Museums, archives and heritage in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire, a maritime county in the NE. of Scotland; bounded N. and E. by the German Ocean; S. by the counties of Kincardine, Forfar, and Perth; and W. by the counties of Inverness and Banff. Greatest length, NE. and SW., 85 miles; greatest breadth, NW. and SE., 42 miles; coast-line, 60 miles. Area, 1955.4 square miles. Population 267,990, or 137 persons to each square mile. The coast is mostly bold and rocky, and with little indentation. The chief promontories are Kinnaird’s Head, Rattray Head, and Buchan Ness, the last being the most easterly point of Scotland. The surface, on the whole, is hilly and mountainous. It is lowest in the districts bordering on the coasts; hilly in the interior, with much moor, but also with many slopes and hollows in a good state of cultivation; and grandly mountainous in the SW., where numerous summits, including Ben Macdhui (4296 ft.), rise above 3000 ft. Much of the country is well-wooded. The chief rivers are the Dee, Don, Ythan, Ugie, and Deveron. Granite is the principal rock, and is extensively quarried for exportation. The soil has been rendered highly productive under skilful farming. Large numbers of fat cattle are annually reared and sent to the principal markets of Scotland and England. The coast and river fisheries are extensive and valuable. The county comprises 76 parishes and 9 parts, the parliamentary burgh of Aberdeen, the parliamentary burghs of Inverurie, Kintore, and Peterhead (part of the Elgin Burghs).

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Aberdeen & North East Scotland Family History Society

158 – 164 King Street

Aberdeen AB24 5BD

01224 646323

www.anesfhs.org.uk

The Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society exists to assist and promote the study of genealogy and family history based on the North-East corner of Scotland. This area covers the old counties of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire and Morayshire.

Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives

Old Aberdeen House, Dunbar Street

Aberdeen AB24 3UJ

01224 481775

goo.gl/8gWjk7

Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives exists to collect and preserve historical records relating to the City of Aberdeen and its locality and to secure significant modern records for future generations.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Shiprow

Aberdeen AB11 5BY

01224 337700

goo.gl/EWMAo0

The City’s award-winning Maritime Museum brings the history of the North Sea to life. View multimedia displays and exciting exhibitions on the offshore oil industry, shipbuilding, fishing and clipper ships.

Aberdeen University, Zoology Museum

Department of Zoology, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, King’s College

Aberdeen AB24 2TZ

01224 274330

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

Aberdeen University has the only large, international collection of zoological specimens in the north of Scotland. The Zoology Museum’s collections are worldwide in scope and cover more than 200 years of biological study at the University.

Aberdeenshire Farming Museum

Aden Country Park, Mintlaw

Peterhead AB42 5FQ

01771 622906

goo.gl/lUIfVU

Delightful country park location with children’s play area and walks. Relive the story of our famous farming past in the beautiful surroundings of Aden Country Park. Start at the unique, semi-circular Home Farm steading by exploring the ‘Aden Estate Story’ and the ‘Weel Vrocht Grun’ exhibitions. Visit Hareshowe, a working farm set in the 1950s.

Arbuthnot Museum & Gallery

St Peter Street

Peterhead AB42 1QD

01779 477778

goo.gl/xItnrr

Discover the wealth of Peterhead’s maritime history in one of Aberdeenshire’s oldest museums.

Collections: See models showing the development of Peterhead fishing boats, an important collection of Inuit Artifacts, displays on Arctic animals and whaling, one of Northern Scotland’s largest coin collections and temporary exhibitions with regularly changing programme of events.

Banchory Museum

Bridge Street

Banchory AB31 5SX

01330 823367

goo.gl/IcTHX3

Visit Banchory Museum – gateway to Royal Deeside – and learn about the life of Banchory-born musician and composer, J. Scott Skinner, the ‘Strathspey King’.

Banff Museum

High Street

Banff AB45 1AE

01771 622906

www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ab/banff/index.aspx

Visit one of Scotland’s oldest museums, founded in 1828. See an electro-type copy of the Deskford Carnyx, a unique 2000-year-old war trumpet, as well as an award-winning natural history display.

