Peterhead
The largest white fishing port in Europe, Peterhead is also the most easterly point in Scotland and the largest town in Aberdeenshire. One of the main fishing ports in the area, Peterhead and its history have always been intimately connected to the sea.
Peterhead has a relatively short history by Scottish standards. Founded by George Keith, the 5th Earl Marischal of Scotland in 1587, Peterhead started out as a small town centred on the harbour at Keith Insch. Ideally placed, the fishing industry helped Peterhead to flourish and less than a hundred years later Peterhead had established itself one of the largest ports on the north east coast of Scotland. Although the industry itself has changed over the years, Peterhead has simply borne the tides of change adapting to the various demands for whaling, sealing, herring and, more recently, onshore and offshore support for the North Sea oil industry.
The history of Peterhead and that of its inhabitants can be found in the Arbuthnot Museum in St Peter Street. In addition to Peterhead's various history and industry, you'll also see a large collection of Inuit artifacts accumulated by Adam Arbuthnot during Peterhead's days a whaling centre. History and maritime lovers can also head to South Road and a building shaped in the form of a "scaffy", a fishing boat once commonly found in the area. This is the purpose-built Peterhead Maritime Museum which tales the tale of Peterhead's heyday as a fishing port before the bubble burst with a decline in stocks. Nevertheless, visitors can still savour the flavours of Peterhead's fish produce with a visit to Ugie Salmon Fish House where you can also watch salmon being smoked through traditional methods in the oldest building in town (400 years).
Peterhead was once also known for its red granite and this red brick still brings warmth to the town on a grey day. One of the finest pieces of architecture in Peterhead is the Town House which dates to 1788. Directly in front of the Townhouse is a majestic statue of Field Marshal Keith which was gifted to Peterhead in 1868 by King William of Prussia. On a more relaxing note, visitors can also head to Peterhead's award-winning Lido Beach to simply soak up some sun or head out on the water with the Peterhead Sailing Club or Peterhead Watersports Centre. Alternatively, golfers can head to the Peterhead Golf Club and play 18 holes on the 18th oldest golf course in the world.
Peterhead has a relatively short history by Scottish standards. Founded by George Keith, the 5th Earl Marischal of Scotland in 1587, Peterhead started out as a small town centred on the harbour at Keith Insch. Ideally placed, the fishing industry helped Peterhead to flourish and less than a hundred years later Peterhead had established itself one of the largest ports on the north east coast of Scotland. Although the industry itself has changed over the years, Peterhead has simply borne the tides of change adapting to the various demands for whaling, sealing, herring and, more recently, onshore and offshore support for the North Sea oil industry.
The history of Peterhead and that of its inhabitants can be found in the Arbuthnot Museum in St Peter Street. In addition to Peterhead's various history and industry, you'll also see a large collection of Inuit artifacts accumulated by Adam Arbuthnot during Peterhead's days a whaling centre. History and maritime lovers can also head to South Road and a building shaped in the form of a "scaffy", a fishing boat once commonly found in the area. This is the purpose-built Peterhead Maritime Museum which tales the tale of Peterhead's heyday as a fishing port before the bubble burst with a decline in stocks. Nevertheless, visitors can still savour the flavours of Peterhead's fish produce with a visit to Ugie Salmon Fish House where you can also watch salmon being smoked through traditional methods in the oldest building in town (400 years).
Peterhead was once also known for its red granite and this red brick still brings warmth to the town on a grey day. One of the finest pieces of architecture in Peterhead is the Town House which dates to 1788. Directly in front of the Townhouse is a majestic statue of Field Marshal Keith which was gifted to Peterhead in 1868 by King William of Prussia. On a more relaxing note, visitors can also head to Peterhead's award-winning Lido Beach to simply soak up some sun or head out on the water with the Peterhead Sailing Club or Peterhead Watersports Centre. Alternatively, golfers can head to the Peterhead Golf Club and play 18 holes on the 18th oldest golf course in the world.
