Aberchirder

Settlement in Banffshire

Scotland

Aberchirder

Aberchirder, also known as Foggieloan, is a quaint village located in the Banffshire region of Scotland. Situated about 50 miles northwest of Aberdeen, it lies on the banks of the River Deveron. With a population of around 1,000 residents, Aberchirder is a small yet vibrant community.

The village is known for its picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning countryside. It boasts a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Aberchirder was a hub for the agricultural industry, particularly in the 19th century when it thrived as a center for grain milling and distilling.

Today, Aberchirder offers a range of amenities to its residents and visitors. The village is home to a primary school, a community center, a local shop, and a post office. The town's main street is lined with charming traditional houses and small businesses. There are also several parks and green spaces, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.

For those interested in history, Aberchirder has a few notable landmarks. The town features a historic tower house known as Delgatie Castle, which dates back to the 11th century. This well-preserved castle offers guided tours and provides visitors with a glimpse into the past.

In summary, Aberchirder is a picturesque village in Banffshire, Scotland, with a rich history and a vibrant community. Its idyllic setting, range of amenities, and historical landmarks make it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Aberchirder Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.560362/-2.628775 or Grid Reference NJ6252. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

New Marnoch Church, Aberchirder

Built in 1841 as a 'non intrusion church' to accommodate the congregation of Marnoch Kirk some 3 km to the southwest, who had 'come out' of that church because they refused to accept the appointment of a new minister by the heritors (land owners) against their wishes. New Marnoch joined with the Free Church after the Disruption in 1843. It is now the Aberchirder (Church of Scotland) Parish Church.

Bill Harrison

Aberchirder Bowling Club

The extensive clubhouse, as seen from Main Street.

Bill Harrison

Aberchirder Primary School

Built ca. 1970s and replacing the old school a few hundred metres to the south (now a carpet warehouse).

Bill Harrison

Aberchirder side street

Junction of North Street (the B9023) and Moss Road. Note the traffic calming chicane and typical single-storey cottages.

Bill Harrison

Main Street, Aberchirder (view from the Square)

Bill Harrison

Aberchirder war memorial

Dating from ca. 1920 and adjacent to what was at that time the Free Church rather than the established church, which only had a mission hall in the village.

Bill Harrison

The Fife Arms, Aberchirder

At the east end of the village Square.

Bill Harrison

The Square, Aberchirder

A nice civic space in the centre of the village, but a parking free-for-all... Note the unusual clock in the façade of the building to the left centre (now a Chinese restaurant with flats above).

Bill Harrison

Aberchirder pharmacy and post office

The village has most facilities, with the notable exception of a bank.

Bill Harrison

The auld bank, Aberchirder

The North of Scotland bank with agent's house next door opened in 1838 and is B-listed: Link

. It went through various name changes and became the Clydesdale around 1963. More recently, Clydesdale have been especially ruthless in closing rural branches in Scotland and villagers now have to travel to Banff (12 km) or Huntly (15 km) to conduct business.

Bill Harrison

Main Street, Aberchirder

The scene west of the Square. Note the independent petrol station to the right and the derelict house opposite.

Bill Harrison

Former United Presbyterian Church, Cornhill Road, Aberchirder

Dating from ca. 1890, it became redundant as soon as 1900 when the UPs and the Frees merged. It was later a petrol station and then fell into dereliction, but it now (July 2017) being renovated, presumably as housing.

Bill Harrison

Road out of the village.

The B9023 is dead straight for a couple of kilometres and eventually meets up with the A95 at Cornhill.

Bill Harrison

Terraced cottages, North Street, Aberchirder

Bill Harrison

Main Street, Aberchirder

Aberchirder is the only significant settlement on the road (the A97) between Banff and Huntly. It is a fine example of an 18th Century Scottish planned (or improvement) village built on a rational grid pattern (compare Strichen and New Pitsligo). It was established by Alexander Gordon in 1764, to provide some stimulus to help the area recover from the economic devastation of the Forty-Five. The three main streets [North Street, Main Street (pictured) and South Street] run roughly east-west and are dead straight but certainly not level.

Bill Harrison

St Marnan's Episcopal Church, Aberchirder

Dating from ca. 1826 and the first church in the village (B-listed: Link

). At this time the established church was still about 3 km to the southwest at Marnoch. Despite lying on the highest site in the village, it is now a rather dank and dismal location due to excessive tree growth. St Marnan is believed to have been a missionary active in northern Britain in the 7th Century and reputedly died in the vicinity of Aberchirder.

Bill Harrison

Former Episcopal Church School, Aberchirder

Built 1877, closed ca. 1940, now the church and community hall.

Bill Harrison

Victoria Fountain, the Square, Aberchirder

Fine polished granite and apparently sill functional. The dedication reads: "This fountain was erected by Wm. Achinachie Esq. J.P. Provost of Aberchirder from 1889 to 1907". It was presented to the burgh to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897.

Bill Harrison

Show me another place!

Aberchirder is located at Grid Ref: NJ6252 (Lat: 57.560362, Lng: -2.628775)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East