|
Home
|
Alexander Birnie & Margaret Findlater
Created 6 March 2010 K.W. Birnie with RootsMagic Genealogy Software |
Birnie Bridge
Wellbank Birnies
Alexander Birnie of Peterhead: Ship Builders of Broome Western Austrailia.
He was one of the largest fleet builders in the Broome pearling industry and he is credited with being the builder (owner) of four pearling schooners at Broome, namely, Dora and M.S.W. in 1898, Peggy in 1903 and Culvulla also in 1903. His Schooner, The Ivy, was lost at sea, and becomes an intregal part of the Birnie history.
The Peterhead Golf Course (abridged)
For over a hundred years the inhabitants had been granted permission to play golf on Craigewan Links. In 1906 the Feuar's Mangers purchased the Links, extending it to 101 acres. They purchased it from Colonel George Ferguson of Pitfour. It also included the ferry service across the Ugie, and the right to build a bridge. Subsequently, it was leased to the Peterhead Golf Club and the lease it stipulated that the public should have free access to the Links for walking and recreation, and it should provide services in the interests of the community. In 1919, the farm of Mains of Inverugie was also purchased by the Feuar's Managers, and then the additional 55 acres was leased to the Golf Club.
However, back in 1907, the Managers had considered replacing the ferry with the construction of a bridge. But year after year, with the usual endless committees, they considered and considered the perfect site for construction. Finally, in June 1924, Mr Alexander Birnie of Wellbank proposed, that in memory of his father, he would bear the cost of constructing a bridge across the Ugie. It was also agreed that the bridge would be dedicated to his father, George Birnie, the long time Peterhead Harbour Manger. Thus the "George Birnie Memorial Bridge" was completed with a contribution from Mr Birnie of 2,000 pounds, together with a grant from the Unemployments Committe of 728 pounds. The original bridge was replaced and rededicated in
Mr Alexander Birnie, The Pearl King
Naturally, there is a story that accompanies Peterhead's well respected benefactor. . . . . . . .
As a young man, Alex Birnie was engaged in the pearl industry in Western Australia where he had an adventurous career, and was indeed very successfull. He amassed Luggers and Schooners, and was also the master of The Ivy, a 60 tonne schooner used as a tender to supply his fleet near the Lacepede Islands. On 26th of Novevember 1896, He left Broome bound for Pender Bay, and within a hour of high water struck a reef. At the following low tide they attempted to repair the damage (keel) and waited for high tide to hopefully beech the schooner. Unfortunately, without notice, the planks burst and she suddenly filled with water, and sank in 7 fathoms just ofshore. It sank too fast to launch their whale boat, and the crew was left clutching the rigging on the main mast. Finally, after several hours of baking in the sun, they recovered the whale boat, and in a weakened condition made for shore. Luckily, the crew, fearing centain death, were rescued by a Japanese boat searching for turtles.
When he retired form his adventures at pearl diving, Mr Birnie retured to Peterhead and purchased the estate at Wellbank. Alex (1862-1944) and Jean (1865-1947) were "loved by all that met their acquaintance" and the community respect for their financial and social generousity, "without fuss or ostentation" is highly praised in Peterhead's history.
When visiting Peterhead, remember your camera, rent some sticks, enjoy the game!