Building record MAB14066 - THE SAIL LOFT, PORTSOY
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Summary
A former mid to late 18th century thread and ropeworks, Nicols of Portsoy.
Protected Status/Designation
- Listed Building (B) 10655
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NJ 5937 6603 (159m by 85m) Centred at - Polygon: Known Site Extent |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NJ56NE |
| Authority | Aberdeenshire |
| Civil Parish | Fordyce |
Type and Period (3)
Full Description
A former mid to late 18th century thread and ropeworks, Nicols of Portsoy. The 1st and 2nd edition OS maps show a long building, circa 85 m in length, at the North of the site, labelled 'ropery', with two circa 30 m long buildings to the South at 'Back Green'. The site was originally developed to manufacture thread from flax. The area of 'green' was utilised for the bleaching of the flax, the reliable water supply from the burn providing ideal conditions for bleaching. The name 'Back Green' probably derives from bleaching green. In the early 19th century the site contained two groups of buildings - the one to the North operated as a rope making business while the manufacture of sails took place within the eastern range of the buildings to the South, adjacent to the three surviving cottages. The ropeworks fell into decline and has been lost, but the former sail making factory and cottages survive, partially ruined. The complex consists of a single storey building with loft over raised basement and an irregular 9-bay building approximately 30.48 m long. In the 9-bay building, two loft windows with wooden shutters survive at the southwest. There is a forestair to the centre west gable loft door and a similar entrance in the east gable served by a long ramp. End stacks. The ropeworks was originally built for the manufacture of thread, by a Mr Robertson, and it was only in the early-mid 19th century that production switched to the making of rope and fishing lines. This industry continued until the 1920s.
Hume, JR, 1977, Industrial Archaeology of Scotland, 175 (Bibliographic reference). SAB730.
SLATER, J, 1980, PORTSOY IN POINTS AND PICTURES, p.12 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4818.
Jun 10 1976 , H76/178/10, H76/178/10 (Ground Photograph). SAB20475.
Jun 29 2014 , AAS-GR-14-06-504, AAS-GR-14-06-504 (Ground Photograph). SAB35491.
SDD, n.d., BLDS OF ARCH & HIST INTEREST, FORDYCE 61 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1827.
Other Statuses/References
- Authority: ASH;
- HES Listed Building Number: 10655;
- NMR Card Number: NJ56NE40;
- NRHE Numlink: 158845;
- Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NJ56NE0014;
External Links (2)
- https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10655 (Historic Environment Scotland Portal Link)
- https://www.trove.scot/place/158845 (trove.scot link)
Sources/Archives (5)
- --- SAB1827 Bibliographic reference: SDD. n.d.. BLDS OF ARCH & HIST INTEREST. FORDYCE 61.
- --- SAB20475 Ground Photograph: Jun 10 1976 . H76/178/10. Black & White. H76/178/10.
- --- SAB35491 Ground Photograph: Jun 29 2014 . AAS-GR-14-06-504. Digital. AAS-GR-14-06-504.
- --- SAB4818 Bibliographic reference: SLATER, J. 1980. PORTSOY IN POINTS AND PICTURES. N. N. p.12.
- --- SAB730 Bibliographic reference: Hume, JR. 1977. Industrial Archaeology of Scotland. 175.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2024 10:16AM
