The SS Abbotsford was a brig-rigged iron passenger ship built by the Gourlay Brothers of Dundee for the Red Star Line, of Antwerp.

Despite the company's home in Belgium, the liner was registered in Liverpool and flew the British flag.

Her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Philadelphia started on 10 May 1873 for the Red Star.

On 7 January 1875 a machinery failure disabled the Abbotsford while easterly bound and she was taken in tow by the Pennsylvania.

On 21 July 1875, the Abbotsford was driven ashore in Cummons Bay, Anglesey.