Kemnay

Settlement in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Kemnay

Summit of Cot-Town Hill Path takes you most of the way to summit but last few metres is through thick tree cover. A couple of stones marks summit — Summit of Cot-Town Hill Credit: Ralph Greig

Kemnay is a small town located in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland. Situated approximately 16 miles west of Aberdeen, it lies on the banks of the River Don. With a population of around 4,000 people, Kemnay is known for its picturesque surroundings and historic landmarks.

One of the notable features of Kemnay is its stunning countryside, which attracts nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and fertile farmland, making it an ideal location for scenic walks and hikes. The River Don also offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Kemnay is home to several historic buildings, including Kemnay House, a Georgian mansion that dates back to the 18th century. The town also has a rich industrial heritage, with a granite quarry that was once a major source of employment for the area.

In terms of amenities, Kemnay has a range of facilities to cater to its residents. These include a primary school, a medical practice, a community center, and a number of shops and eateries. The town also has a golf course and a sports center, providing recreational opportunities for locals.

Overall, Kemnay offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, with a strong sense of community. Its proximity to Aberdeen allows residents to enjoy the benefits of city life while still being able to retreat to the tranquility of a small town.

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Kemnay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.236075/-2.445584 or Grid Reference NJ7316. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Summit of Cot-Town Hill

Path takes you most of the way to summit but last few metres is through thick tree cover. A couple of stones marks summit

Ralph Greig

Cot-Town Hill

As close to the big point as you can get using the walkers paths around this wooded hill area.

Ralph Greig

Entrance to the fisherman's carpark

Ralph Greig

Kemnay Quarry

The quarry in mid June 2023 on a wall to wall blue sky day

Peter Robinson

Kemnay Academy

Secondary school in pretty countryside setting

Peter Robinson

Grassy meadow near Mill Farm

Looking northwards over rough grassland from the road to Mill Farm.

Scott Cormie

Glimpse of the River Don

The River Don viewed from the road above to the north.

Scott Cormie

Cot-town Triangulation Pillar

The trig pillar in a clearing at the top of Cot-town Wood.

Scott Cormie

Copse in barley field

Copse in a field of barley near Fetternear.

Scott Cormie

James Mitchell Memorial

In 1840ish travel to and from Kemnay to Aberdeen was by Stage-Coach called ‘The Banks of Don’ which travelled between Inverurie and Aberdeen. To catch the Stage-Coach you had to walk the Four miles to get to the Inverurie – Aberdeen road. The road from Kemnay did not follow the route of today, but went from the Pleasure Park up past Leschangie rejoining the road of today at Cotton about two miles west of Kemnay. In these early days Parcels and Goods were delivered to Kemnay by a Local Carrier James Mitchell who could have been seen setting off early in the morning, winding his way round past Leschangie and slowly making his way up the Tyrebagger Hill on his way to Aberdeen. He would make his way back later in the day laden with goods bound for Kemnay and the surrounding area. James Mitchell could neither read nor write, but he had a good memory and with the careful placing of goods on his cart could deliver them in the most part without error. He also delivered fresh water from a stream that used to run from the drinking fountain on the statue. Sadly it has now been disconnected. James Mitchell was characteristically dressed in Cord Knee length Britches, Broad Blue Hat and Knee length Boots.. The Memorial was erected in 1936 at the West end of Kemnay on the B993 Kintore to Tillyfourie (Alford) road.

Ralph Greig

Woodland walk

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Ralph Greig

River Don

Ralph Greig

Paths around Fetternear estate

Ralph Greig

Paths around Fetternear estate

Ralph Greig

Fetternear House

Fetternear House (also known as Fetternear Palace or the Bishop’s Palace) is a large, medieval ruin found in countryside just west of Kemnay, Aberdeenshire. The house was originally built in the early 1200s as a palace for the Bishops of Aberdeen, undergoing rebuilding and enlargement over the following centuries before becoming the seat of the Leslie family in 1566. A fire in 1919 brought the mansion’s inhabited life to an end, though sheep still graze around the crumbling walls. The mansion is fenced off and only viewable from the front, but several architectural features are still visible, including the fine coat of arms belonging to Patrick Leslie above the front entrance.

Ralph Greig

St Anne's Scottish Episcopal Church, Kendal Road, Kemnay

A simple, even austere building dating from 1938. Its stone came from Kemnay Quarry, just one kilometre away.

Bill Harrison

Bound for glory? (Bogbeth Park, Kemnay)

Kemnay FC (black and white shirts) play Banchory FC (purple) in the first round of the Scottish Youth FA Cup (under 17s section) on 14 September 2013. Kemnay won 4-3. Can you spot the ball?

Bill Harrison