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Park Street
140 View of Park Street with an Aberdeen Corporation Bus and the Eastern Star pub visible. The pub occupied the corner of Park Street and East North Street.
The Aberdeen Pub Companion (1975) states that it was built in 1890 and that James Hill was the first licensee. It was familiarly known as Jimmy Hill's and was a popular local pub. It was demolished around 1960 to make way for the large roundabout at the foot of the Beach Boulevard.
(Many thanks to local historian A. G. Duthie for getting in touch and identifying the pub.) Bridge Street, Aberdeen. c.1890
201 Bridge Street, Aberdeen. This George Washington Wilson image shows a horse drawn bus on Bridge Street travelling towards Union Street. The stairs leading to the upper deck can be seen, and the iron wheels must have been very noisy on the cobbled streets. The bus is just passing the American Store whose premises were 'To Let', and Galloway and Sykes, cabinet makers - the latter firm are only listed at 50 Bridge Street between 1887 and 1889. The 'Aberdeen' Bus 1930s
267 Bus driver with his Albion motor bus belonging to the Deeside Omnibus Service, 1930s. This coach was one of several in the fleet of the Ballater based Strachan's Company. For many years, these coaches regularly departed from the SMT depot in Bon Accord Square before journeying to Banchory and beyond. Strachan's Deeside Omnibus Service operated on the Royal Deeside route for many years with Alexanders. This particular 'Aberdeen' bus looks in good condition with gleaming bodywork. Note the roof-rack for any large pieces of luggage. The Castle Street / Rosemount / Mile End horsedrawn omnibus
357 The Castle Street / Rosemount / Mile End horsedrawn omnibus.
This photograph looks north towards the houses where Beechgrove Terrace becomes Kings Gate. G.D. Henderson, Ironmonger
438 The premises of G.D. Henderson, Ironmonger, at 23 Bon-Accord Terrace on the corner with the Hardgate. The staff stand outside the main entrance.
Garnet D. Henderson first appears in Aberdeen Post Office Directories in the 1910-11 edition and continues to feature into the 1960s.
On the 28th of June 1928 The Press and Journal reported that Henderson had been knocked down by a bus on Great Northern Road. He received injuries to his ankle and his left leg was broken. He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and detained for an unspecified period. Waterloo Station
641 This photograph shows the corner at the end of Regent Quay in the late 19th century. The building in the centre of the image, with pediment, is the offices of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company and to its left is the entrance to the Waterloo Railway Station.
The railway station was opened by the company on 1st April 1856. It was built to supersede an existing station at Kittybrewster. Waterloo was once the station for all railway passengers and goods going between the city and the north.
Trains coming and going from the south stopped at a nearby, but unconnected station on Guild Street. It had opened two years earlier in 1854 and was operated by rival railway company, the Scottish North-Eastern. Passengers with connecting trains would need to dash along Trinity and Regent Quay or wait for a bus. Connections were not guaranteed.
It took Parliament to settle the differences between the companies. This saw the construction of the Joint Station, opened in November 1867, and the creation of the Denburn Valley Railway. Both Waterloo and Guild Street subsequently became stations for the transport of goods only.
The buildings shown in this photograph were altered and eventually demolished in the 20th century. Remnants of the station can still be seen today in a small yard and the railway line following the old canal path and joining the main tracks heading north at Kittybrewster.
On the right of this image can also be seen an building, likely a goods shed, of the Aberdeen, Newcastle & Hull Steam Company. This passenger ship service was founded in 1865 and had offices at 43 Marischal Street.
The building to the left of Waterloo Station, far left here, was the site of an establishment called Berry's Hotel and served as various pubs until the late 1960s. It looks like it was closed or being refurbished at the time of this photograph.
To the left of this image would be Commerce Street and Regent Quay. Waterloo Quay would begin to its right. Aberdeen Football Club parade
643 Aberdeen Football Club parade down Union Street in an open topped bus after winning the European Cup in 1983. European Cup Parade
652 Aberdeen Football Club's open top bus parade of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983. The photograph looks north west across Union Street towards its junction with Union Terrace.
Aberdeen defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the final held in Gothenburg, Sweden on 11th May 1983.
The conquering heroes landed, cup in hand, at Aberdeen Airport at 14.40 the next day. The team received a rousing reception and were given a celebratory cake on arrival from an offshore catering company.
It was then on to the open top bus for the journey from Dyce to Pittodrie. Grampian Fire Brigade lined-up their engines outside their Anderson Drive headquarters as a unique guard of honour for the team as they headed for the city centre.
As shown here, the city streets were packed with fans of all ages, including some who had travelled back from Gothenburg.
Lord Provost Alex Collie, the Queen Mother and Margaret Thatcher all provided messages of congratulations. Celebrations ended at a teeming Pittodrie.
Aberdeen FC had another triumphant tour through the city centre only 10 days later after they beat Rangers 1-0 in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park. The match was on the Saturday 21st May and the parade in Aberdeen was the next day. HUU432, a Bedford OB
864 This image shows HUU432, a Bedford OB coach parked outside Seafield Garage in Cullen. Notice the extensive array of petrol pumps in the background, with such examples as "National Benzone" and "Power".
