In 1797 Portgordon, or more precisely Port Gordon, was the third new village
to be founded by Alexander 4th Duke of Gordon. This was some twenty years
after the establishment of Tomintoul and Fochabers and gave them all
important access to the sea. Stones shipped from Lossiemouth were used in the
construction of the harbour and for many years it was a more important port
than Buckie. Apart from fishing there was a considerable trade in the export of
grain from the hinterland and the import of salt, coal and bones for processing
into fertiliser.

Not surprisingly, almost 100 years later, the harbour was unfit for purpose and
was totally reconstructed and enlarged to accommodate the increased number
of boats registered at Portgordon. This time it was under the auspices of Charles
Gordon-Lennox, 6th Duke of Richmond. It was to be another hundred years
before the next improvement came.

•This time in the shape of the 69th Gurkha Independent Field Squadron who
addressed the major decay to the historic structure. The Moray Firth Coast
Railway came to Portgordon in 1886 increasing transportation for business and
work opportunities. Shipbuilding in nearby Kingston had almost petered out by
the beginning of the 1900s and the years 1903 – 1915 may be regarded as the
golden age of boat building in Portgordon.

•Steam drifters were in great demand and the village was a hive of industry. Not
only boats, but many substantial houses were built reflecting the increased
prosperity and shops and public houses flourished. Most households in Port
Gordon did not benefit from electricity until 1940s or 50s. this resulted in its
dubious title ‘Paraffin City’.

•The community however warmed to this and in 2001 happily chose the name
“The Lampie Hoose” for the community hub housed in the historic building in
Gordon Square. Through it all – the ups and downs of village life – Portgordon
has retained its school, central to the community where education for all has
been paramount and lifelong friendships have been forged.