History of the Area

Originally a small fishing village called Faithlie, Fraserburgh got its name when the 8th Laird of Philorth, Alexander Fraser ( or Lord Saltoun), built a harbour in the village, hence gaining it the status of a free burgh of barony. Faithlie was renamed Fraserburgh in 1592 in recognition of the Laird’s achieve-ment.

The Fraser family are said to have originated in Anjou in France. They settled in Northeast Scotland in the 12th Century. In 1504 Sir William Fraser purchased the

lands of Fathlie and Tyrie. His son was Alexander Fraser, who received the charter from Mary Queen of Scots, which established Faithlie as a free burgh of barony, allowing free trade. The Fraser family have stayed in this area since; the current local laird is the Honourable Mrs Kate Nicolson.

With the presence of the harbour, trade in salted fish from Fraserburgh grew due to the growing demands of the herring industry, particularly in Russia and the Baltic states. Through this growth in fishing, the town expanded. In the twentieth century, a variety of other industries emerged and developed in Fraserburgh. The Maconochie Brothers saw a gap in the market during the world wars, and became market leaders in canning fish - their products were eaten by soldiers in both world wars! The Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Company (CPT) produced and supplied tools for the shipbuilding and construction industries across the world - and were even involved in the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Another notable company is Gray & Adams, who specialise in refrigerated transport. This diversification of industry means Fraserburgh has developed into the busy multi-trade harbour town it is today.