This image of Union Glen, taken from near the junction with Cuparstone Row, was likely taken by James Kellas in the early 1950s.

The building that can be seen above the bridge, on Holburn Street, was number 81 at the time. It was a shop belonging to Alexanders, a radio and television dealer. This business closed down in the 1980s. At the time of writing, the building is occupied by the Aberdeen Drilling School.

The larger building on the right is 82 Holburn Street. It has a long history as a bar and was known for generations as Aitken's. It was previously known as the Great Western Bar and later as the Malt Mill, which was originally the name of a lounge opened in 1963. The name references the building at one time having been a distillery.

See the brilliant Aberdeen Pub Companion (1975) by Archibald Hopkin for more information on this and other drinking establishments.

(Many thanks to local historian A. G. Duthie for getting in touch with information for this record.)

Location

Holburn

Keyword

Lanes

Photographer

James Kellas