Here we will share links to sources of information that we have found useful for research into many aspects of vernacular harbours. The lists will be updated as the project progresses so please get in touch if you can suggest a useful link to add.
Archives, Libraries and Websites covering Scotland:
National Library of Scotland: as well as being a UK copyright library with many rare early books, it also has a collection of manuscripts, directories, maps, and a good online catalogue.
National Records of Scotland: this is the national archives in Edinburgh, that has changed its name over the years, and its acronyms from SRO to NAS to NRS. It has a good online catalogue and among much else contains a superb collection of customs records.
RCAHMS (Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland): historical photographs, plans, maps and archaeological reports on harbours.
School of Scottish Studies Archive, University of Edinburgh: sound recordings, photographs and documents relating to fishing communities, customs and traditions.
Scottish Fisheries Museum: Historic photographs, census records, local reports and studies, genealogies, fishing industry records, secondary literature relating to the fishing industry.
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/: geneaology site
http://www.ports.org.uk/index.asp Site which lists over 950 UK harbours, more than half of which are in Scotland, with descriptions and photographs of each.
Scotland’s People: http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/
Scran (Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network): http://www.scran.ac.uk/
Resources of particular relevance to Fife:
Fife Council Archive Centre: historic photographs, trades directories, newspaper archives etc.
Fife Libraries: Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Cupar and Methil have access to local history material and free or discounted web access to related sites.
Fife Family History Society: has a Family History Room in Methil Library, which holds many primary sources such as Fife Old Parish Registers and Census Returns on microfilm. They also publish local research.
St Andrews University Library: good general university library with some significant manuscripts including surviving records of the former Fife royal burghs.
Selected Bibliographies:
In addition, we have drawn up some suggestions for reading on the project themes (available as pdfs for download):
Harbour Building, Modification and Conservation
