Drowning tragedy at Aberdeen beach

Melancholy Accident. - On Thursday last, two fine young men, David Watson, and David Greig, cartwrights, each about 25 years of age, were unfortunately drowned while bathing in the sea here.  David Greig had come out of the water, and was in the act of dressing himself, when he observed Watson struggling for his life; and rushing in to his assistance, lost his life in the humane attempt to save his fellow-workman.  There were several people on the beach, one of whom went in, and extended his hand to the sufferer, who attempting to grasp him by the neck, he was, for his own safety, obliged to abandon him to his fate.  Another lad went in, and threw the safety rope, kept by the proprietor of the Bathing Machines, towards the spot, but without effect; both the lads had already sunk under water, and were unable to see it.  The many accidents of this nature which we have occasion to notice, prove strongly the extreme danger of bathing on our beach, at low water, where the bottom is very uneven, and shelving into numberless holes.  The body of Watson was got out soon after the accident; and the usual means applied by a medical gentleman, to restore animation; but in vain.  The body of his unfortunate companion was not found until Monday night.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 12th August 1818.

Accidental drowning at Belhelvie

The following melancholy accident happened on the sands opposite to Belhelvie, on Sunday morning last:- Hugh Sherriffs, a fine stout boy of 13 years of age, the son of a respectable widow woman of that parish, and the chief hope of her family, had gone in to bathe, at nearly low water, at a projecting point of sand, and getting immediately beyond his depth, was carried off by the force of the tide; and although there were several country lads bathing not far off, no effectual assistance could be given, as none of them could swim.  As soon as the accident was known, the nearest salmon cobles were procured, and the country people flocked down with laudable humanity, to give their assistance to search for the body, but it has not yet been found.  It is hoped, that if the body be found anywhere along the coast, it may be cared for, and immediate notice sent to his friends, that it may be restored to his afflicted mother, for interment, which would be the greatest consolation to her.  The boy was stout made, and had short red hair.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 28th August 1816.

NEWBIGGING, NEAR STONEHAVEN

To be Let for such number of years, from Whitsunday 1815, as may be agreed upon:

THE HOUSE and OFFICES of NEWBIGGING, as occupied by Mr WILLIAM DONALDSON, with KITCHEN GARDEN, and such quantity of LAND as may be desired by a Tenant.  The House, which is neat and in good repair, and fit for the accommodation of a small family - is pleasantly situated in the neighbourhood of Stonehaven, commanding a view of the Bay, and surrounding country, and united to the advantages of a rural situation; the conveniences afforded by vicinity to a market town, good schools, and fishing station; excellent sea bathing, and daily Mail and Stage coaches.  The Land not set apart for the accommodation of the Tenant of the House, will be Let in Lots of from 4 to 7 acres each.

Apply to Mr CHRISTIAN, Stonehaven.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 3rd August 1814.