Blackhill

Settlement in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Blackhill

Abandoned Squash Court This building was the squash court on the derelict WW2 camp at Crimond. Built as a hospital to serve the nearby Naval Air Station of HMS Merganser, it was never used as the war in Europe ended before it was needed. — Abandoned Squash Court Credit: Iain Smith

Blackhill is a small rural village located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated approximately 30 miles west of Aberdeen, it is nestled amidst breathtaking natural landscapes and rolling hills. The village is marked by its tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful countryside experience.

With a population of around 500 residents, Blackhill retains a close-knit community feel. The village is primarily residential, dotted with charming cottages and farmhouses. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views, with fields and woodlands providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.

Despite its small size, Blackhill offers a range of amenities to cater to its residents. A local shop caters to basic needs, while a nearby town provides more extensive shopping options. The village is well-connected to neighboring areas via a network of roads, ensuring easy access to nearby towns and cities.

Blackhill boasts a rich history, and visitors can explore its heritage through various landmarks and historical sites. Nearby attractions include the imposing Dunnottar Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, and the picturesque Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, which showcases the region's agricultural past.

Overall, Blackhill, Aberdeenshire offers a serene and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its stunning natural surroundings and welcoming community making it an appealing destination for those seeking peace and tranquility.

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Blackhill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.584991/-1.8845882 or Grid Reference NK0755. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Abandoned Squash Court

This building was the squash court on the derelict WW2 camp at Crimond. Built as a hospital to serve the nearby Naval Air Station of HMS Merganser, it was never used as the war in Europe ended before it was needed.

Iain Smith

Drainage Ditch at Moss Side Camp, Crimond

Drainage cutting through the remains of Moss Side Camp, the site of a WW2 hospital built to service nearby RNAS Merganser, otherwise known as Crimond Airfield. The hospital fortunately never saw action, as it was completed just as the war in Europe came to an end.

Iain Smith

Hayballs

Adrian and Janet Quantock

Nissen Hut & Cottage on the A90 at Rattray

Adrian and Janet Quantock

Mid-Essie Croft near St Fergus

boyhood home of detective James Beaton... 'James Wallace Beaton At the time of the events which led to his George Cross, James Wallace Beaton was an Inspector with Metropolitan Police (Royal Bodyguard). He was born on 17 February 1943 in St. Fergus, Scotland. On the evening of 20 March 1974, Princess Anne (daughter of Queen Elizabeth II) and her then husband Captain Mark Phillips were returning to Buckingham Palace. During this journey, an armed attempt was made to kidnap Princess Anne. Inspector Beaton was hit twice and fell unconsicous as he and three passers-by managed to foil the kidnap attempt. The citation for Inspector (later Chief Superintendent) Beaton's George Cross was published in the London Gazette (dated 27 September 1974)'

Ken Fitlike

New Seat Farm, St Fergus

Unused farmstead. Note white label attached to furthest away green door. 'these premises under rodent extermination programme' Photographers personal note: this farm was adjacent to his own home farm and he remembers in the late 60s a previous plague of rats which over-ran the farm. Huge bold brutes who paraded openly outside rather than hiding in dark corners. Horrible.

Ken Fitlike

Strathbeg House Hotel

Roadside hotel midway between villages of St Fergus and Crimond. Known to all locals by its original name The Keyhead Hotel. Built c.1963/64

Ken Fitlike

cottage at North Pitbirn

conversion from former farm-stead building

Ken Fitlike

farm track off the Rattray Road

an example of country roads where the big 4 wheel drive vehicles come into their own!

Ken Fitlike

Lodge at end of Rattray House road

Ken Fitlike

Greenmyre Farm

Ken Fitlike

End of Crimond Belt

The area towards Crimond from Keyhead is sheltered by 2 parallel belts of trees.

Ken Fitlike

Old water hand pump

looks a bit out of place - as if it is a village pump with no village

Overside Farm

Middle Essie Farm

WW2 military camp

WW2 military base

From Wikipedia entry for Crimond Village... Aerodrome During World War II, a Royal Navy Air Station, RNAS Merganser was built at NK070580, close to Rattray. The site of the base is about a mile from the village itself and remains in Ministry of Defence hands as a wireless station and is home to masts of some 900 feet and many other small ones. It was used during the cold war to track enemy soviet submarines. The base is still manned by a small staff. There is an airfield with three runways which are now in some state of disrepair and during the war the 714 Naval Air Squadron was based there. The remnants of the World War Two camp can still be seen around the aerodrome and west of the airfield, over the A90, on Mosstown Road there is the ruins of a further camp from the war.

Ken Fitlike