RNLI to benefit from sale of Angus shipping expert's extensive book collection
A huge collection of books and periodicals owned by well-known Angus maritime chronicler John Aitken is to go on sale in Montrose on Thursday.
The proceeds from the sale, which will take place at Taylor’s Auction Rooms, will benefit the RNLI.
The vast collection, which was built up over a lifetime’s interest in all matter shipping-related, has been donated by Mr Aitken’s family, who hope that the auction will raise a good amount for the lifeboat charity.
Mr Aitken, who died in January, was an author, former Montrose Port Authority Board member and their Honorary Archivist.
And for over 30 years he was also a weekly columnist for his local newspaper, The Montrose Review and subsequently Angus County Press.
Originally from Perth, John’s interest in shipping was first piqued when his grandfather took him to visit the city’s harbour as a teenager.
He then realised that he could see the ship’s masts from his classroom in Perth Academy, and his fascination with all things maritime grew from there.
The sale will be held at Taylors’ online and in person and Mr Aitken’s family hopes the sale will appeal to a wide audience both in the UK and overseas.
Katrina Candy, John’s youngest daughter, said: “Our father dedicated most of his life to researching, drawing and writing about ships and shipping and through that deep interest had established contacts across the UK and overseas,” said
“We hope that the sale of his books will be of interest to many shipping enthusiasts and collectors and that through the auction we can raise vital funds for Montrose RNLI – a charity which our dad was a great supporter of.”
Scott Murray RNLI Montrose Coxswain said: “John was well known among our crew and a valued friend of the station.
“Over the years, he supported the RNLI in numerous ways, including generously sharing his research an writing expertise to author a history of the RNLI in Montrose.
“We are, and always will be, deeply grateful for the dedication and skills he so kindly gave to the RNLI. We also extend our sincere thanks to his family for their generosity in arranging this auction in the RNLI’s name.”