Accidental deaths of Peterhead quarriers

On Thursday last, Alexander Watson and John Mann, quarriers, were unfortunately killed by the explosion of a stone, while charging it, in the intended Graving Dock, at the North Harbour of Peterhead.  Both have left widows to deplore their loss.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 23rd September 1818.

Robert MacDonald

Today we reflect on the tragic event which claimed the life of Robert MacDonald, Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.  Robert, aged 39, was one of hundreds of casualties following an explosion on board the minelayer “Princess Irene” on 27^th May 1915 at Sheerness in Kent.  Although not named on the Portsoy town memorial, he is commemorated on the family gravestone in Portsoy cemetery, which identifies his parents as Robert MacDonald and Margaret Burgess.  Robert is also remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.