ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book looks at the way in which some of this land was used when gas from the North Sea made its first impact upon the town. It examines the way in which the people of Peterhead themselves sought to exercise some sort of control over the events that were happening to them, with particular reference to two important planning enquiries. The book discusses the ways in which the policies of the state impinge upon Peterhead, both to its detriment and advantage, calling into question the whole notion of the town as an autonomous ‘community’ which might have controlled the impact of North Sea developments.
