Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Inverurie, Aberdeenshire'
	Brief Early History - 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.
	Inverurie Golf Club which was established in 1923 can be found in the Grampian region of Scotland. The course layout has been changed and redeveloped over the years. The clubhouse recently underwent a major extension providing a larger bar and dining area along with a separate visitor changing room. Member's locker rooms are much better and the pro's shop is incorporated into the main clubhouse. The extension was officially opened in June 2004 with bar, kitchen and dining area fully operational along with new balcony available for any sunny day.
	Castle Fraser, which is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland, was built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser. One of the towers is seven stories high. The castle houses many Fraser family portraits, including one by Raeburn along with fine 18th and 19th century carpets, curtains and bed hangings. One of its most evocative rooms is the strikingly simple Great Hall. Hidden trapdoors reveal secret stairs and a spy hole. The 350 acre estate includes a walled garden.
	Inverurie is centrally located to access many of Aberdeenshire's attractions and sites of interest. The distinctive mountain of Bennachie is close by, and is one of the most popular climbs for visitors and the local population. In Bennachie's shadow, at Oyne, is the Archaeolink Pre-History Park. Opened in 1997, it attracts around 20,600 visitors per annum. There are also plans to extend the 'Gordon Way' to Inverurie, providing a long distance walkway linking to the settlements of Rhynie and Huntly.
	Early settlements on the slopes of Bennachie, protected from wild beasts, gave way to a settlement around the Bass, the medieval Castle Yards, site of the earliest church. Situated on the slopes of sacred Mother mountain, Bennachie, the Maiden stone shows on its Christian side a large decorated wheel cross with interlace pattern below, and remnant of the Pictish belief. There are many areas in Aberdeenshire where these historic and wonderful relics can be found. Some sites are still in the early stages of discovery.
	The Malt Whisky Trail lies by the River Spey among the northern foothills of the Grampians. Eight of the distilleries, and one cooperage, invite you to tour the premises and find out about the process. The trail is about 70 miles long (110 km) and you can easily spend an hour in each distillery. A guide will be available to take you around the distillery and share some of the secrets of whisky production. At the end you will be invited for a 'wee dram' in the distillery shop. If you plan to do the full tour and have a taste for the malt, can we suggest you find a driver! Some of the most famous distilleries include Royal Lochnagar, Fettercairn, Glenfiddich, Cardhu, Balvenie and many more.
	scotland4me.net2007