boards the locals are very proud of its smuggling history. I am sure being so close to the ever changing Scottish - English border helped when confusing the customs officials. John told me when he started, the Harbour Trustees always included the local councillor, school master and minister. Go back 200 years and you can imagine them all enjoying being paid off by the smugglers for turning a blind eye to visiting ships!
The harbour buildings sport bright colours as you can see in the photos. The row of 1950s houses (photo 7) were designed by architect Basil Spence and are now listed buildings. The colourful fishermen's stores (photo 8) featured in the TV show "Vera", but much to John's chagrin they insisted repainting them blue!
Thank you John and Heather and I hope you have many more years of guarding the entrance to your special harbour!