A heritage group has unearthed fascinating photos that give an insight into the lives of Aberdeen fishermen working in the North Sea many years ago.
The photographs will feature in the third edition of the book Torry: A Celebration of a Royal Burgh in Pictures Volume which will hit the shelves of book shops next week.
The book was created by members of the Torry Heritage Group, which works to preserve and promote the history of the local area.
Members of the orginisation have talked with current and former residents to complete the book, conducting pain-staking research to track down accurate dates, names and locations.
John Dunn, co-rdinator of the group, used online software to enhance the photos and organise them into a book form.
The first edition of ‘Torry: A Celebration’ was published last year. The second focused on the line and trawl fishing boom featuring a foreword from record-breaking skipper Terry Taylor.
Dozens of new photos and treasured memories have been collected by the book group, focusing on the herring industry which provided jobs and taught skills to many families.
In particular the group has discovered the vital role women played during the fishing boom, with one photo showing Torry Quines shifting barrels of herring at the harbour front.
Historically the Torry community was built around fishing and boat building.
However, most of the fishermen’s cottages of Old Torry were previously swept away by first the channelling of the River Dee, then later by modern industry, particularly work surrounding North Sea Oil at Torry Quay.
Torry Heritage Group member Irene Milne said: “It is important, while people who experienced this fishing boom are still around, that we record their memories and make sure they are preserved for future generations.
“The history of Torry is so interesting and we can’t forget it.”
Local councillor Alan Donnelly said he was keen to buy a copy of the book.
“Everybody likes to read about the rich history of Tory,” he said.
“It is important to preserve the fishing and Granite heritage of the area what we are famous for.
“These books will make sure those memories will be remembered for years to come.
“I wish the Torry Heritage Group luck with their future books.”
The third edition of Torry: A Celebration of a Royal Burgh in Pictures will be available next week from WHS Smith Union Street, Waterstone’s in the Bon Accord Centre and the Old Torry Community Centre.
