18/04/2026
AT LAST - THE PRESS RELEASE FOR THE BOOK - with plenty of information for you all.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Book uncovers the dramatic Human History behind Stonehaven’s iconic Harbour
Local historian and Tolbooth Museum volunteer David Fleming has released a definitive new history of Stonehaven Harbour, but readers shouldn't expect a dry list of dates. "The People of Stonehaven Harbour" brings to life the smugglers, prisoners, engineers, and everyday heroes who shaped the town’s waterfront over the centuries.
While the harbour is now a peaceful spot for a coffee or a walk, Fleming’s research reveals a much more turbulent past. The book highlights remarkable stories that have been tucked away in archives for years, including secret baptisms by clergymen imprisoned in the Tolbooth, a miracle survival and the legacy of the Stevensons, the famous engineering family.
” I’ve spent years talking to visitors at the Tolbooth Museum,” said Mr Fleming. “I realized that while people love the view, they often don't know the incredible struggle it took to build and maintain the harbour. I wanted to write something that honoured the people — the fishermen, the publicans, the stonemasons, and the families who lived and worked on the piers.”.
"The People of Stonehaven Harbour" is an essential read for locals and visitors alike, featuring over 200 pages of painstaking research, rare historical photographs, and modern maps that anchor the past in the present day.
Notes to Editors:
• Author: David Fleming is a long-standing volunteer at the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum and a local history enthusiast.
• After graduating from St Andrews, David Fleming has had a career in Information Management in a very wide variety of organisations, finishing up as Senior Auditor for Information Governance with the Audit Commission in London. He has lived in Stonehaven since 2001. He was Chairman of the Stonehaven & District Community Council and then Secretary of Stonehaven Town Partnership. He was appointed as Buildings Convenor for St James Episcopal Church and masterminded the permanent Exhibition there. He was awarded the BEM for services to the community in the King’s 2024 Honours.
• Availability: The book, at £10.00, is available for purchase
• In Stonehaven
But ‘n’ Ben – Cameron Street
Giulianotti’s –Evan Street
The Panini Shop – Barclay Street
Cool Gourmet – High Street
Ship Inn – Shorehead
Marine Hotel – Shorehead
Old Pier Café – Old Pier
• In Banchory
Yeadon’s
• In Aberdeen
Michie’s, Union Street
Somerville’s, Rosemount Viaduct