The vehicle was owned and operated by Donald Grant. Of solid construction, it no doubt covered many hundreds of miles in its journeys through the North-East.
Seafield Garage was owned by John Lawrence, who was another bus operator in the town.
(Many thanks to Dr Mike Mitchell and Peter Findlay for additional information about this image.) Tilling-Stevens petrol electric bus
1050 In 1901, Aberdeen Suburban Tramway Company proposed a system of tram routes running from the city to the suburban areas of Bucksburn and Bieldside. These came into operation in 1904. In 1914, the Company decided to acquire three Tilling-Stevens petrol electric buses to augment their tram service. These vehicles had a petrol engine which was used to drive a dynamo which, in turn, fed an electric motor driving the wheels. It was claimed that they were cheaper to use and easier for tram drivers to learn to operate. They were double deck open top rear entrance vehicles with benchseats inside for 20 passengers and slatted wooden seats for 18 passengers on the upper deck. Their maximum permitted speed was 12 mph. All three buses were converted to charabanc bodies in 1921, and were sold in 1927. Bydand Motor Transport Co. Ltd
1051 Bydand Motor Transport Co. Ltd. were one of a number of small bus companies which sprang up in the 1920's, and were based at the Western Garage on Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Many service men had learned to drive in the army during the First World War, and vehicle manufacturers were keen to supply new markets. Bydand announced in the 'Aberdeen Press and Journal' on 23rd May 1925 that they were to introduce a 'Deeside Motor Bus Service'. They offered a regular weekday half hourly service of buses between Aberdeen (Wallace Statue) and Bieldside with less frequent late buses and a Sunday service between Mannofield and Bieldside only. Buses were also to run between Aberdeen, Culter and Banchory. The fare from Aberdeen to Bieldside was 4p; Aberdeen to Culter was 8p; Aberdeen to Banchory was 1 shilling and sixpence. Within a few weeks, Bydand were extoling the virtues of their service in an advert headed 'Safety First'. The company made much of the fact that their buses started from His Majesty's Theatre and passed other theatres enroute. It was even possible to reserve a seat on the Banchory Bus when booking seats at His Majesty's Theatre. During the summer months Sunday Mystery Tours were advertised - a 60-70 mile trip for 5 shillings return. The 1930 Road Traffic Act introduced various restrictions and many small companies were taken over by the expanding company of W. Alexander and Sons Ltd. The 13 Bydand buses were transferred on 3rd October 1932. Bus accident on North Deeside Road, Cults
1053 This is a photograph of a double decker bus belonging to W. Alexander and Sons Ltd, which overturned on the North Deeside Road opposite Wellwood, Pitfodels on 3rd October 1935. The bus was on its way to Aberdeen with a nearly full load of passengers, when the front wheels locked, swerving the bus into the right side of the road. The driver, Alexander Davidson, tried to pull the bus round but it mounted the kerb and struck a stone wall, causing it to overbalance and topple onto the roadway. The driver was able to open the emergency window at the back of the bus and the passengers escaped. Only three children were badly injured with cuts; others, including the conductress, only had minor scratches, bruises and shock. Provost Skene's House
1099 Built in the 16th century, Provost Skene's House is now one of Aberdeen's few remaining examples of early burgh architecture. The house, also sometimes known as Cumberland House has a long and chequered history. Our illustration was taken prior to the restoration of the building in the early 1950's. It was opened to the public by the Queen Mother in 1953. To the left of the illustration can be noted a Bedford bus, indicating that this area was formerly a bus stop for tourist coaches. To the right can be seen the buildings in the Upperkirkgate. Dunecht Smiddy
1146 Blacksmiths in the smiddy at Dunecht. This shop appears to have been fairly busy, employing as it did, 3 blacksmiths. They were called upon for all sorts of metal related jobs. All the tools of the trade can be noted, including 2 anvils for hammering and a main furnace (centre of picture). All 3 blacksmiths are seen here wearing leather aprons, which protected them from the hot flying sparks. No industrial glasses were in use however at this time, and the traditional flat bonnet is still the norm.
Correspondent David Christie has identified the blacksmith on the left as James Stephenson Smith, his great grandfather. David explains that Smith worked as a blacksmith for Dunecht Estate from 1925 to 1929 and so this dates the photograph to this period. His great grandfather also worked at other properties belonging to the estate, such as renovations of Dunnottar Castle. Smith had to give up working as a Blacksmith after breaking his leg in a fall while working there.
He subsequently worked as a driver for the Dunecht Garage, which ran buses at the time, and later for the W. Alexander & Sons bus operating firm.
There is an article about this image by Hilary Simpson in the Evening Express of 17 September 1986. It details the memories of readers Margaret Skene and John Gray. Margaret's grandfather was Alexander Innes, the figure in the middle. On the right is Bill Innes, a son of Alexander. They are said to have run the smiddy with the assistance of James Smith.
The article also explains that the image was originally a postcard. One of a series detailing the various trades active on the Dunecht estate of Lord Cowdray.
