Auction of John Aitkens maritime collection to support RNLI
RNLI Montrose is reflecting on the lasting contribution of local maritime historian and author John Aitken as his extensive collection of books and maritime publications is set to be auctioned in support of Montrose lifeboat station.
Well known throughout the maritime community, John served on the Board of Montrose Port Authority from 1994 to 2005 before becoming the organisation's Honorary Archivist. His knowledge of local shipping history was widely respected, and for many years he shared that expertise through his regular Shipping Lines articles in the Montrose Review.
For RNLI Montrose, John will also be remembered as the author of the station's history book, documenting the stories of the lifeboats, volunteer crews and generations of lifesaving service in the town. His meticulous research helped preserve an important part of Montrose's maritime heritage for future generations.
Scott Murray, RNLI Montrose Coxswain, said:
"John was a great friend of the station and someone whose passion for maritime history was evident to everyone who knew him. He dedicated countless hours to researching and documenting the history of Montrose's lifeboats and crews, creating a lasting record that will continue to be valued for many years to come.
"His knowledge was extraordinary, but equally important was his willingness to share it. Through his writing and research, John helped preserve stories that might otherwise have been lost. We are grateful for everything he contributed to the station and to the wider maritime community."
The collection being auctioned reflects a lifetime spent studying ships, ports, lifeboats and maritime affairs. It includes hundreds of books and publications covering shipping history and related subjects, many of which were used by John during his research and writing.
The auction will take place at Taylors Auction House, Montrose, on Thursday 25 June and will be available both in person and online. The sale is expected to attract interest from shipping enthusiasts and collectors from across the UK and beyond.
RNLI Montrose extends its sincere thanks to John's family for choosing to support the charity through the sale and for helping ensure that his passion for maritime history continues to benefit others.
Notes to editors
• John Aitken served on the Board of Montrose Port Authority from 1994 to 2005 and later became Honorary Archivist.
• He authored the RNLI Montrose Lifeboat Station history book.
• He contributed maritime history articles to the Montrose Review for many years.
• The auction of his maritime book collection will take place at Taylors Auction House, Montrose, on Thursday 25 June.
• Proceeds from the sale will support RNLI Montrose.
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Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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