The Scottish herring fishery 1800–1914: Development and intensification of a pattern of resource use

Abstract

Abstract The herring fishery in Scotland during the period 1800–1914 grew from limited beginnings to a large‐scale activity which dominated almost all the fishing communities in the country. This was made possible by the existence of a favourable resource base, together with a series of developments in the fishery — in boats, harbours, catching, curing and marketing. Involved too was much increased mobility on the part of fishermen, curers and shore workers as the fishery expanded to encompass most of the coasts of the British Isles.