The Granite City And Its Coast
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North of Aberdeen, undulating hillsides sweep down to shifting dunes and wide stretches of golden sands. To the south, spectacular rock formations provide sanctuary for thousands of sea birds, and rocky beaches reveal caverns once used by smugglers. In land, there are numerous castles and country mansions with splendid interiors and furnishings and, in addition, fine gardens. Lyrics : Dark Lochnagar Aberdeen At its peak in the early years of the 20th century there were more than 20 firms manufacturing granite in Aberdeen. The industry however, went into decline from the 1930s onwards and the extraction from the city’s last working quarry at Rubislaw ceased in 1971. It is said to be the largest man-made hole in Europe. Balmedie Beach Brig o' Balgownie Brimmond and Elrick CountryPark
The henge, though small for this type of monument, is still clearly defined though when I visited the place it would have been quite easy to have fallen into the ditch due to the length of the grass and scrub.
At Camphill we build intentional communities with people of all ages who live with disabilities, recognizing the potential, dignity, spiritual integrity and contribution of each and every individual. For over 60 years, Camphill communities all over the world have challenged the notion of what it means to have a developmental or learning disability, and have shown that each of us is a unique and essential link in the circle of humanity.
Looking seaward from the pier, an island can be observed at high water but at low water it's just part of the adjoining mainland. Throughout the year a fairly large population of seals take up residence on the island. You can usually see them swimming between the pier and the island or just lying on the North East side of the island basking in the sun. Collieston  Collieston can be found on the coast in between Cruden Bay and Newburgh. Like many of the coastal villages in these parts it used to be a busy fishing port for herring, haddock and cod. The small harbour is still there overlooked by rows of pretty houses built up the hill in the bay, some of which are holiday homes for escapees from the city. A small but pleasant sandy beach in the harbour provides a play area for Children.
The Cruickshank Botanic Gardens in Aberdeen, Scotland, were built on land bequested by Miss Anne Cruickshank to commemorate her brother Dr. Alexander Cruikshank. The 11 acre (45,000 m²) garden is located in a low-lying and fairly sheltered area of Aberdeen, less than 1 mile from the North Sea. The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is partly owned and financed by the University of Aberdeen and partly by the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens Trust. The Friends of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden actively promote and support the garden. The title of "Keeper of the Botanic Gardens" is currently held by Prof. Ian Alexander, Regius Professor of Botany. The Gardens are maintained on a daily basis by Head Gardener, Bob Rutherford, and Assistant Gardeners George McKay and Roma Fiddes. Each summer vacation the Friends provide a bursary to allow an undergraduate student interested in botany to gain work experience in the gardens. Although open to the public, the gardens are extensively used for both teaching and research purposes. The Natural History Centre regularly guides school parties round the Garden, and the Plant & Soil Science Department hold a reception for graduands and their guests here each July.
The circle is 10m (33 ft) in diameter and instead of being squared-off, its stones are unshaped, although most have a pointed tip and are embedded in a pit of gravel.
Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic and evocative ruin. As you wander around the extensive buildings you are almost surrounded by sea with gulls and other seabirds wheeling and screaming around the cliffs below you. If the outline is a little familiar, this may be because Dunnottar Castle was the location for the film version of Hamlet starring Mel Gibson. Even if there was no castle at Dunnottar, the site would immediately catch the eye - an enormous flat-topped rock with sheer cliffs on three sides. This site was chosen in Pictish times as place of strength and by Saint Ninian as a place of retreat. Dunnottar is more than a topographical curiosity since this rock and the buildings on it have reflected in miniature much of the rich and tragic story of Scottish history. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and the Marquis of Montrose have all graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell's army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the 'Honours of Scotland', from destruction. From the car park the dominant building viewed is the 14th century Keep or Tower House, a little battered by Cromwell's cannons, but still intact. This is just one of the eleven different buildings which comprise Dunnottar Castle which also includes barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses. At the far end of the rock, in sharp contrast to the old tower, is an elegant quadrangle. This is bounded on three sides by domestic buildings of the 17th century, including, for its time, one of the largest ballrooms in Scotland extending to some 35 metres. The fourth side is formed by the Castle's 13th century chapel - a relic of the time that William Wallace burnt the early wooden Castle with the occupying English garrison inside. The chapel, one of the very few stone buildings, has survived to tell the tale.
LOCATION AND OPENING HOURS Duthie Park is located close to Riverside Drive in the Ferryhill area of the city and is accessible from Polmuir Road and Great Southern Road. Details of bus routes to Duthie Park and some other parks in the city are available from First Aberdeen bus company. The David Welch Winter Gardens are open from 9.30am – 4.30pm, November – March; 9.30am – 5.30pm, April; 9.30am –7.30pm May – August; 9.30am – 5.30pm September – October; 7 days a week, 363 days a year – closing only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is free.
