There’s one sure thing about people: we produce a lot of waste. For centuries, townsfolk suffered from awful diseases until proper sewerage systems were installed. Normally, we see no evidence of these but Fraserburgh is different.

This elegant cast-iron pipe-shaft in front of you was one of several installed to ventilate the sewers than ran beneath the street. You’ll be relieved to know they’re no longer in use. However, they rank as excellent examples of the fine ironwork you find in the town, often around windows or above gutters.

Owners and builders were proud of the embellishments they added to houses and commercial premises. As you take your footsteps through Fraserburgh, look for different types of masonry – some with raised pointing between the stones – and for the roofs carefully covered in courses of different-sized slates.