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A remarkable body of work forged from a Perth schoolboy’s fascination with the city’s harbour is to be shared with future generations.

Angus-based John Aitken has been an invaluable part of the east of Scotland and wider maritime community for the greater part of his life.

An ex-Montrose Port Authority board member, he is the current honorary archivist.

John has also penned four maritime books and chronicled the working life of Montrose harbour for decades.

And he is now bequeathing his vast collection to archives in Perth and Montrose.

Born in Perth in 1937, his interest in shipping was first piqued when his grandfather took him to visit the city’s harbour as a teenager.

John then realised he could see the ship’s masts from his classroom in Perth Academy.  His fascination with all things maritime grew from there.

The father-of-four frequently travelled around the globe as a director of Dundee Chamber of Commerce and latterly in the oil industry.

From this unwavering interest in shipping, he amassed a fascinating and unique archive.

The sizeable collection has even outgrown his own home.

The treasure trove of photographs, books, records and records will now be split between AK Bell Library in Perth and Angus Archives.

AK Bell archivist Ishbel MacKinnon said: “John has been connected with the Perth & Kinross archive over many years due to his intimate knowledge of the history of Perth harbour and his willingness to help researchers investigating its history and associated ships, people and events.

“He was also instrumental in rescuing the archives of Perth Harbour Board when it was wound up in 2018.”

Craig Pearson, of Angus Archives, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to John Aitken for the generous donation of his Montrose harbour collection to Angus Archives, and for his many contributions to preserving and sharing the area’s local history over the years.”

Montrose Port chief executive Captain Tom Hutchison said: “John’s unique wealth of knowledge, dedication and inimitable, lifelong passion for maritime history and conservation is contagious, with his friendly enthusiasm rubbing off on others in the port and wider community.

“His knowledge and generosity of spirit are well known among researchers, historians and local communities who are committed to preserving this important aspect of our local history.”

John’s four books include Above the Tay Bridges and his 2017 history of Montrose lifeboat station.

He was instrumental in researching and organising celebration around the 525th anniversary of Montrose Port in 2018.

And despite Covid curtailing some activities, John also ensured the community marked the 150th anniversary of Scurdieness lighthouse in 2020.

He has also authored more than 300 articles, mostly on shipping matters, for the Craigie column in The Courier.

For some years he was part of Operation Hornbeam merchant vessel observations at Montrose, a covert nationwide national security focused initiative.

“These examples are simply some highlights of what John has personally achieved to the benefit of Montrose Port Authority and the wider community over the years,” continued Captain Hutchison.

“Without his generous, assiduous approach to keeping our local maritime history alive through maintaining our archives they, quite simply, would not be what they are today.

“This donation will be of huge benefit to maritime community for generations to come.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 19 December 2025