Blairs Museum

South Deeside Road

Aberdeen AB12 5YQ

01224 863767

www.blairsmuseum.com

Housed in part of a former college, Blairs Museum gives a unique insight into Scotland’s Catholic history and heritage with spectacular collections spanning more than 500 years.

Brander Museum

The Square

Huntly AB54 8AE

01771 622906

goo.gl/g6IGtu

See civic regalia, an extensive collection of communion tokens, displays on Huntly textile industry and learn about Huntly-born author George MacDonald, 19th century arms and armour from Sudan, and archaeological finds from Huntly Castle.

Castle Fraser – National Trust for Scotland

Sauchen

Inverurie AB51 7LD

01330 833463

goo.gl/ycB8JN

Approaching Castle Fraser down the Broad Walk, the granite walls rising up to the distinctive turrets make an imposing sight. This was the impression the lairds intended as the present castle took shape between 1575 and 1636 – a statement of pride for the Fraser family and a show of strength to any would-be detractors.

Craigievar Castle

Alford

Alford AB33 8JF

0844 493 2174

www.nts.org.uk/Property/Craigievar-Castle

Craigievar is an iconic tower house, amongst the best preserved and the most loved in Scotland. The large estate features woodland, parkland with magnificent specimen trees, and farmland with extensive views over the surrounding countryside to Bennachie. Extensive collection of mid-20th-century ceramics. Stunning 17th century plaster ceilings. Virtually unchanged since built in 1610.

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Banchory

Banchory AB31 5QJ

0844 493 2166

goo.gl/Ci0ecr

One of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Scotland set against a magnificent garden with its world-renowned June Border. Occupied by the Burnetts of leys for over 350 years the castle, garden and estate are a must see for any visitor to the north-east of Scotland.

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate

Drumoak

By Banchory AB31 5EY

0844 493 2161

www.nts.org.uk/Property/Drum-Castle-Garden-Estate

The oldest intact building in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, Drum Castle was, from 1323 to 1975, the home of the Irvine family. Situated in the world-famous castle country of North East Scotland, the castle stands at the gates to Royal Deeside on a ridge overlooking the River Dee. Beautiful medieval chapel, 17th-century mansion house and 19th-century additions.

Duff House Country House Gallery

Banff AB45 3SX

01261 818181

www.duffhouse.org.uk

Duff House is a treasure house and cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership of Historic Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. Storytellers, musicians and artists are at home here and Duff House organises a regular artistic programme of exhibitions, music and lectures.

Fordyce Joiners Workshop

Church Street

Fordyce AB45 2SL

01771 622906

goo.gl/cdsGZI

Discover the importance of the rural carpenter to the local community in the days before mass produced goods, with displays of early tools and audio-visual presentation.

Collections: See a craftsman working in wood, relax in a Victorian-style garden and view early workshop machinery.

Fraserburgh Heritage Centre

Quarry Road

Fraserburgh AB43 9DT

01346 512888

www.fraserburghheritage.com

The heritage centre is leased by Fraserburgh Heritage Society and operated on a voluntary basis. The building was originally a barrel store, then the foundry of the Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Company Ltd, before being converted to a modern visitor centre which illustrates the history of Fraserburgh and its people.

Fyvie Castle – National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland, Fyvie

Nr. Turriff AB53 8JS

01651 891266

goo.gl/zuVrdI

Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie’s 800-year history. Each tower of this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress is traditionally associated with one of the castle’s five successive families – Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Forbes-Leith.

Garlogie Mill Power House Museum

Garlogie

SkeneWesthill AB32 6RX

01771 622 906

goo.gl/Er6OgW

Relive the early days of the industrial revolution at Garlogie Mill. See the rare beam engine – the only one of its type to have survived intact on its original location – which powered the woollen mill.

Gordon Highlanders Museum, The

St Luke’s, Viewfield Road

Aberdeen AB15 7XH

01224 311200

www.gordonhighlanders.com

From the Napoleonic wars to the modern day, you can re-live the compelling and dramatic story of The Gordon Highlanders through our spectacular and interactive displays. The museum is housed in the former home and studio of prominent Scottish artist, Sir George Reid.

