The 'Harbour Voices' project culminated in a series of true story podcasts showcasing and celebrating the lives and livelihoods of the people who call the harbour area of Aberdeen home. They share insights from residents old and new into what it’s like living at the edge of a global port and the North Sea and give voice to those who work in and around the busy harbourside. Aberdeen Harbour sits at the heart of the city centre. It is one of the few cities in the world whose harbour is so central to our heritage, our daily lives, our future and our sense of place.

Aberdeen Harbour was established in 1136 by King David 1 of Scotland. It is the oldest company in the UK. It’s rich archives form part of the city’s UNESCO recognised archives. Two distinct residential communities sit on either side of the mouth of the harbour – Torry in the north and Footdee (known locally as Fittie) to the south. Everyone has a story to tell, or a connection to make, with the Harbour whose history stretches across fishing, ship building, the granite trade that depended on access to the sea and the oil and gas industry which now defines our city and region. The people we interviewed for this podcast series were:

Andy Haines: RNLI volunteer
Natalie Hood: Torry Activist
Campbell Scott: Founder Scot Surf
Ross MacLennan: History Curator: Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums
Carol Monnier: Greyhope Bay
Catherine O’Donnell: The Fittie Bar
Marjory Harper: Professor of History
Dawn Farmer: wild swimmer
Manson Geddes: Merchant Seaman
Amy Benzie: ceramic artist
Keith Young: Engineering Director at the Port of Aberdeen
Katy Kavanagh: Senior Archivist Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives

You can listen to the podcasts here: https://www.openroadltd.com/projects/harbour-voices/

This project was supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund was delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.