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Stonehaven
Stonehaven was first named Kilwhang and lies on the coast approximately fifteen miles South of Aberdeen. The town has an estimated population of 12,000 people. Stonehaven is spectacular with it's bay surrounded on either side by approximately 100ft high cliffs which carry the scenic coastal roads North and South.
To the North of Stonehaven is Garron Point and it's amazing 18 Hole golf course.Approximately 2 miles South of Stonehaven,is the hump backed Downie Point, which was the guardian to the town's spectacular Harbour. The harbour is known to be the most photographed in Britain.
The best view of the 20 mile radius of breathtaking coastline, is from the Black Hill.
In superb isolation here, is the Memorial to those who fought in both World War I and World War II.
In 1562 from the Black Hill, Oliver Cromwell's troops tried unsuccessfully to seize the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
With the cannon, they laid siege to the fortress of Dunnottar Castle , approximately one mile to the South. where the jewels stayed in safe keeping.
Without the enemy knowing, the Crown Jewels were smuggled by the Garrison and were hidden under the floor of the Old Kirk of Kinneff for many years. The nation was eventually re-united with them some years later.
Approximately one mile south of Dunnottar Castle you will find the 150ft cliffs of the Royal Society for Protection of Birds which is based at Crawton. This is one of the largest places in Britain where thousands of seabirds nest each year.
Stonehaven has a Modern layout with 48 foot wide streets, some which are tree lined, these trees being centred round Stonehaven's Market Square.
The Market Buildings, built in 1826 dominate the Market Square with its impressive town clock and spire.
Erected in 1790, was the square shaped Town House clock and spire, which is situated in the High Street of the Old Town near Stonehaven's Harbour.
Designed in squares is the New Town, which drew attention from the continent and was designed by the 4th Robert Barclay. He also found fame as an agriculturist. Fame also came the way of the 4th Robert Barclay's son Captain Robert Barclay-Allardice, once called the Great Pedestrian because of his feet. Wearing a tight fitting suit, cravat and top hat he walked 1000 miles in 1000 hours in June 1809.
Robert William Thomson was the first local Wool Mill owner of Stonehaven. He invented the Pneumatic Tyre, Solid Rubber Tyre and the the self filling Fountain Pen. After this he went about inventing the first road going Steam Tractor and Rotary Engine.
Lord John Keith, who was the first Baron of Stonehaven, he was the Father of the British Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC's first Governor-General. and also known as a Farming Minister.
Amongst other attractions in Stonehaven is a six-rink standard Indoor Bowling Stadium which cost approximately £250,000,.This was completed over a three year period. Next door to the Outdoor Swimming Pool is the indoor Leisure Centre with its indoor pool, gym and sport facilities.
Nearer to Stonehaven's Town Centre is the Bowling, Tennis and putting course which is a prime example of the co-operation between Aberdeenshire Council and Stonehaven's local community which dates back over 100 years.
The Dunnottar Quoiting Club is situated approximately seventy yards away from the local Bowling and Tennis courts.The Club is over one hundred years old. This is an example of Stonehaven's ancient past-time and the last of its kind from within the River Forth.
The recreational Mineral Well Park is further west and is home to Football, Cricket, and the North of Scotland's only International Racing Car Circuit, which attracts many enthusiasts from throughout the United Kingdom and World Wide.
This large open space also holds the Annual Highland Games. Here you get an excellent view of the Railway Bridge taking you South and North towards Aberdeen.
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