Scotch Derrick Crane
AssociatedAssociated with
John A Sangster
Date1900-1914
Object Namecrane
Mediumwood, iron, lead paint
ClassificationsGranite Industry
DimensionsOverall (Jib Length): 8400mm
AcquisitionTransferred in 2019 from Aberdeenshire Museums.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS095625
About MeThe crane was made in Aberdeen and was installed around 1900 at a granite yard in Bogie Street, Huntly. This was the time that William Boddie took over from the previous occupant, another stonemason, James M’Currach, who had been there since the 1880’s. When Boddie took possession of the yard he immediately set out to improve it by adding sheds and purchasing equipment. After its installation at Bogie Street, Huntly, the crane was to remain a fixture for decades until the closure of the yard around 1990. The crane is rated at 15cwt (although it can lift much more) and is one of Sangster’s hand cranked models. This type of crane was once widespread in the granite yards and quarries that dotted the landscape of the North East and well beyond. The main mast and stays are made of wood, whilst the crank and gearing, couplings and pulleys are all cast iron. The jib carries the manufacturers plate and the rating of the crane.
This may be the last example of such an Aberdeen designed and built crane of this type in existence.
John A Sangster
mid 20th Century
