A series of events have been planned to celebrate two north-east men who helped cement Scotland’s place as world-leaders in maritime innovation.
The week-long programme in Inverbervie and Gordoun will pay tribute to Hercules Linton, the designer of the famous Cutty Sark, and shipbuilder James Mowatt, who constructed the Maggie Law.
Linton was born in Inverbervie in 1837, and his vessel – which had the reputation of being the fastest sea clipper in the world – was launched in 1869.
Meanwhile, Mowatt’s Maggie Law, which was launched in 1890, was built by the fishermen of Gordoun, and named after the daughter of a local fish curer.
He built more than 200 boats in his lifetime, of which Maggie Law is the only surviving vessel.
The programme starts on November 19 in Gourdon’s Mission Hall , with a talk from Rod McDonald, a shipwreck researcher.
In addition to numerous other events taking place, the Maggie Law Museum in Gourdon will also be open from 10am to 4.30pm each day throughout the festival.
Then, on November 22, an Historic Scotland plaque will be unveiled at Linton’s grave site in the old kirkyard in Inverbervie.
The submission to have the site recognised was part of a project involving pupils at Bervie School.
Dave Ramsay, project director of the Maggie Law Museum, said the students had played a massive role in paying tribute to the great pioneer’s of maritime design and construction.
“This project began with the primary four class of Bervie School, and the contribution which the staff and pupils made has been magnificent,” he said.
“The school has been acknowledged by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and these young people have played a hugely important part in contributing to a real sense of civic pride.”
For more information on the other events taking place, visit www.maggielaw.co.uk