| Administrative History | S.S. 'Brilliant' (159 tons), built in 1825 by Laing & Co., Dumbarton; 120x20x12 wooden paddler; maker of engines unknown; driven around on Aberdeen Pier on 12th Dec. 1839; whilst on passage from Leith to Aberdeen, fire broke out and the vessel was burnt out and the Captain lost. The 'Brilliant', along with the S.S. 'Velocity' (built in 1821 by W. Denny & Bros., Dumbarton, engines by Greenhead Foundry Co. Glasgow, wooden paddler; stranded on Aberdeen Pier on 25 October 1848 and became a total loss), were the first steamers built by the Company. |
| Description | Minutes of general and committee meetings of the partners of Aberdeen Leith and Clyde Shipping Company, referring to shipping routes, for example to Leith and Rotterdam, and lists of furnishings that were required for the vessels. Minutes record the transfer, sale and purchase of Company shares and lists of named individuals in receipt of share dividends, with a note of amounts received. Includes reports and decisions, dating from 10 December 1818, made on the extension of trade to Liverpool, and details on the draught, specifications of dimensions and building of a new vessel for this extension. Minutes of 18 December 1820 record the decision to purchase a steam boat into the trade between Aberdeen and Leith, and minutes from March 1824 record details of correspondence made between the owners of the Aberdeen Leith and Clyde Shipping Company (including Mr Robert Duthie, presumably manager) and the owners (including Mr McKain, manager) of the 'Brilliant' Steam Packet, regarding arrangements for the sailing of steam boats during the insuing season. Manuscript and signed by president or vice-president. |