Johnshaven

Summary

Johnshaven is a coastal village along the North Sea located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. About 2 miles (3 km) southwest of Johnshaven lies Milton Ness, which includes a red sandstone cliff landform.[2]

Johnshaven
Johnshaven from the A92 road
Johnshaven is located in Aberdeenshire
Johnshaven
Johnshaven
Location within Aberdeenshire
Population640 (mid-2020 est.)[1]
OS grid referenceNO795670
Council area
Lieutenancy area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townMONTROSE
Postcode districtDD10
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland
56°47′43″N 2°20′08″W / 56.79528°N 2.33556°W / 56.79528; -2.33556
Johnshaven harbour

The flax industry, sailmaking and fishing have historically been an integral part of Johnshaven life and economy.

Johnshaven has a primary school.[3]

Ancient history edit

Some of the nearest Bronze Age archaeological recoveries are situated somewhat to the north near Stonehaven at the Fetteresso[4] and Spurryhillock[5] sites.

Harbour edit

By 1847 the natural inlet near the village had been protected by "high water rocks" deposited to offer protection[6] Not until 1871 was the first harbour created: the enclosed area now to the north side. This was adapted in 1884 creating a breach in the southern breakwater to create an inner harbour, and only this double barrier offered Johnshaven protection from the harsh North Sea too which it is highly exposed. Due to multiple rocks flanking the harbour entrance, the harbour is frequently hazardous in bad weather.[7]

Local media edit

Alongside the commercial enterprise of the local newspaper, The Mearns Leader, Johnshaven has a Local Community Radio Station in Mearns FM.[8] Broadcasting from nearby Stonehaven in the Townhall, Mearns FM helps to keep Johnshaven up to date with local and charity events, as well as playing a little music. Staffed completely by volunteers, Mearns FM is run as a not for profit organisation, broadcasting under a Community Radio licence, with a remit to provide local focus news events and programming. Jointly funded by local adverts and local and national grants, Mearns FM has one of the largest listening areas of any Community Radio Station owing to the Mearns' distributed population. Mearns FM was set up to try to bring these distant communities together.[9]

Community groups edit

Johnshaven contains many prominent community groups.[10]

Benholm and Johnshaven Community Council holds its monthly meetings in Johnshaven village hall on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.[11]

SHARK a small environmental group aims to promote and protect the wildlife and habitats of the local area.[12]

The Johnshaven Parish Church building (Church of Scotland) was put up for sale in summer 2015.[13] For a number of years, the congregation had been united with St Cyrus, to form Mearns Coastal Parish Church.[14] This parish also includes the historic parishes of Benholm and Garvock. Every summer a hugely popular Holiday Club is run in the village hall.[15]

Transport edit

Johnshaven was served by Johnshaven railway station, on the Montrose and Bervie Railway from 1865 to 1951. The town is today accessed off the A92 coast road that connects Fife and Stonehaven, where it joins the A90 and continues northward to Aberdeen and beyond. Stagecoach run two bus routes that serve Johnshaven; the X7 Coastrider that stops outside Johnshaven on the A92, and the 107 which also serves the hub of the village too.

References edit

  1. ^ "Mid-2020 Population Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland". National Records of Scotland. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. ^ North Sea Pilot and Admiralty Notices (1885) Part One, with Supplement, Admiralty Hydrogr. Dept., Original pub. by Oxford University
  3. ^ "Karen is new head teacher at Dunnottar". Mearnsleader.co.uk. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  4. ^ C. Michael Hogan (2008).
  5. ^ Archibald Watt (1985).
  6. ^ "Johnshaven Harbour | Canmore".
  7. ^ "Johnshaven Harbour | Canmore".
  8. ^ "Mearns FM - From Mountain To Sea". Mearnsfm.org.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  9. ^ Mearns FM launch release
  10. ^ "Welcome to Johnshaven.com". Johnshaven.com. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  11. ^ "Private Site". Benholmandjohnshaven.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  12. ^ "SHARK - About us". Shark-johnshaven.btck.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  13. ^ "Johnshaven Church and hall put up for sale for £75,000". Press & Journal. 17 July 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  14. ^ "Mearns Coastal Parish Church".
  15. ^ [1][dead link]

Sources edit

  • C.Michael Hogan. 2008. Fetteresso Fieldnotes, The Modern Antiquarian
  • Johnshaven. 1977. United Kingdom Ordnance Survey, ISBN 0-319-10299-8
  • Archibald Watt. 1985. Highways and Byways around Kincardineshire, Stonehaven Heritage Society