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Rothesay Pier and its Origins The present Rothesay pier can be traced back to
1752, and although various quays existed prior to this they were of poor
construction. The new quay ran seaward from the foot of Watergate along
the line of what is now called the old pier, then curved eastwards, approximately
where the entrance to the inner harbour is and terminated under the east
end of the present pier. Incoming boats were encouraged to carry stones
on board their vessels to assist in the construction of the new pier and
this would exempt them from harbour dues.In 1834 a drawbridge was erected between the two quays at the entrance to the inner harbour at a cost of £258.17/- It is difficult to appreciate today that the front, from the Promenade sea wall to a point between Victoria Street and Montague Street is reclaimed land. In 1839/40 work began where a sizable boat building yard and graving slip were established immediately to the west of the new quay. Both business's proved unsuccessful ventures and were closed in 1872 and 1874 respectively. These sites were later incorporated into the promenade which had been built at the west end in 1869. Between 1860 and 1865 the protective stone breastwork, which developed into the Albert Pier was built. The wooden section was added in 1908/09. In 1884, new pier buildings were constructed to replace the old wooden buildings.  The new buildings incorporated a central feature, a square clock tower, which
accommodated the Harbourmasters office at first floor level and was adorned
with small baronial turrets at each of the corners; sadly these were removed
in 1936 due to woodworm. The ground floor of the tower was open to the front
and rear providing a covered entrance passage opposite the draw-bridge.The
extension had a glass roof and w
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