6

Hall Russell, Ship Builders, Marine Place c. 1950s/60s. Note the main office is off to the right. The entrance at the top of the stairs is to the loft, where scale drawing and templates were drafted. The shipwrights department was on the ground floor to the south of this building. [Many thanks to Stanley Bruce for providing us with correct details on the building layout.]

96

Honeybrae House. This house stood in the middle of a market garden near Morningfield Hospital about one-and-a-half miles west of Aberdeen City Centre. The lands were part of the old royal hunting forest of Stocket, given to the town of Aberdeen by Robert the Bruce. In the 17th century, it came into the ownership of the Skenes of Rubislaw and, in 1875, it was owned by Aberdeen Land Association. This two-storeyed house is most famous for its connection with the poet Lord Byron. In 1798, as a boy of about 10, he was taken there to spend a summer holiday while he was a pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School. At that time, it was probably a fairly new house, standing in its own grounds in a rural situation. He stayed there with his mother and their maid, Isabella Mitchell, before going to visit his old nurse, Agnes Gray. His room was on the first floor. By the 1830s, it was the home of a Captain John Boyd and later of market gardeners. Above the main door, there was a window whose thirteen small designed panes led it to be called 'the thirteen' window. By the 1920s, it had fallen into disrepair and the house was demolished in November 1928. The site was redeveloped for modern housing.

677

March Lane, 1923. This view of a narrow lane in the Rosemount area of Aberdeen shows a number of small houses with tiled roofs. The rather rundown nature of the lane hides the fact that it stood on the boundary of the City of Aberdeen. At the end of the lane there was a dressed granite stone with the letters CR incised on it. These stood for City Royalty and up to the 19th century, the Town Councillors would inspect these boundaries or marches to check that such landmarks had not been removed. A series of such stones marked what was known as the Inner Marches and another series with the letters ABD marked the Outer Marches which bounded the Freedom Lands, including the lands granted to the City by Robert the Bruce in 1319.

816

Honeybrae House. This house stood in the middle of a market garden near Morningfield Hospital about one and a half miles west of Aberdeen City Centre. The lands were part of the old royal hunting forest of Stocket, given to the town of Aberdeen by Robert the Bruce. In the 17th century, it came into the ownership of the Skenes of Rubislaw, and in 1875, it was owned by Aberdeen Land Association. This two storeyed house is most famous for its connection with the poet Lord Byron. In 1798, as a boy of about 10, he was taken there to spend a summer holiday while he was a pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School. At that time, it was probably a fairly new house, standing in its own grounds in a rural situation. He stayed there with his mother and their maid Isabella Mitchell, before going to visit his old nurse, Agnes Gray. His room was on the first floor. By the 1830's, it was the home of a Captain John Boyd and later of market gardeners. Above the main door, there was a window whose thirteen small designed panes, led it to be called 'the thirteen' window. By the 1920's, it had fallen into disrepair and the house demolished in November 1928, and the site redeveloped for modern housing.

837

The mid-20th century heyday of Aberdeen beach as a tourist destination. Deck chairs were a popular feature of the beach up until the 1980s. They could be hired from three stations, each containing 1,800 chairs. Those with hoods were particularly in demand on sunny days. Like the beach's bathing machines before them, the deck chairs were offered for public sale in 1998. The Beach Shelter, with its clock tower, can also be seen in the background of this image. In addition to sheltering from the wind and rain, it was used as a landmark for reuniting youngsters separated from parents and as a meeting place before nights out at the nearby Beach Ballroom. The shelter, a well-known landmark, was demolished in 1986. Its distinctive clock tower was initially preserved, however, it was later damaged in storage and dismantled. Correspondent Patricia Hamilton has been in touch to identify the group of three located right of centre in this image as her and her family. They are Patricia, her brother Keith Hamilton (standing) and her mother Eileen Hamilton. Patricia and her mother, who is seen reading the day's Press & Journal newspaper, had hired deck chairs to sit on. Another younger brother, Bruce, was with them at the beach but was away making sand castles at the time and so is not shown. Patricia states that in those days, before cheap package holidays, her family never went abroad. Visits to the beach during weekends in the Summer were therefore a welcome break from daily life. Patricia's family lived in Aberdeen and she would often take her two younger brothers to the beach for donkey rides and to visit the fairground.

