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Family History Sources in the Archives Leaflet

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  • Aberdeen City Archives
  • Aberdeen City Archives
  • Aberdeen City Archives

only be consulted upon completion of an access request form. A leaflet providing more detail about these records is available on request and also on our website.

Burgh register of sasines (Town House)

The register of sasines records transfers of land rights within the old burgh boundary and is a valuable genealogical source for earlier periods. The records begin in 1484 and continue until 1809 after which date sasine registers can be found at the National Archives of Scotland along with those for the northeast counties.

Introduction

Aberdeen City Archives holds a considerable amount of genealogical source material and this leaflet aims to introduce the main classes of records for the study of family history. Advice of a more general nature on genealogy can be found in the ‘Starting Your Family History’ leaflet. Please note that the collections are split between two sites, the Town House and Old Aberdeen House, as indicated in the text. These are general indications only, and we strongly advise you to contact us in advance if you are at all unsure about where records are held.

School records (Old Aberdeen House)

Headteacher’s log books and pupil admission registers survive for several hundred north-east schools as a major source for family history research. A list of the schools collections, mostly post-dating the Education (Scotland) Act of 1872, can be found in the Catalogues section of our website. Please note that access to certain records in these collections is restricted under the Data Protection Act and they may only be consulted upon completion

Burgh register of deeds (Town House)

From the 16th century onwards deeds other than titles to land were often confirmed before burgh courts. A wide variety of documents, such as marriage settlements, loans and mortgages, can be found in these registers.

Burial records (Town House)

of an access request form. A leaflet providing more detail about these records is available on request and also on our website.

Electoral rolls (Town House/Old Aberdeen House)

There are two series of electoral rolls; voters rolls for municipal elections to the Burgh Council, from 1832 to 1915; and rolls for parliamentary elections running from 1832 to 1913, and (with gaps) from 1946 to the modern day. Electoral rolls also survive for the Counties of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff for much of the 20th century. An almost complete run of parliamentary rolls from 1909 to the modern day is also available at the Aberdeen Central Library.
The City Archives has interment records for a number of cemeteries within the City boundary, notably for St Peter's, St Nicholas, St Clement's, John Knox, Nellfield and Old Machar burial grounds. Additional cemetery registers, along with more recent records, are kept by the Council's Burials & Cremations Office.

Tax lists

(Town House/Old Aberdeen House)

Tax lists, or 'stent rolls', for the Burgh of
Aberdeen date back to the 15th century although the first comprehensive series of property taxation is the Police Commissioners' rent rolls, which run from 1795 to 1859/60. Similar lists of those liable to pay Assessed Taxes in the County of Aberdeen also survive for the period of 1799-1832.

Church of Scotland records (Town House)

Session records for St Nicholas, St Clement’s, John Knox and Greyfriars churches are housed in the City Archives. In addition to matters of church discipline, the records can contain communion rolls, payments to the poor, baptisms, marriages and some burials. Session records for other Church of Scotland churches are located at the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) in Edinburgh.

Valuation rolls (Old Aberdeen House)

In 1855 a uniform system of property valuation was established in Scotland and its records give the names of proprietors and occupiers along with the rateable value of each property. These rolls are available for the City of Aberdeen from 1855 and also survive (with gaps) for the counties of Aberdeen from 1859/60, Kincardine from 1862/63, Banff from 1877/78 and Moray from 1902/3.

Useful addresses

Burials & Cremations Office

Bereavement Services 4th Floor

Aberdeen Central Library

Local Studies Department, Rosemount Viaduct,

Other church records

(Town House/Old Aberdeen House)

From 1990 they only list business addresses as rating of domestic properties was abolished. Complete sets from 1855 are held by the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh.

St Nicholas House
Aberdeen, AB25 1GW

tel 01224 652512

As well as records of the established church, the City Archives holds records for the congregational churches of Aberdeen, such as Belmont Street Church. It also holds records for a number of Episcopalian churches, covering the City and Banff County areas, and Methodist churches in the North of Scotland Circuit.

