History

Discovering Collieston’s Fishing Heritage

Collieston, once a thriving fishing community, declined after the construction of its pier in 1894 caused sand build-up. Consequently, many fishing families relocated to Torry, Aberdeen.

For older fishermen and their wives who stayed in the village, fishing was central to their lives. Collieston became known for speldings, or split and dried haddock and whiting, attracting day trippers and holidaymakers to its Bakery and Refreshment Rooms for “Spelding Tea” and takeaways.