Inverurie - The Burgh of Inverurie was first mentioned in 1190 - 1195, as it was gifted to Lindores Abbey, (founded by Earl David). Inverurie was therefore a baronial burgh and the caput of the lordship of the Garioch. The original location of the burgh is not entirely clear, although it is thought that the settlement was in the area known as the Stanners. It is thought that Inverurie moved to its present location in the early fourteenth century, although factual evidence is only available from the fifteenth century. In 1755 Inverurie's population was 730 falling to 712 by 1791, but it was then noted that Inverurie had no trade nor manufacture except for a few craftsmen. The construction of the canal between Inverurie and Aberdeen in 1805 brought significant economic prosperity to the Burgh. The first rail station, built in the mid nineteenth century, relocated to the present site in the 1870's - 1880's. In the past 30 years Inverurie has grown rapidly, with its population rising to 10,000. One of the factors contributing to the town's expansion has been the oil industry.

North Berwick - The town's history dates from Norman times when a castle which overlooked the East Bay was constructed by the Earl of Fife. The harbour has been here since then, controlled by the nunnery which was paid for by the Earl. For many centuries a ferry carried pilgrims to Earlsferry, near Elie in Fife, making their way to St Andrews. This ferry was recently reinstated between North Berwick and Anstruther, in Fife, to commemorate the original ferry crossing. In the 1300s the castle fell into disuse and North Berwick became a thriving market town. It was not until the 19th century that North Berwick was transformed into a popular holiday resort, sometimes referred to as the "Biarritz of the North". In 1840 an open air swimming pool was constructed which proved very popular until it was closed recently.

Marseille is the oldest town in France with 2,600 years of history. In 600BC people from Phocea in Minor Asia (now known as Turkey) arrived in the Lacydon calanque. The area was chosen because the city would be protected by three hills and fresh water was plentiful from the springs. The city continued to grow northwards and in 1666 Louis xiv ordered that the city should be extended to the south. He also insisted that two fortresses be built one on either side of the entrance to the port. Today the city is famous for its' yachting connections and the facilities provided by the twenty nautical clubs and societies located around the port which is one of fourteen marinas offering some 3.500 berths.

Perth is a remarkable city with lots of history and is sometimes lovingly called Ancient Capital of Scotland. 1396 saw the Battle of the Clans. It took place on the North Inch of Perth. A fight to the death to settle a horrendous feud between the powerful Chattan and Mackay clans. Thirty warriors from each family (clan) formed before King Robert III on the battlefield. Only one McKay survived, while the majority of Chattens (twenty) were unscathed. Legend has it that the Chattans were a man short, therefore they recruited a local saddler. The good news is that he survived! James I, was murdered at Blackfriars in 1437. Apparently assassins burst into his bedroom. He attempted to escape through a tunnel, but he forgot that the far end was blocked by a grill!
John Knox gave a sermon in St John's Kirk in 1559 (During the reformation period). The church unfortunately was divided into three parts after the reformation and restored to one during the years 1923 to 1926. The city was occupied by Montrose in 1644 and by Jacobites in 1689, 1715 and 1745. Now it is a bustling city with a population of over 43,000.

scotland4me.net2007