Broad Street, Aberdeen tel 01224 522770 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Poor relief records (Old Aberdeen House)

Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society

164 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5BD tel 01224 646323

Prior to the introduction of the welfare state, responsibilityfor the poorer sections of society was largely borne by charitable organisations and the parish. Dating from 1845 to 1929, the records of the parochial boards and parish councils cover the counties of Aberdeen, Banff, Kincardine and Moray and include applications for relief, inspectors' records, minute books and registers of guardians. Indexes to many of these records are available in the Old Aberdeen House searchroom and the Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society shop. Please note that access to certain records is restricted under the Data Protection Act and that they may

Aberdeenshire Library & Information Service

Meldrum Meg Way, The Meadows Industrial Estate, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0GN

Burgh records (Town House/Old Aberdeen House)

As well as holding a very comprehensive collection relating to the Burgh of Aberdeen, the City Archives also provides access to collections of 19 Burghs in Aberdeenshire. Town Council minutes, accounts and papers contain a wealth of information relating to individuals living within burghs that is of interest to family historians. Ask the Duty Archivist for assistance in identifying relevant sources for your investigation.

email: [email protected] www.anesfhs.org.uk tel 01651 872707 email: [email protected] www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/alis/index.htm

National Archives of Scotland

HM General Register House, Edinburgh, EH1 3YY tel 0131 535 1314 email: [email protected] www.nas.gov.uk

Aberdeen City Archives
Aberdeen City Archives

  • Town House
  • Old Aberdeen House

Town House I Broad Street I Aberdeen I AB10 1AQ

Tel: 01224 522513 I Fax: 01224 638556 I

e-mail: [email protected] www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/archives

Old Aberdeen House I Dunbar Street I Aberdeen I AB24 3UJ

Tel: 01224 481775 I Fax: 01224 495830 I

e-mail: [email protected]

Aberdeen

www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/archives

C I T Y A R C H I V E S

Searchroom opening hours I Wednesday - Friday,

9.30am - 4.30pm I Please telephone in advance to make an appointment I Pencils only may be used in the searchroom

Searchroom opening hours I Monday - Wednesday, 9.30am

- 1pm, 2pm - 4.30pm I Please telephone in advance to make an appointment I Pencils only may be used in the searchroom

Family History Sources in the City Archives

Town House

reference library I sources leaflets I photocopying available I microfilm reader I e-mail, telephone & postal enquiries answered I research service I internet access

Old Aberdeen House

car parking I reference library I sources leaflets I

photocopying available I e-mail, telephone & postal enquiries answered I research service I internet access

Facilities
Facilities

A G u i d e

Recommended publications

  • Building Sources in the Archives Leaflet

    new building sources 16/4/09 10:52 Page 1 Aberdeen City Archives Aberdeen City Archives Aberdeen City Archives Aberdeen City Archives Police Commissioners rent rolls (Town House) Introduction First Steps Sources in the City Archives The annual Police Commissioners rent rolls note the name of the owner and occupier of every property in the City, and the This leaflet introduces the sources in the City Archives which There are many guidebooks for those starting to trace the his- Maps local taxation payable. Rent rolls were compiled each year you can use for tracing the history of a building in Aberdeen, tory of a building. Both Scottish Local History by D Moody (Town House/Old Aberdeen House) from 1795 to 1859/60. Those produced from the 1830s are such as your house, a local church, school, shop or factory. (Batsford, 1986) and Tracing Scottish Local History by Cecil The City Archives holds maps showing the layout of the most useful, as the address of each property is also given. The records are split between the two City Archives offices: Sinclair (HMSO 1994) provide useful introductions to the Aberdeen from 1661 to 1970. Of these, the sets of Ordnance the Town House and Old Aberdeen House, as indicated in the subject and to sources at the National Archives of Scotland. Survey maps printed in 1870/71 and 1901 are particularly use- Valuation rolls (Old Aberdeen House) text. These are general indications only, and we strongly advise You may find that the information you want is readily avail- ful, as they provide a detailed outline of each building in the Valuation rolls note the address and use of properties, the you to contact us in advance if you are at all unsure about able without having to visit the City Archives.
  • Glenseaton Lodge Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB22

