Granton sur Mer

Stopped at Granton to make the most of the glorious summer evening.

The development of Granton came about through the need for a harbour. This was a harbour for import and export of goods. The fishing needs of the area were met by the neighbouring village of Newhaven. The hamlet developed with the building of Granton Harbour which was begun in 1836 by the 5th Duke of Buccleuch. Lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson oversaw construction, which was completed in 1863, although part of the harbour was open by 1838.

Granton became a successful port for the export of coal, and import of esparto grass for making paper. The fishing fleet grew considerably, leading to the development of an ice house in the late 19th century, to the west of the harbour. There were some 80 fishing trawlers resident just before World War II. The first example of the fossil crustacean Waterstonella was found in the Granton shrimp beds by the keeper of geology at the Royal Scottish Museum, Dr. Charles Waterstone. The foreshore area between Granton and Newhaven is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) aimed at encouraging and preserving the resource of fossils in the area.