Manuscript copy, 1819, of the 'Specification of the proposed Catch Pier for Cullen Harbour' by the civil engineer John Gibb [for Thomas Telford]; with original signed certification by commissioners John Smith, James Gray and William Minto of Cullen.

Folio, 3 pp. Bifolium. On paper with 1818 watermark of Joseph Colles. Docketed, lengthwise on reverse of second leaf, 'Copy | Specification of Catch Pier at Cullen Harbour by John Gibb | 1819.' 46 lines of text. Clear and complete. Fair, on aged paper, with two punch holes for a ring binder in margin of each leaf. The full heading reads 'Specification of the proposed Catch Pier for Cullen Harbour, agreeably to the Plan and Section which accompanies this [not present].' Begins 'The Pier is to be of the dimensions marked on the Plan and Sections, and to join the outer end of the rock. | There are to be 30 Scotch fir piles driven round the Pier Point commencing at A.; these piles are to be at least 7 feet in length and from 6 to 9 inches diamter, and driven to the angle as per section, not more than 2 feet between centre and centre. [...]' Ends 'The whole of this work, whether generally or particularly described in the foregoing specification or plan referred to, is to be executed in a substantial and workmanlike manner to the entire satisfaction of the Engineer or Superintendant appointed by the Commissioners.' The certification, following the end of the text of the specification on p.3, reads 'Cullen 13th July 1819 This is the Copy of the Specification referred to in our agreement of this date. | [signed] John Smith | [signed] James Gray | [signed] Wm. Minto'. According to Skempton's 'Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland' (2002), Gibb worked on the harbours of Cullen, Banff and Nairn between 1818 and 1821, as 'resident engineer under Telford'. From the papers of Gibb's great-grandson the civil engineer Sir Alexander Gibb (1872-1958).