Development of the industry was limited by the lack of a proper harbour, and disputes amongst the three owners of the various boats.

This was the third new village the Duke had established, but unlike Fochabers and Tomintoul before, this was a smaller venture and little planning was done with regards to street layout.

This placed Portgordon at a great advantage over Buckie which was still limited by its natural harbour to fishing alone.

[2] A boat-building industry began, with local yards first constructing Zulus and from 1903 steam drifters.

He agreed to pay for reconstruction if the fishermen would assist with transport of materials from Lossiemouth and Hopeman.

Success was short-lived though, and the number of boats was in decline by 1881 due to competition from new harbours in Buckie and Buckpool.

Charles Gordon-Lennox, 7th Duke of Richmond was asked to build an extension to the eastern pier to stop the beach from washing into the harbour, but only dredging was carried out, in 1906 and 1907.

[6] In the early part of the village's history the populace was served by churches in other communities nearby.

There was a quoad sacra parish of the Church of Scotland at Enzie following a mission chapel which dated from 1728.

[2] In 1860 a Methodist minister, James Turner, preached a series of sermons which resulted in an interest in Methodism and the closure of six of the ten pubs in the village.

[11][12] Gollachy ice house is somewhat unusual, being sited on the shore, and excavated rather than being built into side of a hill.

It is of rubble construction, built in the early 19th century, with a hip roof of turf.

The Speyside Way, Moray Coast trail and National Cycle Route 1 pass through the village.