Changes made Thurso's Rotterdam Street less of a 'Black Gutter'
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Thurso's Heritage by a Thirsa Loon
I couldn’t think of what to write for this article, so I shut my eyes, circled a finger, and plonked it down on a map. Wherever it landed would be the topic of this article. So, Rotterdam Street it is!
While the name reminds us of Thurso’s extensive trade with the continent, it also went by another less flattering title. Commonly known as the Black Gutter, the name suggests that its condition wasn’t exactly first-rate.
This street was part of the old town of Thurso and connected it to the new. In 1835, the town council decided that the road needed an overhaul with it cleaned and widened. This was also “for the benefit of strangers and improving the trade”.
Among the properties on the street was one which was dilapidated. But it took 21 years before the council could purchase it and finally begin the clean-up scheme.
Like today, it contained various businesses. Around two centuries ago, those who operated from the street included William Manson, a writer (lawyer); David Robeson, a fish curer, and Benjamin Murray, who owned the Star Inn.
I should mention that Rotterdam Street has a history connected to printing and publishing. The street was home to the first Caithness Courier office, Thurso’s second newspaper, which began in 1866 under William Wood Docherty.
A few years later, other traders included bookseller Benjamin Waters and shoemakers William Sutherland and nearby, James Swanson. William Waters multi-tasked, having his fish curers and butchers in the street, possibly both from the same shop.
Plus, there was another drinking establishment called Stewarts Inn, run by Margaret Stewart. I could list a few other businesses, but it would take up too much space. In 1875, the Post Office moved opposite the National Bank (now the council office). The new location was much “healthier and more convenient for the officials”.
In 1888 Halfpenny’s Glass and China Warehouse opened in the shop previously used by John Couper, draper. Owned by Patrick Halfpenny and his wife Elizabeth (née Graham) they also purchased rags and hides until Patrick died in 1892, with Elizabeth discontinuing this side of the business.
Speaking of drapers, James Shearer (father of Fred Shearer) proudly advertised his “telephonic communication” through the warehouse. He reminded customers that “short accounts make long friends”. In 1921, there was a suggestion for incorporating Rotterdam Street into the High Street, but it failed to materialise.
Just over 50 years later, in 1973, another proposal was made as part of Phase 4 of the town’s redevelopment. This was to build an imposing three-storey block, designed by Thurso architect James Campbell on the corner of Rotterdam Street and Olrig Street. This redevelopment would eventually see Rotterdam Street and part of High Street pedestrianised.
While Jim Smith, principal planner for the Highland Regional Council, wished to feature more Caithness flagstone, the cost’s saw the use of cheaper concrete blocks.
As part of the plan, a number of old buildings in the area were demolished. The YMCA was one to meet its fate, though some, like its neighbour, the fondly remembered gift and toy shop of Jessie Allans, survived. While the appearance of the street has somewhat changed from these renovations, it still follows the basic plan before, with commercial premises on the ground floor and the residential above.
- To get in touch, contact thursoheritage1@gmail.com