    Glenseaton Lodge Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB22

    Glenseaton Lodge, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen Glenseaton Lodge Arthur Melville, an artist friend of White likened the then Seaton Cottage to that described in a Bridge of Don, Aberdeen short poem by R.L Stevenson. AB22 8LS Go, little book, and wish to all Flowers in a garden, meat in the hall, A beautiful lodge house on the A bin of wine, a spice of wit, banks of the River Don with spacious A house with lawns encircling it, accommodation and extensive grounds A living river at the door, A nightingale in the sycamore. in the heart of Aberdeen. This stunning family home is full of character Aberdeen City Centre 3 miles, Aberdeen Airport and period features and the accommodation 7 miles is set over three levels, with a section of the Entrance porch & hallway | Sitting room property containing a potential self-contained Vaulted drawing room | Vaulted dining hall flat. The attention to detail is evident throughout, Kitchen | Utility room | Cloakroom highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship of the original era. Master bedroom with ensuite shower room Bedrooms 2, 3 & 4 | Bedroom 5/Office At ground floor level are the main reception Family bathroom rooms, which include a south facing sitting room and elegant drawing room with yellow pine floor. Flat – Family room | Kitchen | Bathroom A door leads into the dining room with vaulted Bedroom 6 cedar wood ceiling and oak floor with large bay window and door to the garden. Two garages | Greenhouse | Ice house Garden shed The large family kitchen and utility room are on the lower ground floor with an eastern aspect with About 3.06 acres of policies back door and access to the apartment.
  • The Biology and Management of the River Dee

    The Biology and Management of the River Dee

    THEBIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OFTHE RIVERDEE INSTITUTEofTERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY NATURALENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL á Natural Environment Research Council INSTITUTE OF TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY The biology and management of the River Dee Edited by DAVID JENKINS Banchory Research Station Hill of Brathens, Glassel BANCHORY Kincardineshire 2 Printed in Great Britain by The Lavenham Press Ltd, Lavenham, Suffolk NERC Copyright 1985 Published in 1985 by Institute of Terrestrial Ecology Administrative Headquarters Monks Wood Experimental Station Abbots Ripton HUNTINGDON PE17 2LS BRITISH LIBRARY CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATIONDATA The biology and management of the River Dee.—(ITE symposium, ISSN 0263-8614; no. 14) 1. Stream ecology—Scotland—Dee River 2. Dee, River (Grampian) I. Jenkins, D. (David), 1926– II. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology Ill. Series 574.526323'094124 OH141 ISBN 0 904282 88 0 COVER ILLUSTRATION River Dee west from Invercauld, with the high corries and plateau of 1196 m (3924 ft) Beinn a'Bhuird in the background marking the watershed boundary (Photograph N Picozzi) The centre pages illustrate part of Grampian Region showing the water shed of the River Dee. Acknowledgements All the papers were typed by Mrs L M Burnett and Mrs E J P Allen, ITE Banchory. Considerable help during the symposium was received from Dr N G Bayfield, Mr J W H Conroy and Mr A D Littlejohn. Mrs L M Burnett and Mrs J Jenkins helped with the organization of the symposium. Mrs J King checked all the references and Mrs P A Ward helped with the final editing and proof reading. The photographs were selected by Mr N Picozzi. The symposium was planned by a steering committee composed of Dr D Jenkins (ITE), Dr P S Maitland (ITE), Mr W M Shearer (DAES) and Mr J A Forster (NCC).

