Sharing decades of maritime passion

VAST SHIPPING ARCHIVE DONATED TO LIBRARY

- STAFF REPORTER

Archive donation John has split his vast collection of photographs and documents between the archives at AK Bell Library in Perth and Angus Archives so that others can benefit from his lifetime passion. Life-long passion John has dedicated years of his life to maritime history and ongoing matters across the region

A Perth-born ship enthusiast and maritime chronicler is to bequeath his expansive shipping archives which span decades to the people of Tayside and beyond.

An ex-Montrose Port Authority Board member and their current Honorary Archivist, John Aitken has been an invaluable part of the East of Scotland and wider maritime community for the greater part of his life.

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 that he could see the ship's masts from his classroom in Perth Academy, and his fascination with all things maritime grew from there.

The father of four who frequently travelled around the globe as a Director with Dundee Chamber of Commerce, and latterly as an oil industry representative (following a move to Montrose with his family in 1978) always found a connection to shipping on his travels and would frequently correspond with like-minded enthusiasts from many different countries upon his return home.