The folk of Aberdeen and Stonehaven were annoyed because the Harbour of Refuge was being built at Peterhead, rather than at their ports, by the prisoners of Peterhead Prison.
Tom Speirs, of The Gaugers, IMHO sings the most "natural" version of the song.
Hi Auldtimer, there was a compilation CD released in 1994 by our old friends Living Tradion, LTCD001.
Eric, I think the thread title is a little misleading. "The Story Behind..." perhaps would be more appropriate. Chill man!