Gezicht op Broughty Ferry before 1877

This evocative photograph of Broughty Ferry was captured by James Valentine sometime in the 19th century. Valentine, a Scottish photographer, documented the changing face of Scotland during a period of significant social and industrial transformation. The image offers a wide view of the coastal town, notable for its pier and closely packed buildings. In the 19th century Broughty Ferry was transitioning into a popular resort town for Dundee jute mill owners who sought to escape the city’s grime, and this photograph freezes that pivotal moment in time. It speaks to themes of leisure and escape, but it also hints at the economic disparities of Victorian society. While wealthy industrialists enjoyed the comforts of Broughty Ferry, the working class in Dundee toiled in often harsh conditions. This image therefore captures both the aspirations and the realities of its time.