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Castlehill Barracks
106 A view of the southern aspect of the Castlehill in about 1850, with the Barracks featuring prominently. The Barracks replaced the Chapel of St. Ninian and an observatory erected in 1781. The foundation stone was laid on 24th June 1794 by the Marquis of Huntly and it was completed early in 1796, with accommodation for 600 men. The picture is interesting, as it shows the line of Hangman's Brae, which descended from the south west corner of the hill to Castle Lane and into Virginia Street. It was partly absorbed into the construction of Castle Terrace in 1864. The houses on the left of the illustration with the outside steps were incorporated into the first Hospital for Sick Children in 1877. GNSR railway carriage
136 Six men working on Third Class Great North of Scotland Railway carriage No. 128. Granite yard
146 Local historian A. G. Duthie has been in touch to suggest that this photograph most likely shows a granite yard. Slabs of the rock can be seen by the wooden fence and the men are standing near small sheerleg cranes.
Brian Kennedy has also contact us to identify the location of the image. It is looking north west along the thoroughfare that is identified as Duthie's Brae on early Ordnance Survey maps. The tenements in the background are those on Nellfield Place. The smaller house on the left in the background was known as Home Cottage and was one of the first built on the street that was then called Holburn Place.
Maps indicate the buildings shown on the left were used as malt barns and later as storehouses. Duthie's Brae was just south of where Hardgate met Fonthill Terrace.
This photograph was likely taken by James Ritchie in 1917. There is another image on this website by Ritchie that looks south from a nearby position. Diversion of the River Dee
157 The Dee originally flowed northward from Wellington Bridge close by the railway arches eastwards to the sea. After years of discussion about the development of the harbour, the Aberdeen Harbour Act of 1868 allowed the Harbour Commissioners to divert the river to the south. The first turf was cut by Lord Provost Leslie on 22nd December 1869.
This photograph shows the dam built to allow the excavation of the new channel. Most of the work was carried out by hand with men using picks and shovels. There was no official inauguration of the new channel but the river was following its new course by the beginning of 1873. Spring Garden
275 This photo shows the premises of William McKinnon & Co, ironfounders and engineers in Spring Garden, at its junction with Loch Street. The company was founded by William McKinnon in 1798, when they did work for local factories. In the 1860s, they became involved in the production of equipment for coffee, cocoa, rice and sugar plantations. By the 1890s, they employed 170 men, making steam engines, boilers, sugar machinery, as well as machines for polishing granite. Eventually, 90% of their manufacturing was exported; they had agencies in 60 countries worldwide and they produced catalogues in English, French and Spanish. During World War 2, production switched to munitions work, producing shells, mortars and parts for Hercules Aero engines. They appear to have ceased trading around 1992-93. Demonstration in favour of the Franchise Bill
318 On the 16th August 1884, a great demonstration took place in Aberdeen in support of the Franchise Bill. Over 10,000 men including members of 33 different trades, assembled on the Esplanade and, to the music of 20 bands, paraded through the city street on way to the Links. This photograph shows the processions snaking down Guild Street.
The figures dressed in white towards the front of the procession are likely from the contingent of bakers and millers, of whom there were 300 in number. This may be the end of their group, with a band and the shore labourers behind them.
Describing the procession, the pamphlet The Franchise Bill Demonstration at Aberdeen, on Saturday, 16th August, 1884 states the following:
"The millers and bakers, who came next, presented, perhaps the best show in the whole procession. Dressed in white from head to foot, they made a strikingly conspicuous display amid the variegated draping of the other demonstrators." (Page 7).
The pamphlet goes on to describe the various banners and displays carried by the millers and bakers.
