Photograph - laying of Foundation Stone for Thurso Harbour

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ID: PHO000407_01          Collection: Alan McIvor

Location: 58.596551    -3.513769          Era: 19th century          1891

The Thurso River Harbour Bill became law in 1889 and the foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Portland on the 27th August 1891. The finances required were partially raised locally. A bazaar was held on an impressive magnitude, held between the 24th to the 31st August, £2,512 was acquired. Special transport was even put on to attract the people of Orkney in paying a visit. The estimated cost of the harbour was £15, 989.45, fortunately £13,000 had been promised by the Public Work Loan Commissioners. The proposals for the Thurso River Harbour Act of 1889 listed a series of improvements to the area. The construction of the harbour had problems from early on. In 1892 a storm damaged much of what had been erected. After the damaged work was repaired the contractors suddenly stopped work for no apparent reason refusing to build any further. The Trustees tried to carry on with the work at their own expense whilst also taking out a prolonged law suit against the contractor. Eventually the Trustees won their case but the harbour had suffered due to the delay and the expense.