Dyce Skean Dhu is a welcoming and modern motel style hotel. The Royal Deeside and the Scottish Highlands are easily accessible. Known as The Granite City, Aberdeen, with its delightful combination of well-preserved architecture and modern buildings, is just nine kilometers away. Things to see and do in Aberdeen include; Stratosphere, a museum where a hands on approach is encouraged; Codona, Scotlands largest amusement park; and the Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle. Dyce Skean Dhu is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside; Balmoral Castle, Archaeolink Prehistoric Park and the Glenfiddich Distillery are all within easy reach. The hotel has a variety of facilities and services that are sure to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. It is perfectly situated and serviced for guests using the airport; free car parking and a curtsey shuttle are available to the airport
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
The original village of Muchalls was beside the sea, in the bay beyond Doonie Point to the south and was a thriving fishing settlement when Alexander Burnett of Leys bought the Much alls estate from the Barony of Cowie in the early 17th century. Inhabitants of "Seatoun of Muchalls" are recorded in the Fetteresso parish registers and in 1760 the fishertoun is mentioned as having a harbour or pier. However, after two disasters in ten years when all the crew in two fishing boats perished, the old village of Muchalls was abandoned in the late 18th century. Some fishermen moved to Stonehaven, others moved to work on the land and the village on the site of the former settlement of Stranathro, three quarters of a mile to the north, became what Muchalls Castle Muchalls Castle, built in 1619, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a girl dressed in green, although some reports have clearly stated that she has been seen wearing yellow. Whatever the colour of her attire one thing is certain, she has frequently visited the castle and has been seen over the years right up to modern times. Old Slains Castle The huge ruin of Slains Castle stands on the cliffs above the sea. It incorporates part of the basement of the 16th century tower house of Bowness. The castle now consists of buildings around a central courtyard with adjoining ranges. It was altered in 1664 when a corridor was inserted within the courtyard and again in 1836 it was rebuilt and granite faced. At one time it had three extensive gardens. The 9th Hay Earl of Errol built it after James VI had destroyed his castle at Old Slains at Cruden Bay, after the Hays participated in the rebellion of 1594. We were later told that Slains Castle was the inspiration for Bram Stoker when he wrote Dracula; it does look spooky. We followed signs to the Old Slains Castle on the Slains Estate. I had read in the clan books that a recent chief of the clan had built her home close to the tower ruins of the Old Slains Castle. Not much survives of a 13th century castle, which was once a major stronghold and occupied a large area. It consisted of a strong 15th century keep, a fragment of which survives and a courtyard defended by ditches. It was originally a property of the Comyns but passed to the Hay Earls of Errol early in the 14th century. James VI had it destroyed and blown up with gunpowder after the Earl had taken part in the rebellion led by the Earl of Huntly in 1594. The Hays built a new castle and mansion at Slains, near Cruden Bay, of which a substantial ruin remains. Permission to Use Castle Information from The Castles of Scotland was granted by Martin Coventry and Goblinshead, Edinburgh, Scotland
Five miles south of the Granite City of Aberdeen lies the suburban commuter town of Portlethen. Fairly nondescript when viewed from the A90, it does shield the beautiful picturesque fishing village of Old Portlethen only a further mile east on the coast. It’s on the sunny foreshore just south of the village that the Portlethen boulders can be found. They consist of a collection of boulders and short walls scattered along a beautifully secluded area of foreshore and non-tidal beach, which sits down out of sight of the village. The area has a charm all of its own, receiving the sun until late afternoon and with pleasant views both north and south along the coast, it is a beautifully relaxed place to climb and can offer a welcome break from the more committing cliffs common to this section of the Aberdeen coast. Correctly known as the Craigmaroinn after the rocks that lie just off shore, the area has rapidly developed into an excellent bouldering venue with nearly 100 established problems and much potential for more (bring your wire brush!).
St Machar's Cathedral is a fortified twin spired Cathedral with Celtic origins. There has been a church on the site since circa 580 AD when, according to legend, Machar, a companion of St Columba, founded a church here. St Machar's is a working church, open every day of the year for visitors, schools and groups. Opening Times Contact Tel: +44 (0) 1224 485988
Stonehaven is a very attractive coastal town in the North East of Scotland, about 15 miles south of Aberdeen. Easily accessible from north and south by road and rail, Stonehaven is on the main rail route to Aberdeen. It is reached from the south by the A90 and the A94 and from the north by the A90. The picturesque town of Stonehaven offers many tourist attractions, such as Dunnottar Castle, birthplace of RW Thomson (inventor of the pneumatic tyre in 1845) and its close connection to the Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre Arbuthnott.