  • Old Aberdeen

    HERITAGE TRAIL OLD ABERDEEN A guide to Old Aberdeen Aberdeen’s Heritage Trail Leaflets Granite Trail March Stones Trail Maritime Trail INTRODUCTION North Sea Trail People & Places Sculpture Trail ld Aberdeen is the hidden gem in the North East. Here, almost Ouniquely in Scotland, you can visit a medieval Cathedral, a late medieval bridge and a late 15th century college! An independent town from Aberdeen between 1489 and 1891, it retains a wonderful sense of history and an intriguing mixture of architecture, whilst parts of the street plan date from the medieval period. However, the appearance of Picture Credits Old Aberdeen owes much to developments in the 18th and 19th All images © Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Collections centuries. This walk takes in a number of different buildings and sites unless otherwise stated and should last about two hours in total. There is a suggested route and there are many interesting diversions from it, some of which have Front Cover Brig o’ Balgownie been incorporated into this leaflet. © Aberdeen City Council The history of human occupation of this area has long roots: nearby Foot of Introduction there have been many finds dating from 4000BC and earlier, while King’s College and High Street Tillydrone Motte in Seaton Park has prehistoric origins. Old Aberdeen J Henderson, © Aberdeen University Historic Collections can be divided into three reasonably distinct areas. The oldest is the No 2 area around St Machar’s Cathedral, known as the Chanonry, which Powis Gates developed with the Cathedral from the 12-13th centuries. From 1489 © Aberdeen Library and Information Service Old Aberdeen became a Burgh of Barony, by grant of a charter from James IV, after which the merchant area around the Town House No 3 developed.

  • Aberdeen History Trail the City Through Its Historical Times

    Aberdeen History Trail The city through its historical times #aberdeentrails #aberdeentrails Aberdeen is bursting full of history! From its ancient origins to medieval burghs and King Robert The Bruce, from the Jacobite connections to the expansion in the Edwardian and Victorian times, the ‘Silver City by the Golden Sands’ has a long, important, and interesting history with many of its people contributing to the wider world. The city started out as three separate royal burghs – Old Aberdeen, New Aberdeen and Torry plus the parish of Woodside – which expanded and merged together to form the city as a whole. There was a major expansion in the Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian eras as the city made its first fortunes based on fishing, granite quarrying and shipbuilding and many of the grand buildings were built during these times. It also included the main thoroughfare, Union Street, which was raised up away from the mud and dirt and built on a series of bridges – it was such a major project it almost bankrupted the city! Enjoy exploring our beautiful city and finding out about its history! Picture Credits All images © Aberdeen City Council unless otherwise stated Introduction and all entries: This trail is extensively illustrated by period pictures from the Silver City Vault. The majority are from this source and we’re very grateful for their use and the help from this service. They are all used courtesy of Aberdeen City Libraries/Silver City Vault www.silvercityvault.org.uk 4: Used courtesy of the photographer © Roddy Millar. 14: Thomas Blake Glover courtesy Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture Left, New & Old Aberdeen maps: Details from Parson Gordon’s map of 1661.
  • @Visitabdn | #Visitabdn Aberdeen Art Gallery

    @Visitabdn | #Visitabdn Aberdeen Art Gallery

    Mackie's 19.2 Aberdeen Art Gallery NUART Aberdeen Maritime Museum Footdee Old Aberdeen www.visitabdn.com @visitabdn | #visitABDN DAY ONE ITINERARY Aberdeen Art Gallery Be one of the first through the doors of the Aberdeen Art Gallery following its £34.6million restoration, adding another floor and an additional eight galleries. Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK, including works by influential Scottish artists, designers and makers such as Henry Raeburn, Joan Eardley, Samuel Peploe, Rachel McLean, Bill Gibb and James Cromar Watt, as well as nationally and internationally-acclaimed artists including Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin and Claude Monet. The redevelopment has dramatically increased the amount of display space for the Nationally-Recognised Collection, with the number of galleries increasing from 11 to 19, with a further three spaces presenting a programme of regularly-changing special exhibitions. The number of items from the permanent collection on display has increased from 370 in 2015 to 1,080 in 2019. The fresh new approach to displaying the collection has created a rich variety of experiences for visitors as they move from gallery to gallery. The displays explore artists’ ideas and inspiration, their creative processes and the materials they use. A wide range of artforms and media, the use of colour, hands-on interactives, music, innovative display methods and engaging interpretive information combine to create a range of experiences, moods and stories for visitors. The Tolbooth Museum If a bit of dark history is more to your taste, the Tolbooth Museum is a perfect fit.
  • A Directory for the City of Aberdeen