Aberdeen City Libraries have a copy of The Franchise Bill Demonstration at Aberdeen, on Saturday, 16th August, 1884 in our Local Studies Reserve Stock (Lo 329) and this can be consulted at Aberdeen Central Library. The pamphlet states that it is compiled chiefly from local newspaper reports. Aberdeen Fire Brigade
352 Aberdeen Fire Brigade 1875. By the end of the 19th century the brigade was run on a part time basis. Firemen were paid a retaining fee but continued in their normal jobs being called out to fires either by the ringing of the Town House bell in daytime, or being woken by the Town Nightwatchman / Policeman. Assistance with major fires was often sought from soldiers stationed in the Castlehill Barracks and from men from the Royal Naval Training Ship Clyde. Prior to 1885, when the city acquired its first steam fire engine (horsedrawn) fires were fought with a manual fire engine. It required water to be pumped by hand by about 24 men - 12 on each side. The men in the photograph appear to be posed in front of such a machine. It can also be noted that they did not have a full uniform, being only provided with a helmet and belt until 1887. It was not until 1896 that the Fire Brigade was put on a more professional footing when William Inkster was appointed as the City's Firemaster and firemen became fulltime. Franchise Bill demonstration
370 On the 16th of August 1884, a great demonstration took place in Aberdeen in support of the Franchise Bill. A procession by over 10,000 men including members of 33 different trades assembled on the Esplanade, and to the music of 20 bands, paraded through several principal streets before making its way to the Links, where many speeches were made. This photograph shows the procession marching down Guild Street. Bede House, Old Aberdeen
572 This rubble-built structure at 20-22 Don Street dates from 1676, and for a short time after 1787 it housed eight Bedesmen - poor, single men, aged over 60. The house is now a private dwelling but a sheltered housing complex named Bede House Court was opened nearby in 1964. Bede House, Old Aberdeen
656 An engraving of Bede House at 18, 19 and 21 Don Street, Old Aberdeen. This three storey townhouse, with an attic, is dated 1676. It was built as the residence of Baillie William Logan.
For a short time after 1787 it housed eight Bedesmen - poor, single men, aged over 60 - hence its name. It was restored in 1965 and is now private accommodation.
In the engraving Bede House is 19 and 21 Don Street, whereas in 2019 it is numbered 20 and 22. This latter numbering is also on Ordnance Survey maps from the 1950s. Marischal Street
732 This photograph shows Marischal Street at its junction with Regent Quay, looking north towards Castle Street.
It was built to improve the connection between the harbour and the main part of the city, which had previously only been accessible via the steep incline of Shore Brae and the Shiprow.
In 1766, the Town Council were successful in purchasing the unoccupied Lodging of the Earl Marischal of Scotland which stood on the south side of the Castlegate. It was then demolished to open up the way for the new street, named in the Earl's honour.
It was the first street in Aberdeen to be paved with dressed granite setts. Houses were built and were occupied by prosperous professional men such as Dr William Dyce; Andrew Roberston, William Young and Alexander Fraser; both to become Provosts of Aberdeen. These properties were mostly converted to commercial use in later years.
The buildings on the right were replaced by the long and narrow, neo-classical building, designed by Robert Gordon Wilson and built in 1901-02, that can still be seen today at 33 Regent Quay. Dyce Chemical Works
852 Dyce Chemical Works (Milnes of Dyce) consisted of a sulphuric acid production plant and a granular fertiliser plant (superphosphate based fertiliser). The site was between Pitmedden Road and the railway line. The photograph shows the fertiliser stored in polythene bags, which replaced hessian sacks, with the acid production plant in the background. The stows were hand-produced by using conveyors and men. They were then covered by large sheets of polythene to prevent the bags from becoming dirty in appearance. Dyce Chemical Works
853 Dyce Chemical Works (Milnes of Dyce) consisted of a sulphuric acid production plant and a granular fertiliser plant (superphosphate based fertiliser). The site was between Pitmedden Road and the railway line. The photograph shows the fertiliser stored in polythene bags, which replaced hessian sacks. The stows were hand-produced by using conveyors and men. They were then covered by large sheets of polythene to prevent the bags from becoming dirty in appearance. A Dead Whale
868 Crowds gathered round a dead whale, with fishing boats (A329) in the background.
Correspondent Ed Fowler suggests that this photograph shows the "Nairn whale".
