Keith Forbes Milne

Occupancy & Contact Details

• Keith lived in C1 Brook Lane, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire from 1881.
  
  
  He lived in Mazenthien, Peterhead Whaler from 1871.

  • Occupancy/Contact Notes
    • It is with feelings of regret that the gradual decadence and ultimate demise of the Peterhead whale and seal fishing industry are recorded. At one time it was the principal industry of the town; now it is remembered only by name. Its death came only after a gallant fight for life, but even when it seemed to be in the heyday of success it was undermining itself. The industry lasted little over a hundred years and its palmy days were mostly before 1850, and although after that date princely fortunes were made, they were the exception, not the rule. More vessels were employed after 1850 than before, but the fishing was overdone. It strangled itself. Also the working and outfit of the vessels became gradually more expensive. Wages were raised, and steam introduced. In 1865 the Windward - sold later away from Peterhead and wrecked in 1907 in Davis’ Straits - and the Mazenthien - wrecked in the South Bay on March 17th, 1883 - were fitted up with steam, the first of the Peterhead whalers to effect this questionable improvement.