Newburgh Harbour

NO21NW 101 236 187

In 1266 Lindores received a charter from Alexander III which erected the town as a free burgh with the usual liberties, but nothing is said about a port, and a clause specifically reserving the rights of the King's burghs no doubt prevented or restricted maritime trade. Like Lindores Pow (NO21NW 18) the Shore of Newburgh probably served, as in later times, as a stopping-place where vessels could wait for the tide and where those whose draught was too great for the shallower waters upstream could tranship cargo into lighters for the rest of the journey to Perth. In the 19th century a ferry to Port Allen is recorded.

The range of quays that now constitute the town's river-frontage contains little of archaeological interest, but a hint of some earlier arrangement is perhaps to be seen in the fact that 'Shore' is marked on the OS maps in an area lying somewhat inland from the river and now fully built over. On the front it is possible to identify the 'three continuous piers' of 1793, as well, probably, as as the two others built shortly before 1836. The latter, at the E end of the range, are mainly of concrete and brick, while the former and the bays between them, show for the most part squared and well-coursed masonry, some of it scabbed or rusticated, with cement patches and mortar from place to place. The top of the westernmost pier, at the end of West Shore Road, is completely covered with cement. The only evidence of what may be earlier work occurs at the lowermost lvels and that not everywhere; it takes the form of a basal layer of smaller irregular masonry, poorly dressed and coursed. The W pier also carries two stone pawls, one squared and the other a slab, which may be earlier survivals. The length of the whole frontage is about 550 ft (167.7m), and that of the W portion, with the three piers of 1793, about 270 ft (82.3m).

A Graham 1971.

(Location cited as NO 235 187). Newburgh Harbour, 19th century. Three masonry piers projecting from a quay wall on the shore line.

J R Hume 1976.

Newburgh harbour. Quay wall with projecting stone piers; 18th century in origin but now mostly 19th cent.

J Gifford 1988.

Quays + wharf.

Stone quays heavily repaired; with bollards, ladder mooring stations.

Site recorded by Maritime Fife during the Coastal Assessment Survey for Historic Scotland, Fife Ness to Newburgh 1996