Peterhead in Aberdeenshire

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.

Click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments

Self-catering holidays in Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Sleeps 2-6: Stranduff Lodge Croft is a delightful detached country cottage situated in an idyllic location, just outside the charming village of Kincardine O'Neil , in the heart of Royal Deeside.

Built out of granite in the 19th century, Stranduff Lodge Croft was originally a working croft, since upgraded to provide superior and spacious accommodation for tourists and visitors, the croft is an excellent base for exploration, adventure or relaxation. With the addition of the superb views (see the peak of Lochnagar on a fine day) and the spacious garden grounds (over half an acre) with barbecue and garden furniture, a stay in Stranduff will be a stay to remember.

Please click on the photograph to find out more about a stay in this country cottage on Deeside with views of Lochnagar.

Self-catering log cabin holidays in Dinnet, Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Our comfortable self-catering log cabins are set in the centre of Royal Deeside at the Eastern Gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.

Located in the wee rustic village of Dinnet, our Woodland Lodges make a convenient base to visit and explore the many sporting and tourist activities Royal Deeside has to offer.

Outdoor activities include bird watching, fishing, walking, gliding, shooting, quad biking, archery, go-carting, mountain climbing, skiing (Glenshee and the Lecht for skiing and fabulous views are only a 45 minute drive away).

Visitor attractions in this north east part of Scotland include Balmoral Castle (10 miles away), the Castle trail, Whisky Trail for a range of distilleries to tour and whiskies to sample, Victorian Heritage Trail, Aberdeen City and the Coast, Cairngorm National Park with plenty of opportunities for bird spotting including eagles and other birds of prey .....

Each lodge has 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 4 people. They have fully fitted kitchen including integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer. With spacious open plan lounge/kitchen/dining areas and a decked patio area to enjoy in the summer months. The bathroom has bath tub and shower. The lodges are double glazed and centrally heated making them a cosy retreat after a day out on Royal Deeside.