History

The Shore Porters Society began as a group of porters, or ‘Pynours’ who worked at Aberdeen Harbour and formed, for their mutual protection, what must be one of the oldest co-operatives in existence.

In 1666 the Superannuated Members Fund, or Property and Warehousing Department, was founded as one of two distinct trading units to provide for retired and sick partners. The other unit was known as the General Haulage Department, the Horse and Van Department, or simply the Working Department.

For centuries the Society was a semi-public body under the control of Aberdeen Town Council, but by 1850 – the year before the Great Exhibition – it was completely independent.

The Shore Porters Society trades as International Removers and operates out of Aberdeen and Richmond upon Thames, Surrey, with a fleet of 30 lorries and vans.

Our Removals business is a renowned market leader, carrying out household removals of all sizes both nationally and internationally. We are proud of our 25-year association with the major auction houses, and every day on their behalf we transport antiques and works of art to destinations near and far. We also have a long-established relationship with the oil and gas industry, organising regular personnel moves to and from Aberdeen, the Oil Capital of Europe.

The Property and Warehousing Department now has 11 warehouses in Aberdeen, storing a vast range of commercial and personal items and two in Richmond upon Thames, Surrey, for personal items only, of all sizes and shapes.

Our newest facility is a warehouse which provides unrivaled commercial storage options for businesses across the north-east of Scotland.

Located in the very heart of the Granite City, the warehouse is ideally situated for storing items which are being shipped to and from its vibrant port.