Ardonald

Settlement in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Ardonald

Cows in field at Botary Mains View over to Smallburn and Heatheryfield (and its road up the hillside) on the opposite side of the Cairnie Burn. — Cows in field at Botary Mains Credit: Alan O'Dowd

Ardonald is a small village located in the county of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated in the north-eastern part of the country, it is nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the eastern Grampian Mountains. With a population of around 500 residents, Ardonald is known for its tranquil atmosphere and close-knit community.

The village boasts a rich historical background, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed that Ardonald was once a significant agricultural center, as evidenced by the remnants of ancient farming settlements and stone circles found in the vicinity. Today, the village still retains its rural charm, with traditional stone buildings and idyllic farmlands dominating the landscape.

Ardonald offers its residents and visitors a range of amenities and services. The village is home to a primary school, providing education to the local children. There is also a village hall, which serves as a hub for community gatherings and events. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area offers ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Although Ardonald is primarily a residential area, it is conveniently located near larger towns and cities. The nearby town of Inverurie is approximately 10 miles away, providing easy access to additional amenities such as supermarkets, shops, and healthcare facilities.

In summary, Ardonald is a peaceful village in Aberdeenshire, offering a close-knit community, a rich historical heritage, and access to the stunning Scottish countryside.

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Ardonald Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.482888/-2.9189374 or Grid Reference NJ4544. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cows in field at Botary Mains

View over to Smallburn and Heatheryfield (and its road up the hillside) on the opposite side of the Cairnie Burn.

Alan O'Dowd

Farmland, Auchairn

JThomas

Cairnmore

One of several ruins of farm and croft buildings at Cairnmore. The scarlet-jacketed figure is a descendant of a family who lived here for about 250 years.

Anne Burgess

Shoot in progress by the bridge of Ardonald

The Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a popular sporting bird which was introduced to the UK. This very attractive bird is resident in Portugal, Spain, France and Northern Italy but in recent years it has become prevalent on the sporting estates of Britain.

Des Colhoun

Scooby awaits the next victim by Ardonald bridge

There has been a temporary break in the weather and the snow has stopped falling but the burn still rages in the background.

Des Colhoun

Don't worry, boys, it'll be all over by Christmas

A gamekeeper and his team of pickers-up "enjoy" elevenses in a snowstorm at the Backmuir shoot.

Des Colhoun

A mixed bag on Alehousehillock

This has been the first drive of the day and the birds have been flying well but alas the guns have been in good form. Pheasant and Red-legged partridge are the quarry of the day. It is forbidden to shoot ground game on these occasions.

Des Colhoun

Scooby retrieves a hen pheasant at the Backmuir shoot

Des Colhoun

Awaiting the fallen by the burn at Alehousehillock

A spaniel awaits the next falling Red-legged partridge by the burn by Alehousehillock. Can you spot the dog? That's the gun in the distant mid picture.

Des Colhoun

That's it for today...

A stalwart of the shoot and his dogs are finished for the day here at Backmuir.

Des Colhoun

"That's it, the lights gone, let's go......"

That's the last drive finished and with the temperature dropping below zero a halt is called and so it's time to go home. I often wonder how many miles a working spaniel will cover on a shooting day such as this.

Des Colhoun

Heading for the last drive of the day at the Backmuir shoot

Here we have a combination of Labradors and Wire-haired German Pointers in the picking up team.

Des Colhoun

Picking up with Pointers and Labradors

Here we have a team of Labradors and German wire-haired pointers on duty at the Backmuir shoot.

Des Colhoun

Geese, Geese, and more Geese

These geese are flying at a height of around 2000 feet and are numbered in the thousands. They are annual visitors to this region and comprise of mostly Greylag and the Pink-footed variety. They hail from Greenland and Iceland.

Des Colhoun