Collections: The museum houses the regimental treasures of The Gordon Highlanders collected over 200 years and includes medals, weapons, textiles, silver, ceramics, photography, art and an extensive archive.

Grampian Transport Museum

Grampian Transport Museum

Alford AB33 8AE

019755 62292

www.gtm.org.uk

Dramatic displays, working exhibits and DVD presentations trace the history of road travel and transport in the North East of Scotland. Horse drawn, motor cars, motorcycles, pedal cycles, steam and commercial vehicles are represented. Approximately 50 motor vehicles and 50 motorcycles.

Haddo House

Methlick

Ellon AB41 7EQ

0844 493 2179

www.nts.org.uk/Property/Haddo-House

Designed by Scottish architect William Adam in 1732, Haddo House near Aberdeen is a magnificent example of an historic Scottish stately home. Originally Palladian in style, the house now has late Victorian interiors after a 19th-century refurbishment and is renowned for its stunning decorated ceilings. It also has impressive collections of period furniture, ceramics and art, including paintings by Sir Thomas Lawrence and James Giles. The house is open for guided tours only but the grounds are open all the time.

King’s Museum, University of Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen Town House, High Street

Aberdeen AB24 3EN

01224 274330

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

King’s Museum lies at the heart of the University’s Old Aberdeen campus. Its origins lie in a museum collection established in King’s College in 1727. King’s Museum has exhibitions changing every few months to display these collections, some involving students and academic staff collaborating with the museum to bring recent research to a wider audience.

Leith Hall Garden & Estate

Huntly AB54 4NQ

0844 493 2164

www.nts.org.uk/Property/Leith-Hall-Garden-Estate

A typical Scottish laird’s residence brimming with family treasures, Leith Hall is set in 286 acres of scenic estate containing 6 acres of wonderful garden that overlooks some of Aberdeenshire’ finest rolling countryside. The House contains many tapestries, several interesting clocks, some fine china and a wonderful collection of family portraits and paintings.

Marischal Museum, University of Aberdeen

Marischal College, Broad Street

Aberdeen AB10 1YS

01224 274301

www.abdn.ac.uk/marischalmuseum

In the centre of Aberdeen, the museum lies in the University of Aberdeen’s Marischal College, the second-largest granite structure in the world. The museum was founded in 1786, with material that has been donated by generations of friends and graduates of the university.

Maud Railway Museum

Maud Railway Station

Maud AB42 5LY

01771 622807

goo.gl/fdBvlA

Relive the great days of steam trains at the former Maud Railway Station. Sound effects add to the nostalgia of varied displays of railway memorabilia.

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, The

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Kinnaird Head

Fraserburgh AB43 9DU

01346 511022

www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk

Discover the skill, dedication, science and romance of Scotland’s lighthouses in the only dedicated museum in the United Kingdom. In the company of our friendly guides, climb the 72 steps up the first lighthouse in Scotland.

Collections: The museum tells the story of the Stevenson family, lighthouse engineers to the world, the story of the lighthouse service in Scotland and the Keepers and their families who manned the Scottish lighthouses.

Peterhead Maritime Heritage

South Road, Aberdeenshire

Peterhead AB42 2YP

01779 473000

goo.gl/hycEZ6

Visit one of Aberdeenshire’s latest visitor attractions, built next to the shore on South Bay, Peterhead in an award-winning building. Experience Peterhead’s maritime life past and present in picture and sound.

Provost Skene’s House

Guestrow, off Broad Street

Aberdeen AB10 1AS

01224 641 086

goo.gl/s9Ffyj

Dating from 1545, Provost Skene’s House now houses an attractive series of period room settings, recalling the elegant furnishings of earlier times. Visitors can see an intriguing series of religious paintings in the Painted Gallery, changing fashions in the Costume Gallery and enjoy a light snack in Provost Skene’s Kitchen.

