A portrait of "Davie Do a' thing", the nickname of David Anderson of Finzeauch.

Anderson earned his nickname by his skill at mechanics. Joseph Robertson in The Book of Bon-Accord records how in 1610 Anderson removed a large rock known as "Knock Maitland" or "Craig Metellan" that had long obstructed the entry to the city's harbour.

Anderson is said to have floated a large raft made of empty casks out to the rock and fastened it underneath while the tide was low, when the tide rose it lifted the rock and vessel allowing Anderson to sail both into the harbour.

David Anderson died young on 9th October 1629 and was buried on the south side of the entrance to the Old Kirk.

Location

Aberdeen

Keyword

Portraits

Photographer