Welcome to page 6 of my tour of the North-East of Scotland. On this page I take a look at some of the other places we visited in the area. All places listed below are also marked with a number on the map on the right.

1. Deer Abbey

Just outside the village of Old Deer, around 2-3 miles west of Mintlaw on the A950, is the ruin of Deer Abbey.

Maintained by Historic Scotland, Deer Abbey was founded in 1219 by William-Comyn (Earl of Buchan). The Cistercian abbey of Deer was built by the monks who sought austerity (fantastic word - not mine as you might of guessed) and isolation in their worship of God.

When we visited, no-one else was around which make it a great place for our daughter to let off some energy (under our watchful eye), while we appreciated the beauty and peace of the location. In fact our daughter actually learnt a few historical facts about life in the olden days while we were there.

2. Old Meldrum

Situated where the A920 and A947 cross over (along with the B9170 road from Inverurie), Old Meldrum is a nice looking village. We didn't really actually stop in the village, but I had to take a photo of the statue (shown on the right) which stands out as you drive through the village. It shows a sailor (even though the village is inland) holding a pipe with an anchor by his feet.

According to the About Aberdeen website, the statue was taken from France in the 18th century by a former owner of the Meldrum Arms Hotel.

Just outside Old Meldrum, is the Lochter visitor centre. Although the centre has a small gift shop and coffee shop/restaurant, it mainly caters for those wanting to do something a bit more active (with the exception of fishing) such as clay pigeon shooting or obstacle/off-road driving.

3. Tarves

North-East of Old Meldrum on the B999, is the small village of Tarves with it's small heritage centre (limited opening) that has small display of historical items/photos and a victorian schoolroom.

The 'Prop of Ythsie' landmark and Tolquhon Castle (Historic Scotland) can also be found in the area.

4. Alford

Approx. 20 miles west of Aberdeen on the A944 is the small town of Alford.

Alford is the home of the Grampian Transport Museum. With numerous historic vehicles, a number of which can be climbed upon (children just love to climb on and off the vehicles), this attraction is ideal for those interested in the transport of year gone by.

When we visited, Doctor Who (or to be more precise, a small time travel exhibition) was visiting the museum. I never seen so many kids look so nervous about approaching the Daleks which could be found in the exhibition (or even moving around the museum on some days).

Actually, I found the time travel museum quite interesting. I'm interested in that sort of stuff (you'd have never have guessed that would you!!). I've always wanted to go back in time and let myself know what to do for a better life. However, this would then create a time paradox, and this website might never exist (thank god I hear you say).

Sorry, I digress. Alford is also home to the Alford Valley railway. (Oh no. Not another male orientation attraction I hear you say). Fraid so.

So what is there for the females in your life. Well a small shopping street with a few shops/bakers/cafes can also be found here. (Face it lads, you'll have to take her into Aberdeen to make it up to her).

Which brings me nicely to the end of this page. On the next (and last) page where I'll take a brief look around Aberdeen.

 
All the pictures on this page were taken by myself.. Larger versions of the photos are available if you wish to use them for a project or web page yourselves. You are free to do this, but please mention this web page as the source for the photos. Thanks for your cooperation..

All Trademarks and Brand names (including Doctor Who and Daleks) are acknowledged.