859

In 1880, Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie of Ruthrieston bought land at Allenvale and Polmuir and the vacant estate of Arthurs Seat and donated it to Aberdeen Town Council as a public park. Today, the park covers 44 acres of wide open spaces. A restaurant was also opened in 1972 at a cost of £50,000 and the famous winter gardens built in 1899 at a cost of 1550 pounds and subsequently rebuilt in 1969 at a cost of £58,000. In the centre of the picture can be seen the old West Lodge or Duthie Lodge. When the Great Southerrn Road and King George VI Bridge were built in 1938, the lodge was bought for 60 pounds by an Aberdeen contractor, dismantled and moved piece by piece to Rubislaw Den South. The Great Southern Road was a new road from Holburn Street to Whinhill Road, linking the city with the new satellite town at Kincorth and onwards to meet the Aberdeen - Stonehaven Road.

1048

Cults and District Recreation Club performed "Mains' Wooin'" in East Church Hall 1923. The players are named as: Piper - G. Wilson, J. W. Robertson, W. Christie, W. A. Thompson, John Kidd, unknown, Jack Morrison, A. Ironside, Bert Anderson, Miss Robertson, Miss Skakle, Peter Walker, John Forsyth, Miss Skakle, Dr Robert Bruce, Mrs Pirie, Miss Ironside, W. Ironside, Miss Robertson, W. Marshall. Front of stage: T. Ambrose, J. Milne, John Salthouse, unknown, D. Kidd, M. Morrison, D. Kidd, John Lovie, J. Adams, Jack Meston.

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.

1200

The photo shows Nos. 18-20 and 22-28 Loch Street in a rather delapidated state. Clydesdale, electrical goods, Target Discount and Bruce Millers had all closed in preparation for demolition for the Bon Accord Centre. Charles Bruce Miller first opened his music shop in 1900, and he was succeeded by his sons and grandsons as the company prospered. They moved from 51 George Street to these purpose designed premises in Loch Street in May 1977 where they had four floors catering for the growing trade in TV's, music centres as well as musical instruments. In 1983, they moved to a new location at the west end of Union Street, so that by the time this image was taken in 1987, the shop had been bricked up and was covered in advertising posters.

1441

The refurbished Reference Library was opened as the "Information Centre" on 16 May 2006 by Sir James Milne, Chairman of the Balmoral Group. He is seen here with Neil Bruce (Service Manager, Culture and Sport, Aberdeen City Council) and Councillor John Stewart (extreme right).

1503

Northfield Farm was located at Bannermill behind Northfield Church of Scotland. It was tenanted by the Booth family for centuries. The farm was leased from the Hays of Seaton. Along with the adjoining farms of West Northfield and Oldtown, the farm was taken over by the Corporation of Aberdeen in 1946 and eventually demolished to make way for the expansion of the housing estate of the same name. The name Northfield is believed to have come from the area being the most northerly point of the Freedom Lands given to the burgh of Aberdeen by King Robert the Bruce. (Many thanks to Alexander Gavin for providing information and prompting further research into the history of the farm.)

1504

Northfield Farm was located at Bannermill behind Northfield Church of Scotland. It was tenanted by the Booth family for centuries. The farm was leased from the Hays of Seaton. Along with the adjoining farms of West Northfield and Oldtown, the farm was taken over by the Corporation of Aberdeen in 1946 and eventually demolished to make way for the expansion of the housing estate of the same name. The name Northfield is believed to have come from the area being the most northerly point of the Freedom Lands given to the burgh of Aberdeen by King Robert the Bruce. (Many thanks to Alexander Gavin for providing information and prompting further research into the history of the farm.)

1632

This image has not yet been indexed. Use the Comments button below the image to enter information about the image. Please note: we will not include any personal information provided unless you indicate that you wish to be acknowledged. The standard form for crediting your information is (name, place) e.g. (John Smith, Aberdeen).

2016

A portrait of Captain Duncan Vernon Pirie M.P. (22nd March 1858 - 11th January 1931). After becoming the member of parliament for Aberdeen North in a 1896 by-election Pirie, a Liberal, held the seat until the general election of 1918.

