History of the cottage
As you will see below, the house has been in the family for almost 200 years and it has a rich history. Thank you to David Waiter who gave us the history of this wonderful house.
1820 - 1960
Johnshaven Harbour, Circa 1900
George Wood, who came from Portlethen, originally bought the Cottage at 4 Anchor Lane. He bought the house around 1820-1830. His daughter Jane married Andrew Simpson in 1888. They had five children, four daughters and one son. They lived in Anchor Lane until Andrew died in 1937. Jane Simpson (nee Wood) died in 1941. Andrew Simpson junior inherited the property in 1941. The house lay empty for a few years until Andrew sold it to David McBay, who married Mary Simpson (daughter of Andrew senior) who used it as a fishing gear store.
1960 - 2020
Anchor Lane, 2017
They then sold it to Robert Waiter in 1959, who was married to Margaret Simpson (daughter of the above Andrew senior). Renovations started in 1959 with Robert Waiter and sons Jock, Andy, David and Bert. The house was in a run-down condition. The work involved replacing the roof, installing running water and electricity. Margaret Waiter died in 1968. Her eldest daughter Mary Jane came to live with her father until he died in 1974. Margaret left Mary Jane the house, and she lived there till her death in 1975. Mary Jane left Anchor Lane to be used as a holiday house for the family. Andy Waiter, who lived in Johnshaven, took over the caretaking duties of the house until ill health made him unable to carry on.
2021- Present
New render, September 2021
David Waiter then took over the duties until He then set up a Trust with Trustees appointed so the house could continue as a family holiday house. The Trustees were grandsons Robert Waiter and Martin Dear. In 2022, Martin and Robert, with the help of many members of the family, renovated the house to bring it up to modern standards ensuring many happy family holidays in the future.