We take a look through the archives at skateboarding in the north-east from as far back as the 1970s with plenty of incredible tricks and ingenuity on display!
Skateboarding has come a long way from being a simple pastime on the streets to now being a welcome addition to the Summer Olympics.
You would be forgiven for thinking the popularity of the sport in the modern day is owed largely to the likes of Bart Simpson and Tony Hawk’s pro skater series of games – but these pictures show that it has been beloved in the north-east since the 1970s.
Nowadays, there are several purpose-built areas for skaters to practice their skills scattered across the north-east but our archives show that many youngsters were forced to improvise in playing fields and car parks or even build their own ramps from scratch.
Have you ever tried skating? Where did you used to practice? Let us know in the comments below!
1978 – Spence Nicol, 12, demonstrates a turn for his friends at the new skate bowl at Heathryfold
1989 – Keith Johnston, 15, trying out an area designed for skateboarders at Keith
1977 – Roy Lyon shows what the well dressed skateboard enthusiast wears.
1977 – Grahame Mathew, balancing on his board at Montrose Academy PTA’s Hobbies Clubs open night
1978 – The Aberdeen Super Surfers look on as Ramsay Taylor, 14, goes through his paces at the Inverdee pavilion
1989 – A skateboarder takes to the air while honing his skills on a ramp
1977 – Thrills – and spills – while skateboarding in October 1977
1988 – Skateboarders who were waiting to have a new rink built at Bridge of Don were, front: John Campbell, left, and Neil Smith, and back, from left: Murray Alexander, David Harmon, Kevin Stephen, Andrew Adams and Lee Hall
1989 – George Collier, 16, is flying high at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
1977 – Marianne McHugh learning the skills
1978 – Doug Gibb demonstrating the art along the city’s Westburn Road
1976 – A young skateboarder showing off his skills on the beach promenade at Aberdeen
1978 – Marc Sinclair demonstrates a handstand on the lip of the skateboard park at Heathryfold
1988 – A photographer captures Mark Adam in action
1977 – A young skateboarder showing off their skills in December 1977
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Old school skateboarders showing off their tricks in the North-East
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