Thomas Summers & Co.: Boatbuilders of Fraserburgh

The post-war fishing industry was quick to recover from six years of restricted fishing. In Fraserburgh the three yards of James Noble, J. & G. Forbes of Sandhaven and William Noble had all been producing standard MFVs throughout the war, and afterwards continued to be busy so it wasn't surprising when a new yard, opened by three local men, appeared on the scene. Tommy Summers, Bill Duthie and George McLeman had all served apprentices with James Noble and they set up business as a partnership once they had designed a new boat, drawn out the plans and made the moulds. This was to be a Summer's yole, and she was to be the first of many. Between 1949 and 1964, the yard produced 92 fishing vessels and a couple of yachts. More prolific than Nobles of Girvan or Campeltown Shipyard, and equally renowned for quality, many of these boats survive to this day, some fishing, some converted to pleasure.

MIKE SMYLIE is a maritime historian specialising in the fishing industry. He has written widely on the subject for many books and magazines. He is a founder member of the 40+ Fishing Boat Association and edits their thrice-yearly newsletter Fishing Boats.