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.

2450

Statue of Robert The Bruce, by Alan Beattie Herriot, with the tower block behind. 16/10/2011.

2465

Silhouettes of Robert The Bruce, Provost Skene's House and St. Nicholas Kirk with cranes indicating work starting on new Marischal Square development. 26/11/2015.

2775

A Davidson Bros. "Real Photographic" Series postcard looking east up Union Street. The image likely dates from the early 20th century. Before the junction with Back Wynd can be seen the Queen's Restaurant at 120 Union Street and R. Hunter, Chemist at 118. The building at the junction of Union Street and Back Wynd was initially built in 1837 to a design by John Smith. It was the first purpose built home of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. Doreathea Bruce, in her history of the Society, explains that they sold the building in 1870 after construction of the the new, James Matthew designed, Advocates' Hall in Concert Court. The old hall was bought by Lockhart & Salmond, confectioners, and later functioned as a restaurant and as a cinema. Bruce suggests the building became known as Queen's after it was decorated by City Architect John Smith shortly after Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Her full history of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen can be read in Aberdeen University Review, LVI, no. 195, Spring 1996.

3060

The clad and illuminated lift shaft shot from between the legs of Alan Beattie Herriot's impressive equestrian statue of Robert the Bruce on Broad Street. 18/11/2015.

3065

Once again, Alan Beattie Herriot's equestrian statue of Robert the Bruce makes a striking reference point regarding the Marischal Square development opposite. Provost Skene's House bottom, centre. 08/04/2016.

3071

Marischal Square taking shape in Broad Street with Alan Beattie Herriot's statue of Robert the Bruce forming a focal point. 06/07/2016.

3077

Two cherry pickers in Broad Street puting the finishing touches to Marischal Square. Marischal College and Bruce statue on the left. 22/04/2017.

3346

We believe this photograph shows a man historically known as Fool Friday entertaining a group of children and adults outside a house in Aberdeen. Fool Friday was a street vendor who sold ice cream in summer and hot chestnuts in winter. He may have also played a barrel piano as shown here. Fool Friday was an often seen, distinctive character on the streets of Aberdeen. References to him in recorded oral history and newspapers suggest he sold his goods around the town centre, including at the Castlegate. He appears to have been around in the earlier years of the 20th century, between the two world wars. Little seems to be known, or recorded, about the life of this intriguing figure. He is mentioned in an article of reminiscences by Arthur Bruce from the Leopard magazine of December 1986/January 1987. Bruce writes "I am reminded of another worthy who lived round the corner in Harriet Street, an Ice Cream Mannie, with a home and family. Of Italian origins he was known as 'Fool Friday' - nothing to do with being stupid, I may add, simply the local dialect for foul or dirty. Legend had it that the nickname was well deserved, but as a child I was never aware of his less than hygienic approach to the business of selling ice cream from a 'cairtie'. I have never solved the mystery of the 'Friday' part, although I should be delighted to hear from anyone who knows the answer." It is possible that this photograph shows not Fool Friday, but someone else entirely. A letter in the Evening Express of 30th October 1979, looking back to this earlier time, describes a man known as Can-Tam who played a barrel organ in the streets. The letter writer suggests that Can-Tam's organ was smashed by a tram and subsequently replaced by the council. A suggestion received through social media and subsequent further research indicates that this image may show Guiseppe, or Joseph, Bordone (1872-1957). He was an eating house keeper and an ice-cream and chestnuts vendor. A brief mention in the Evening Express newspaper of 15th March 1994, page 8, suggests that Bordone may have been known as Fool Friday, but this is uncertain. This photograph was printed as a postcard and these were perhaps sold to the families visited by the entertainer. This postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries by Bill Cheyne so that we could create and preserve a digital copy for public use.

3384

This building was originally the Theatre Royal before being converted into a church in the 1870s. The Theatre Royal was the first permanent theatre built in Aberdeen. It was opened in 1795 and was funded by subscription. It cost £3,000 and could seat 600 people. The Theatre Royal was very popular with Aberdeen's high society until the 1830s when it began to fall into decline. Shortly after the opening of Her Majesty's Theatre the building was sold to the Church of Scotland.