TAMH: History

Arbroath

Shipbuilding: Alexander Stephen 1828-43

Source: Stephen of Linthouse, Carvel 1952

Despite the problems coming with the Arbroath yard, the Aberdeen business had outgrown its facilities and in 1830, Alexander closed it to concentrate on Arbroath. He soon acquired more space there with the acquisition of another failed yard. He introduced innovations: steam engines for the sawmill and a joiners' shop, building 33 ships and repairing many more. One novel alteration was to one of his own ships in the timber trade, the Leipzig, cut in two in 1841 and lengthened by thirteen feet (see painting).

Trade was suffering, partly due to the Corn Laws, and Dundee jute manufacturers were selling below cost. Shipbuilding there slumped. Stephen, though, saw the chance to acquire failed yards to build larger ships which he did with the inauguration of the Panmure shipyard in 1843. Another incentive to move was the new railway passing through his Arbroath yard. Although compensation was paid, the working area was drastically reduced.

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