Salmon Fishermen in Portsoy

[Gene Genie Scotland]

During a visit to the National Archives of Scotland earlier this year I came across details of a shocking incident involving salmon fishermen at Portsoy in 1828, as a result of which 17-year old James Morison was arrested and charged with culpable homicide. Fortunately for James, the case was eventually dropped and he avoided having to stand trial.

I’m very keen to trace descendants of the men concerned, who were all employed at Portsoy during the 1828 season. They were:

Alexander Gerrie, Tacksman of the Boyne salmon fishings belonging to the Earl of Seafield
William Wildgoose, manager of the Salmon fishing boat
George Cowie, member of Salmon boat crew
Alexander Farquhar, member of Salmon boat crew
Alexander Hector, member of Salmon boat crew
James Morison, member of Salmon boat crew

Do you have a connection to any of the above? If so, please get in touch!

[Anne H]

No connection to me but hope you were able to trace some of the descendants.

Regards,
Anne H

[AnneM]

Hi all

Anyone with an interest in the Salmon fishers of Portsoy would do well to contact the Salmon Bothy. It's a great attraction and they know a lot. The Portsoy traditional boat festival is well worth a visit.

Anne

http://www.salmonbothy.org.uk/

[GDub]

I think the Alexander Farquhar mentioned is my 4x Gt Grandfather who would have been 23 or 24 at the time. He is mentioned in 1825 Pigot's Directory where he is listed as a Barber. I don't think there were any other Alexander Farquhar's in Portsoy at the time, so is it likely that my Alexander supplemented his income in this way? I would be interested to find out more about this incident and to establish if the Alexander mentioned is my ancestor. It wouldn't surprise me... his son Hay Farquhar made the newspapers on several occasions, although occassionally he was on the receiving end!