(Many thanks to David for getting in touch and providing additional information and making us aware of the newspaper article.) Schoolhill Station
1197 In 1889, Schoolhill Viaduct was built along with Schoolhill Station. At that time the station was part of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company. These street level offices and station stood in splendid isolation about 100 feet along from His Majesty's Theatre. The station, besides acting as a left luggage office also acted as a waiting room for the GNSR bus services to the outlying villages of Aberdeenshire. To the left of the entrance can be noted a clock which indicated the time of the next train to Dyce. The station was closed in 1937 and for several years was a tea room. The building was finally demolished in 1977. The Cluny Bus at Queens Cross.
1469 Correspondent Dr Mike Mitchell has been in touch to tell us that the horse drawn bus in this photograph is one of "Allan's Liners". This was the name given to the Aberdeen to Cluny bus from its introduction in 1849 until the route passed to the Great North of Scotland Railway motor buses in 1906. Allan continued to run mail gigs and coaches until at least after the Great War.
(Many thanks for this information.) Five men sit in an early motor bus
1663 This image shows an early motor bus, seated for about 7. Note the handrails for boarding at the back, and the two bench seats. The bus is a Renault. This kind of vehicle would have been used to convey guests between a hotel and a railway station, or to Aberdeen Sea Beach from Market Street.
(Many thanks to Dr Mike Mitchell for this information.) Torry bus
2255 This image shows a Torry bus. The driver and young conductor stand outside the vehicle, which has Rover written on its side.
Correspondent Dr Mike Mitchell has provided us with excellent, more detailed information:
"Rover Bus Service started operations on 22 August 1927 between Kings Gate and Torry, extending to Bay of Nigg at the weekend. The company was owned by Scott and Mearns, and by George Scott alone from 1928. It was the only independent bus company in Aberdeen to survive competition with Aberdeen Corporation Tramways, and was bought out by the Corporation in November 1935. This bus is a 19 seat Chevrolet, RS9049, and was Rover's first bus. It had been withdrawn by 1932."
Many thanks for this fantastic information. Castlegate
2316 A busy scene at the Castlegate. Many trams can be seen coming and going, while buses idle nearby. The No. 8 Corporation Tramways bus is in the foreground of the image. The premises of wholesale fruit merchants Veitch, Moir and Erskine can be seen below the Citadel. Union Street in 1954
2326 A small image of a quiet and rain-slicked Union Street in 1954. The photograph was taken from outside St Nicholas Kirkyard on the north side of the street. Old style lamp-posts with hanging baskets and a bus stop are visible. The stylised arch windows across the road remain today. Many of the shops have awnings. The towers of Trinity Hall are visible in the distance, as is Union Bridge prior to the construction of the Trinity Centre. The main concourse of the rebuilt station looking north
2640 In the century since the new station opened has
there have been many changes. 1923 saw the
Grouping of the Railways with the GNSR and NBR
becoming part of the London and North Eastern
Railway (LNER) and the Caledonian part of the
London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). In
1948 both were absorbed into the nationalised
British Railways.
The 1930s saw mixed fortunes; new and
improved rolling stock was introduced including
more powerful locomotives. Conversely bus
competition was decimating traffic on branch
lines including Deeside and Buchan; suburban
trains ceased in 1937. During World War 2 all
the glass was removed from the station roof
and replaced by plywood to avoid the effects of
blast and comply with blackout regulations. The
sections were carefully stored under a disused
platform at Fyvie station until the end of the
war. Victoria Road
2670 A photograph of Victoria Road, Torry in around 1934.
On the left can be seen the hairdressing shop of Bert Wilson. He was a former mill worker who ran this shop from 1932 to 1946. He later became a hotelier.
He and his wife bought their first hotel in Angus in 1951. They subsequently returned to Aberdeen to take over the Waverley Hotel, known later as the Guild Hotel. During this time they also converted a house on Riverside Drive into the Park Hotel.
Wilson went on to run the Prince Regent Hotel, from which he retired in May 1977.
Next door at 119 Victoria Road is the premises of James McPherson, a radio and cycle dealer. He also operated from number 65 on the same street. He lived at 53 Mile-End Avenue.
Also visible in this photograph is a number of adverts on the side of a tenement. The products shown include Johnnie Walker whisky, Ovaltine and Capstan cigarettes. The back of a bus, a horse and cart carrying what looks like agricultural produce and the spire of Torry United Free Church can be seen too. Transport on Union Street
2678 A photograph showing trams, buses and cars on Union Street. The number 1 tram to Bridge of Dee can be seen in the foreground. The bus is the number 21 to Broomhill.
This image, taken near the junction with Bridge Street and Union Terrace, looks to be from sometime in the 1950s prior to the last trams running in 1958. Union Terrace Gardens: before and after 3
4257 The before image shows an individual alighting from a bus beneath the Wallace Statue. His Majesty's Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct can be seen in the background. Taken on 10/08/2017.
The after image shows newly built paths and benches with steps leading into the gardens. The Wallace Statue and His Majesty's Theatre are visible in the background. Taken on 23/06/2023.
This composite image is part of a series by Roddy Millar showing Union Terrace Gardens and its surrounds before and after its major redevelopment. |