510 years in business
23rd February 2008 Aberdeen-based removals and storage company, The Shore Porters’ Society, is this year celebrating an incredible milestone – the end of the firm’s first decade of its sixth century in business.
Established back in 1498 – the same year as Christopher Columbus first landed on the South American continent – the organisation has witnessed dramatic changes in the world and indeed has evolved significantly itself since its inception 510 years ago.
At the time the Society was formed, wheeled vehicles had yet to be introduced and the main tool for transporting goods – the sling lift – involved placing items on to a pole which was then carried on the shoulders of men.
Thankfully for the staff at Shore Porters, horse-drawn furniture vans soon emerged, allowing the Society to travel significantly longer distances and undertake more work, and so for many years the company’s large, brightly painted vehicles were a common sight on the roads heading to places in the North-east such as Banchory, Stonehaven and Ellon.
The company has grown significantly over the years – from its early days, when it only operated locally, to its current day position as an internationally renowned firm, operating globally with a strong network of agents in countries across of the world.
Over the years the Society has consistently led the way in introducing mechanical and technological innovations to the North of Scotland, having the distinction of owning the first motorised lorry in the Aberdeen area to be fitted with pneumatic tyres, as well as being one of the first organisations locally to install a telephone in its office back in 1881.
Traditionally, Shore Porters employees also played a key role in the local community – acting as policemen and firemen, and officiating at funerals, as well as carrying out their daily duties.
Graham Burnett, the longest serving of the current, working Shore Porters partners, says he is delighted the company has reached such a significant milestone and is looking forward to an equally successful future for the organisation.
He said: “To reach 510 years in business is an incredible achievement and all the staff are very proud to be part of the company as it reaches this fantastic anniversary. It’s a great opportunity for us to take stock of the valuable contribution Shore Porters has made to the local area, while working away at the heart of the community.
“As we celebrate this historical milestone, we also look forward to a bright and prosperous future and hopefully another 510 years of successfully moving goods across the globe.”
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