Salmon Bothy

Links Road, Portsoy

Banff AB45 2SS

01261 842951

www.salmonbothy.org.uk

The Salmon House was purpose built in 1834 by the Seafield Estate, which then owned the salmon fishing rights along the coast. The three-storey building provided an office, a bothy, an ice house, a fish preparation area, workshop and storage accommodation. The Salmon Bothy Museum is housed in what were the ground floor ice house chambers used in the salmon fishing operation.

Sandhaven Meal Mill

Sandhaven Meal Mill Visitor Centre, Sandhaven

Fraserburgh AB43 4EP

01771 622906

goo.gl/OSZczk

See how oatmeal used to be ground in this typical 19th century Scottish meal mill.

Session Cottage Museum

22 Westfield Road

Turriff AB53 7AF

01888 563 451

goo.gl/9e6OGD

A 250-year-old but ‘n ben cottage furnished as a home of about a century ago. The collection focuses on social and domestic history and includes furniture, furnishings, household equipment, some clothing and personal possessions of local inhabitants of Turriff during the years 1880-1900.

Tolbooth Museum

Old Pier, The Harbour

Stonehaven AB39 2JU

01771 622906

goo.gl/VHtUvr

Visit Stonehaven’s oldest building – the Earl Marischal’s 16th-century storehouse which served as the County Tolbooth of Kincardineshire from 1600-1767 to discover why Episcopal priests were imprisoned here in 1748, Stonehaven’s links with the sea, and local bygones.

University of Aberdeen Historic Collections: Special Libraries & Archives

Special Libraries and Archives, King’s College

Aberdeen AB24 3SW

01224 272598

www.abdn.ac.uk/library/about/special

Aberdeen University’s Special Libraries and Archives provides a unique and internationally significant range of printed, archival and other documentary sources for the benefit of the higher education community and beyond.The richness of these collections extends across all the disciplines of the medieval and early modern university curriculum and across the European world of learning.

University of Aberdeen Pathology & Forensic Medicine Collection

Department of Pathology, Medical School, Foresterhill

Aberdeen AB25 2ZD

01224 553792

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

The Pathology and Forensic Medicine Collection provides an important comprehensive and unique 20th century record of disease manifestations and traumatic pathology. It comprises of more than 2000 specimens and objects.

University of Aberdeen, Anatomy Museum

The Suttie Centre for Teaching & Learning in Healthcare, Foresterhill,

Aberdeen AB25 2ZD

01224 274320

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

The Anatomy Museum collection comprises specimens and objects that provide a comprehensive reference for normal anatomical conditions, which covers the range of functional body systems. The collection has over 2000 specimans and objects, including human tissue, osteological material, historical anatomical models and information relating to 19th century grave robbing.

University of Aberdeen, Geological Collections

Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology, Meston Building, King’s College

Aberdeen AB24 3UE

01224 273448

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

The Geological Collections are a repository for research material of palaeontological, mineralogical and lithological nature. Numbering around 32,000 specimens, worldwide in scope.

University of Aberdeen, Herbarium

Department of Plant and Soil Science, Cruickshank Building, St Machar Drive, King’s College

Aberdeen AB24 3UU

01224 272705

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

The Herbarium is an internationally important collection. It contains approximately 120,000 specimens and consists of material that is worldwide in scope, with the British and South-East Asian collections forming the core of the collection.

University of Aberdeen, Natural Philosophy Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Fraser Noble Building, Aberdeen University, King’s College

Aberdeen AB24 3UE

01224 272081

www.abdn.ac.uk/museums

The Natural Philosophy Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments is one of the most diverse collections in any British University, covering some 250 years. The earliest material dates from the mid-18th century and the most recent from the 21st centruy.

University of Aberdeen, Photographic Collections

Historic Collections, King’s College,

Aberdeen AB24 3SW

01224 272598

www.abdn.ac.uk/historic/Catalogue_online.shtml

The University of Aberdeen has in its large and varying photographic collection the George Washington Wilson Collection, which consists of over 40,000 glass plate negatives produced by the Aberdeen photographer’s company during the second half of the 19th century. These range from all Britain covering the simple grandeur of Fingal’s Cave, to the bustle of London’s Oxford Street.