Initially wrongly identified at the time as a blue whale, it was actually a sei whale (Balaenoptera Borealis), one of the 4th-largest balaenopterid.
The whale stranded at Nairn on 18th December 1884 and was subsequently purchased by Mr Davidson, fish-dealer, Aberdeen. The whale was then towed by the tug Granite City on 2nd February 1885.
The Evening Express from Wednesday 4th February 1885 provides more details about the operation:
"This was accordingly done about five o'clock yesterday afternoon by the tug Granite City, and the leviathan was successfully placed on the waggons which had been provided for the purpose. Suspended in mid-air, the whale presented a remarkable spectacle, its huge proportions being displayed to full advantage. The task of placing it on the huge waggons by which it was conveyed to its destination proved a very laborious and onerous one, and occupied a large staff of men from four o'clock in the afternoon till midnight. Ultimately, the leviathan stretched upon the waggons, and the horses - numbering about two dozen - being attached, the unusual procession proceeded on its way to the Recreation Grounds [Queens Links]. The quay was literally besieged by a crowd which swelled in proportions as time wore on, and whose enthusiasm the disagreeable odour which proceeded from the whale was wholly unable to quench. [About] four o'clock this afternoon, after many difficulties had been encountered and overcome, the whale reached its destination - the Recreations Grounds - where it now lies. As before stated, a very strong smell is felt in the vicinity of the carcase, and the sanitary inspector has brought the matter under the notice of the Public Health Committee".
Ed Fowler adds that "The Landing was a difficult operation as it can reach 19.5M (64-ft) long and weighing as much as 28-Tons. An attempt to haul it from the water at Fittie (Perhaps Alexander Hall's Slipway) with Horses failed and so it was Towed into the harbour to the North Lock Sheer-legs (a lifting system) at the North Lock, Waterloo Quay and hoisted in mid-air with a tackle around the Tail, then placed on a series of Wagons and then dragged by 24 Horses and a crowd of Men to the Recreation Grounds (Queens Links), for Public Exhibition."
Culter Football Club
883 A team photograph of Culter Football Club from the 1931-32 season.
Local historian Brian Coutts has been in touch with names for some of the people shown:
The fourth from the left,of the five men in the back row is David Sangster.
The middle row, of nine men, starts on the left with T. Emsie, the club secretary. 4th along is G. Petrie and the 5th is Arthur Jackson.
The front row, starting again from the left, is A.J. Moir, H. Wilson, L. Cooper, W. Jamieson and an unknown 5th man.
Brian also suggests that the trophy at the front might be the Archibald Cup. H Company, 7th Gordon Highlanders
973 When Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914, the Army Reserves and Territorials were immediately mobilised. Great enthusiasm greeted the news and streams of men reported immediately to their depots. The local press reported the "patriotic response from the North" as men from various towns responded to the call. This photo shows the scene at Culter, then a village 7 miles west of Aberdeen, as H Company, 7th Gordon Highlanders (Culter) paraded, watched by crowds of excited children. Within a few days, the press were reporting the busy scenes at the railway station where the normal rail traffic was disrupted as men and war supplies were loaded on to special trains for the journey south. Culter War Memorial
994 A photograph showing the unveiling of a new panel at Culter War Memorial on Sunday 19th June 1949.
The article 'Tribute to War Dead of Culter' from the Press & Journal of 20th June 1949, page 6, describes the ceremony as follows:
"A panel containing the names of 29 men from the parish who lost their lives in the recent war was unveiled at Culter War Memorial yesterday.
"Relatives of the fallen and representatives of the Boys' Brigade, Girl Guides, Brownies, and the Territorial Army were grouped round the memorial as Mrs Tough, Hillside Road, Culter, who lost two sons in the war, unveiled the tablet.
"The panel was dedicated by the Rev. J. R. Dey, Kelman Memorial Church, who, along with the Rev. T. W. Howie, St Peter's Church, conducted the service"
Culter War Memorial is a tapering, crenelated tower located on a hillock to the west of the village. It is accessed by a footpath that leaves North Deeside Road not far beyond the bridge over the Culter Burn.
