Ellon is a bustling, attractive town … but one with a long history stretching back into the mists of time.
Sitting at the point where the River Ythan was shallow enough to be forded, it was a strategic crossing point on the north-east, allowing passage between Aberdeen and Buchan.
Over the years it has been home to Picts, Scots, Danes and Normans and was the seat of the powerful Comyn family, who built their castles there until the “Harrying of Buchan” by Robert the Bruce saw Ellon razed.
The town has more than flourished in the centuries since and is now home to a number of attractions and businesses, such as Haddo House and BrewDog and is blessed with beautiful countryside and beaches. Join us as we take a look at Ellon over the years.
With war clouds gathering over Europe, the Gordon Highlanders proudly march through Ellon in June 1938 as the people of the town turn out to salute them.
A view from Market Street, Ellon looking towards The Square. Also pictured is the building the Clydesdale Bank used to occupy.
The Ythan Raft Race has been one of the big success stories for Ellon. In May 1987, it raised more than £10,000 for charity. That year, it attracted 217 entries with an estimated 1500 people taking to the water.
You can almost feel the warm sunshine in this atmospheric photo from 1969, when crowds flocked to Ellon’s annual show and sports event held on the first Saturday in August in Deer Park.
This undated photo shows Ellon Castle before it fell into disrepair. Today there is a community-effort to restore the castle’s extensive and historic gardens.