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.

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.)

1723

A postcard image of the Castle Bridge in Huntly over the Deveron River. On their listed building portal, Historic Environment Scotland describe the bridge as probably 17th century (possibly with earlier fabric) with later strengthening (circa 1800) to the west side. Their statement of special interest affirms that the Castle Bridge is "an important, early single span bridge in an area of outstanding historic interest, located between Huntly Castle and Huntly Lodge (Huntly Castle Hotel)." The bridge is also known as Elgin's Bridge.

2212

This postcard image shows the ruins of an emporium at Forgue, Aberdeenshire.

2317

A postcard depicting Castle Street. Horse drawn carriages line the street.

2318

A colourised postcard depicting Castle Street. Horse drawn carriages line the street.

2422

Castlehill 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. It was vacated in 1934 when the Gordon Barracks at the Bridge of Don were opened. It was used for housing in the 1960s and was demolished to make way for high-rise flats.

2540

A Valentine's Series postcard showing Crathes Castle.

2941

A postcard image of Castle Street, at the top of Union Street, likely taken from the Salvation Army Citadel.

2947

A postcard image showing Castle Street and Union Street from the Salvation Army Citadel.

2952

A postcard image showing Castle Street and the aftermath of the snowstorm that hit Aberdeen on 29th December 1908.

2959

An Adelphi Series postcard with a reproduction of Hugh Irvine of Drum's painting of Castle Street in 1812. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

3146

An Adelphi Series postcard showing Union Street from Castlegate. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

3147

An Adelphi Series postcard showing Castle Street with a view down Union Street. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

3155

An Adelphi series photograph showing a view of Union Street towards Castle Gate. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

3163

An Adelphi Series postcard showing a view of Union Street from Castle Gate. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

3173

An Adelphi Series postcard showing a view of Union Street from Castle Gate, with focus on the Mercat Cross. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

3841

Postcard showing the interior of the Hop Inn Restaurant on Castle Street in Aberdeen.

4211

A photograph showing the southern elevation of Kellie Castle, or Kelly Castle, near Arbirlot and Arbroath in Angus. The castle sits in a wooded area next to a small river call the Elliot Water. Historic Environment Scotland's Canmore website, states his that this historic tower house, also once known as Auchterlony, was "the seat of the Elliot family from the 14th to the 17th centuries but the building itself appears to date from the late 15th century at the earliest. After standing in ruins for some time it was restored in the mid-19th century and is still occupied." This image likely dates from the 1970s. It comes from a collection of slides donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

4236

A postcard image showing a busy Castle Street and Castlegate in Aberdeen. A large selection of transport can be seen including double-decker trams, open and hard-top buses and a private car. A market appears to be underway in the Castlegate near the statue of the Duke of Gordon. The other side of this postcard indicates it was posted on 11th August 1930 by a holidaymaker in Aberdeen to Cupar in Fife. The brief message reads "Having a good holiday here. All good wishes."

22

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.

354

A Raphael Tuck & Sons postcard showing a painting of Braemar Castle by D. Small. The postcard is part of the Oilette, Deeside Series II and likely dates from the early 20th century.

408

The rear of an Adelphi Series postcard that on the front shows a reproduction of Hugh Irvine of Drum's painting of Castle Street in 1812. The postcard was sent with a brief message from Aberdeen to someone living in Dundee in 1905. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.

409

The back of an Adelphi Series postcard that on the front shows a view of Union Street from Castle Gate. The postcard was lent to Aberdeen City Libraries so that we could create a digital copy for public use.