Tarves is a thriving community less than 20 miles from Aberdeen, and even closer to the regional airport, accessing international and domestic business and tourist flights. The village prosperity is based on the diverse oil and agricultural sectors although it has a wide range of services, including a general store, butcher's shop, health centre, hotel, public house/restaurant and for nature lovers an extensive country park close by. With around 40 clubs and organizations, the village has an active social life ensuring that the two halls and associated meeting rooms are almost continually in use. Tolquhon Castle
The old tower had a standard floor plan with four stories. The newer sections housed a great hall, bake house, pit prison, and several rooms for the family and household. A very beautiful place and would be well defended. The inner courtyard would have been quite a trap for attackers. All the courtyard walls had gun loops, and arrow ports for the defenders. TOLQUHON GALLERY is situated in Aberdeenshire, in North East Scotland. It is a short distance from the city of Aberdeen, traditionally known as the "silver city" because of the sparkling mica-flecked grey granite from which much of the city is built. Aberdeen is now the Oil Capital of Europe, being the centre of the North Sea oil industry. The gallery is set in a beautiful rural location, a pleasant half hour's drive north of the city. It is easily reached from all parts of the North East and is only a few hours' drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness. It lies off the B999 Aberdeen - Tarves road, between the villages of Pitmedden and Tarves. To reach the gallery, follow any signs for Tolquhon Castle. The road to the gallery is well signposted with brown "tourist" signs on the B999.
Parish Profile - The charge is a union of two functioning churches. Meldrum parish church is an elegant and bright church situated on a hillside on the eastern boundary of the town adjacent to the amusement park and golf course. Bourtie church is a tiny, historic building located in a small valley, in a farming community just outside Oldmeldrum. The two churches are approximately ten minutes apart by road. The church has sound finances and a joint congregation numbering approximately 600. The single Kirk Session comprises 30 active Elders (15 male and 15 female) and there is a Congregational Board numbering 39 inclusive of the Elders. There is a very good choir, an excellent Allen electronic organ and the choice of hymns etc. is co-ordinated between the Minister and the Organist. Currently Mission Praise and CH3 are generally used. Services are held every Sunday in Oldmeldrum at 11 am and in Bourtie on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 10 am. There is also an Alternative Service, organized and delivered by members of the congregation, which is held in Meldrum Church Hall on the last Sunday of each month at 10 am. Members of Meldrum church and other churches and denominations participate in and attend this Alternative Service. There is an enthusiastic and growing Sunday School and a Guild. The church hall in Oldmeldrum is within walking distance of the church and is situated on one of the main roads through the town. It has been modernized and is well maintained with a stage, toilets, kitchen and an upper room for Session and Congregational Board meetings.
Many of the major links within this site are sourced from data provided by the Gazetteer for Scotland at http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/ and used with their permission. |
Aberdeen & Stonehaven Annandale & Eskdale Argyll, Dunoon & Oban - this area is used as one of our bases Aviemore & Cairngorms Ayr & Kilmarnock Ballater & Banchory Banff & Buchan Ben Nevis & Great Glen C Grampian Highlands Clydebank, Cumnock, Lowthers Edinburgh Fife Galloway Glasgow Island of skye - frequently visited on our tours Kintyre, Arran & Bute Loch Lomond & Trossachs Loch Ness & Inverness Lothian Lower Speyside Montrose, Arbroath Nithsdale & Galloway Hills Orkney Outer Hebrides Perth & Dundee Area Shetland Southern Inner Hebrides St Andrews Stirling Sutherland & Dornoch Firth Teviotdale & Lauderdale Thurs, Wick and Caithness West Lothian Wester Ross - frequently visited on our tours |
Massive bridge, completed in 1329, spans 62ft in single arch. Bridge crosses deep pool of river and is backed by woods. Closed to motor vehicles.
This site has been thoroughly ruined over the centuries. The small, overgrown henge now contains three stones where once six had stood. One of them (in the foreground above) is a Pictish symbol stone which was moved here when it was threatened by the construction of a nearby railway line. The carving on the stone is quite faint and there are better examples to be seen around Inverurie. The two remaining circle stones are not thought to be in their original locations. Across the field a survivor from a stone avenue can clearly be seen.
Excavated and reconstructed, this Bronze Age stone circle of eight boulders encloses an area where many small fires had been lit. Eight small cairns had been constructed over pits where corpses had been burnt. This use of the circle as a burial ground very probably followed long after its construction, when the real significance of the stone circle was forgotten or no longer important.
Tolquhoun was established in 1420, when the original tower was built. In 1584, the rest of castle was being built by William Forbes and his wife Elizabeth. Most of the castle is of the newer construction.