Correspondent Brian Coutts has been in touch to inform us that one of the representatives of the Brownies present at the ceremony was Elizabeth McNab.
The abovementioned sons of Mrs Jane Tough of Hillside Road were Driver Frank Tough, Royal Corps of Signals, formerly an employee of Culter Paper Mills, who was killed by enemy action in the Middle East on 24th September 1942, aged 24, and Private Ernest "Ernie" Tough, 2nd Gordons, who died on 5th October 1943, aged 26, while a prisoner-of-war in Thailand. (Source: Press & Journal, 26th September 1946, page 3.)
The former, Frank Tough, is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial in Egypt and Ernest is buried Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Myanmar. (Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.) Haymaking at Culter
1023 This photograph from the early 1900's shows a pair of farm workers loading a cart with hay. After the hay was cut it would be forked into haycocks in the fields, hopefully drying in the sun and wind. It would be turned regularly to ensure it became fairly dry or 'wun'. The man on top of the cart receives forkfuls of hay lifted up to him by the other men, and it was his job to arrange it so that it lay neatly and didn't unbalance and fall off as the cart travelled back to the farm. Once there loads of hay would be built into hayricks, thatched to ensure that rain didn't soak inside. Cults Fire Brigade
1049 This photograph from 1905, shows the personnel of Cults Fire Brigade with their horse drawn fire engine. These men were all volunteers and included a joiner, butcher, shoemaker and a plumber. In the photo are - Holding horses - D. Brown (butcher with Wishart), J. R. Reith (chemist). Standing at the side of the engine - Major Hislop of Derncleuch (founder of the Brigade), H. Robertson (gardener), A. R. Will (plumber), A. Calder (slater), J. Robertson (gardener). On Engine - J. McPherson (joiner), Wisley (driver), Prof, J. McIntyre of Abbotswells, J. Davidson (butcher with Williamson), Wm. Davidson (shoemaker), Sir Robert Greig. When a fire broke out, a hooter was blown and the men downed tools to gather at the old school. Horses had to be brought from the local firms such as the baker or coal merchant, who used horses to pull their delivery carts. The fire engine was housed in St. Devenick's Place and had a manual system where the men had to pump by hand. 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. Granite workers at Persley Quarry
1070 Aberdeen, famously the "Silver City", had many granite quarries with Persley and Sclattie next to Woodside among the largest.
Skilled men were required to break and the huge granite blocks into manageable sized pieces from which to work and many came from across Scotland to work in the Woodside area.
Granite from the local quarries was made into cassies used to pave the streets of London as well as Aberdeen.
The quarry industry came to an end in the area in the early 1900s with many of the quarrymen of Woodside emigrating to Redgranite, USA.
Settmaker at Persley Quarry
1071 The Aberdeen area had many granite quarries, and there was a need for men who had the skill to reduce huge blocks of granite into manageable pieces by chipping it with a variety of hammers, and chisels to produce the required shape and size. In this 1920's photograph we see a settmaker at Persley Quarry on the north side of the River Don in Aberdeen, at his wooden shelter or 'skaithie'. These shelters provided some sort of wind break for these men who had to sit on blocks of granite patiently working on the hard stone. Settmakers made cassies for roads and Aberdeen setts were used to pave streets in London. On his left is a tripod structure which acted like a small crane to lift the bigger stones into position. Note the lack of protective safety equipment apart from some extra padding on his knees. Donside Paper Mill
1220 Donside Paper Mill. William Falconer attends the paper reels. c.1928.
The production of paper in the area goes back as far as 1696 at Gordon mills which later changed to a cloth mill, then meal mill before returning to paper production in 1890.
Donside Paper Company Ltd. took over in 1893 with many men and women from Woodside working in the Donside Paper Mill.
In 1913 a modern newsprint machine was installed (reportedly the fastest in the country). By the mid-1900s the mill modernised further and was home to the two fastest running paper machines in the North east. Portrait of two smartly dressed men
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