St Abbs - Conservation areas

Conservation Area: St Abbs
Conservation Area Statement: The St Abbs Conservation Area covers the majority of the village including the harbour and Northfield House. The harbour was built in 1832 when the Village was then called Northfield Shore.

St Abbs itself was only developed when the Edinburgh brewing company Ushers invested in a fishing station.

The single approach road into the Village at a high level affords a wide panorama of the harbour jetties, fishermen’s houses and workshops.

Important features of the Conservation Area are its coastal location and its harbour; both are essential to the character of the place.

Properties range from single, storey and a half, and two storeys in height. Cottages tend to be centred on Seaview Terrace and the detached and semi-detached properties along Briery Law.

Many of the properties are built hard to the footpath with the exception of along Briery Law, but on the whole they all tend to follow the streetscape.

While the details highlighted are important and contribute greatly to the character of St Abbs they do not do so in isolation.

The use of building materials and architectural details are just as important. Sandstone, whinstone, harling, pantiles and slate all help to form the character.

Architectural details such as transom lights, sash and case windows (though many now lost), margins and in some instance rybats also add to the sense of place.

Any alterations or new development must therefore aim to contribute to the existing character of the Conservation Area.

There are eight listed buildings within the amended Conservation Area.
Designation, adoption and boundary information: Alterations to the St Abbs Conservation Area boundary from that shown in the Berwickshire Village Plan (1995) consist of exclusion of The Rest at Murrayfield and general tidying of the boundary is also proposed so that it follows elements on the ground.
Download boundary map: St Abbs Conservation Area
Contact: Heritage and Design Officer
Online Form: Contact heritage and design officer