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Known to many as the 'Bloo Toon', Peterhead sits on the northerly coast of Aberdeenshire.   Once the largest private white fishing port in Britain, it now has a decimated fishing fleet in the harbour due to EEC quota restrictions imposed to protect fish stocks.  Much of the town's wealth depended on fishing and it's fair to say that Peterhead is currently in decline. There are boarded up and empty shops in the high street, fewer people out and about and a definite air of depression about the place.  However, the people of the north east have experienced growth and decline before; many of the town's large granite homes were built at the turn of the century on money made from herring fishing and whaling.  No doubt new investment in new industries will bring about a much needed change. There is talk of extensions to the St. Fergus Gas Plant a few miles north of Peterhead.

Located on the coast as it is, there is an extensive harbour that's definitely worth a visit.   The South Bay now offers services to oil companies and the offshore industry.   The sight of an oil platform moored in the bay is not uncommon. To the south of the bay is Peterhead's famous high security prison which may also be facing closure.  Who knows, perhaps they'll turn it into a visitor attraction like Alcatraz?

If you want to find out more about the area, a museum above the public library has a small collection of local exhibits. There is also the new Maritime Heritage Centre.  Peterhead's culture has been strongly influenced in the past by fishing and church. The two probably go hand in hand because fishing is a dangerous occupation with frequent loss of life. It used to be a town where wealth was displayed in Royal Doulton figurines, large Volvo cars, over-dressed children and Sunday hats. Nowadays, it has more charity shops than most places.

There is a very nice walk along the promenade at the beach beside the golf course, in Buchanhaven, where the Ugie River runs into the sea.  The sands here are golden and clean like many in Grampian.  

The old fishermen's cottages at Roanheads, clustered together, with their low ceilings and doors, narrow alleys are as charming as any you will find.  This is a town with a long and interesting fishing history.  You will discover a story with many avenues and the best bit is that you can ask the locals for their tales and enjoy history coming to life in the Doric dialect.

Whilst you're visiting, you may want to stop for a bite to eat.  Simpson's Tea Rooms in Broad Street are excellent for a light lunch or morning or afternoon tea.  The long-established Palace Hotel in Prince Street serves bar lunches and dinners in pleasant surroundings.

If you have visited a place that you have particularly enjoyed, then please tell us about it.  Photographs would be most welcome.

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