THE TRADE OF ABERDEEN 105 
A speciality is made of the building of trawlers, and other types of 
fishing vessels are also constructed. Of trawlers, the first was built as 
long ago as 1884, and since then hundreds have been constructed and 
outfitted, and there are few important fishing ports of the world in which 
Aberdeen-built trawlers have not operated or in which their reputation 
for sturdy construction and good sea qualities are not known. 
Allied to shipbuilding at Aberdeen is marine engineering, all three 
“aan constructing both engines and boilers for the steam-driven vessels 
ult. 
Ship and machinery repairing is also carried on. There are three 
pontoon docks, the largest 310 ft. long with a lifting power of 5,350 tons, 
owned by the Harbour Commissioners; also three private slipways suitable 
for smaller vessels, and the facilities available are thoroughly modern and 
adequate to the general size of vessel using the port. 
As good examples of the recent work of Aberdeen yards in the building 
of ships may be taken the R.M.S. St. Sunniva, a yacht-like passenger 
vessel, built by Hall, Russell & Co., Ltd., in 1931 for the North of 
Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., which 
is frequently seen in the port ; the large suction dredger Foremost Scot, 
built in 1929 by Alex. Hall & Co., Ltd., for the James Dredging Towage 
and Transport Co., Ltd.; and the Kini, a 230 ft. timber-carrying vessel, 
built in 1930 by John Lewis & Sons, Ltd., for the Union Steamship Co. 
of New Zealand, Ltd. 
Soap.—Aberdeen has always enjoyed a large soap-making trade. At 
the local works of Messrs. Ogston & Tennant, Ltd., one of the oldest 
established soap manufacturers in the country, all kinds of soaps are 
made—household soaps, soft soap, toilet soap, soap flakes, textile and 
laundry soaps, etc. 
Woo.Lens.—At the head of the woollen trade of Aberdeen stands pre- 
eminently the great firm of J. & J. Crombie, Ltd. By gradually adding 
to buildings as their business extended, their works at Grandholm now 
cover many acres, and their factory alone is twice the size of any other 
in the woollen trade in Scotland. The speciality of this important firm 
is the manufacture of high-class overcoatings, and their goods are world- 
renowned. 
The writer begs to acknowledge with thanks his indebtedness to G. M. 
Fraser, Esq., Aberdeen Public Library, for valuable information supplied 
regarding the historical survey of ancient Aberdeen trade and industry and 
to leading firms in Aberdeen and district for the information regarding 
modern Aberdeen industries. 
