The History of Portsoy Marble
Summary
This episode explores the preservation of Portsoy Harbor, a Category A listed site on the Moray Firth coast. The host meets with the North East Scotland Preservation Trust, who have taken ownership of historic warehouses and workshops saved by engineer Tom Burnett Stewart. The team discusses the local history of the Portsoy marble industry, cataloging Tom’s extensive collection of stones and tools. Plans are underway to transform the buildings into a creative hub for artists and craftspeople, ensuring the site remains a vibrant part of the community.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and introduction to Portsoy Harbor
Overview of the preservation project and meeting Frances
History of the harbor construction and railway
The warehouses and John Adam's architectural design
The Portsoy marble industry and its decline
Tom Burnett Stewart's rescue of the buildings
The creative hub and transfer to the Trust
Film locations and the Portsoy Marble Shop
Tour of the marble shop and Susan Rain's insights
Stories of marble exports and Margaret Finley
Inside Tom's workshop and the pulley system
Building history and laser scanning the collection
Dating items via newspapers and personal reflections
Sponsorship break
Cataloging the warehouse and original architectural features
Discovery of the marble bucket and Tom's habits
Tom's engineering skills and agricultural finds
Interview with Tom's nephew Jack Burnett Stewart
Project director Paul Higson on the creative hub plan
Closing remarks and call to action
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