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.

Location

Aberdeen Beach

Keyword

Beaches

Photographer