Pictou

Seaport in Nova Scotia, Canada, 135 km/84 mi northeast of Halifax; population (1991) 4,100. It is situated in a fertile district, with extensive coal mines and steel mills. Coal, timber, fish, and lobster are exported, ships are built and repaired, and there is a foundry. Pictou is an important northern port for the Gulf of St Lawrence and overseas trade. The port was settled by Scots 1773.

Settlers from Ross-shire, Scotland, arrived here in a ship called Hector in 1773. The place is known as the ‘Birthplace of New Scotland’ and has a Scottish Cultural Centre where Gaelic is taught. A replica of the Hector has been built in the harbour, using original shipbuilding techniques. Pitou's Scottish heritage attracts many tourists.