(L to R) - ‘Postie’ Watt in his gig; merchant/post master George (Geordie) Forrest; Johnny Brand and his dog ‘Princey’.  Johnny Brand, a veteran of the Crimean War, came to Collieston in 1894 to work as a diver during the construction of the Pier.  The photograph was most likely taken circa 1920.

It is very unlikely that the postman in his gig is 'Postie Watt' as the family didn't come to Collieston from Birse until the mid 20s.  Thanks to Danny Watt for the update.

 

The mystery of the identity of the postman in the gig has been solved.

'The photo for this month shows William Watt, my great-grandfather.  Postie Willie Watt was born in Drumoak in 1851, and grew up in Kintore. As a young man he moved to Slains, (as a gardener, according to Slains Church records) and was precentor in the Church in 1875, before the organ was installed.  He worked with the Post Office Team based in Ellon, and in 1878, married Ann Greig, the daughter of a farm servant from Mains of Leask. I believe there was another Postie Watt at Collieston at a much later date, but having met a relative of the later Postie Watt about five years ago, I feel fairly sure that the two Posties were not from the same family.'  Thank you to Mary Williamson for the above information.
Abbie and Islay Stott in the Village Shop.
Abbie and Islay with family and friends at close of business on 26th September 2009.

         Colour photos provided by ©Ken Ingram and ©Lynda Page
 

The well-appointed granite building was built in 1886 as a Bank and Bank Manager’s house but because of the decline in the fishing industry in Collieston it never functioned as such.  It would appear to have lain empty for a few years until it became established as the Village Shop and Post Office in 1895. 

 

George (Geordie) Forrest, the first merchant/post master of Collieston, moved to the prestigious new premises from his original shop which was situated at the top of the Harbour Road at the place known locally as ‘The Deal’ (pronounced Dell). This was where the catch of fish was traditionally shared or dealt out. It was said that at Geordie’s shop you could buy anything from a needle to an anchor! After Geordie Forrest retired, the Nicol Family took over. First of all, Hugh, and then his son, Harold, ran the Village Shop and Post Office until 1961 when young newlyweds, Abbie and Islay Stott, bought the business. 

Islay, already a Post Office employee, became the new Postmistress, a position which she held until December 2008 when the Collieston branch was closed and replaced with an outreach service.  For the following nine months Abbie and Islay continued to run the Village Shop until Saturday 26th September 2009 when they both retired and the shop closed its door for the last time, thus marking the end of an era in Collieston.

Best Wishes to Abbie and Islay for a Long and Happy Retirement.

 

Any further information about the Shop/Post Office would be most welcome.

If you are able to help or wish to have any of your photos featured in the months ahead please e-mail colliestononline@yahoo.co.uk