    A Directory for the City of Aberdeen

    F 71 JljfjjUiLSJL J)....L3. v. 3 %. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from National Library of Scotland http://www.archive.org/details/directoryforcity183536uns : DIRECTORY CITY OF ABERDEEN 1835-36. 1035$ ABERDEEN Printed by D. CHALMERS & CO. FOR GEO. CLARK & SON, T. SPARK, AND D. WYLLIE & SON. MDCCCXXXV. C?/^ ;£?£-.:£>/*. £p£r43 CONTENTS. Directory, -.,---" 5 Magistrates and Incorporations, - - 180 Alphabetical List of Streets, Squares, &c. - i Carriers, - - , <-. xiii Mail Coaches, ----- xx Stage Coaches, - xxi Shipping Companies, - - - - xxiv Steam Packets, ----- xxv Principal Fairs, - - - - xxvi Post Towns and Postmasters in Scotland, - xxxiii Bridewell Assessment ; Rogue Money ; and King's Subsidy, - - - - - xxxvi Abstract of Population, - ib. List of the Shore Porters, - xxxvii Fire Engine Establishment, - ib. different Parishes in Aberdeen and Old Machar, ----- xxxviii Assessed Tax Tables for Scotland, - - xli Table of Appointments, 1835-36, - - xlvii Stamp Duties, - - - - - xlviii Imperial Weights and Measures, - - xlxix Schedule of Fees, - 1 Weigh-house Dues, - li Petty Customs, - liii Corn Laws, ----- lvii > ABERDEEN DIRECTORY 1835-36. Abel, John., blacksmith, 1, College-lane Peter, coal-broker, 4, Commerce-street Christian, poultry-shop, 76, h. Sutherland's-court, 78, Shiprow Abercrombie, Alexander, merchant, 49, Guestrow Robert, merchant, 49, Guestrow Aberdeen Academy, 115, Union-street Advertiser Office, Lamond's-court, 49, Upperkirkgate Banking Co., 53, Castle-street Brewery, 77, Causewayend, Robert M'Naughton, brewer Brick and Tile Co., Clayhills— Office, 40, Union-street Carpet Warehouse, (Wholesale and Retail,) 1, Lower Dee-street Coach Manufacturing Co., 7, Frederick- street, and 101, King-st. Commercial, Mathematical, and Nautical School, 10, Drum's- lane—W. Elgen Eye and Ear Institution, 7, Littlejohn-st.
  • Directory for the City of Aberdeen

    Directory for the City of Aberdeen

    ABERDEEN CITY LIBRARIES Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from National Library of Scotland http://www.archive.org/details/directoryforcity185455uns DIRECTOR Y CITY OF ABERDEE N. 18 54-5 5, DIRECTORY FOR THE CITY OF ABERDEEN. 1854-55. TO WHICH IS ADDED, . Q THE NAMES OP THE PRINCIPAL INHABITANTS OF OLD ABERDEEN AND WOODSIDE. ABERDEEN \ WILLIAM BENNETT, PRINTER, No. 42, Castle Street. 1854. lU-^S- ®fc5. .3/. J+SS/t-. CONTENTS. Kalendar for 1854-55 Page 7 Agents for Insurance Companies 8 Section I.—Municipal Institutions 9 • II.—Commercial Establishments 11 Department, Customs, and Inland Revenue, v HI.—Post Office ™ 18 v IV.—Legal Department — 30 V.—Ecclesiastical Department . 32 ?J List of Vessels—Port of Aberdeen 33 Streets, Squares, Lanes, Courts, &c. and the Principal Inhabitants... 37 General Directory of the Inhabitants of the City of Aberdeen. 94 Old Aberdeen and Woodside „ Appendix i—viii 185 4. JULY. AUGUST. SEPTEMBEE. Sun. - 2 9 16 23 30 Sun. - 6 13 20 27 ... Sun. - 3 10 17 24 ... Mon. - 3 10 17 24 31 Mon. - 7 14 21 28 ... Mon. - 4 11 18 25 ... Tues.- 4 11 18 25 ... Tues.l 8 15 22 29 .. Tues.- 5 12 19 26 ... Wed. _ 5 12 19 26 ... Wed. 2 9 16 23 30 ... Wed. - 6 13 20 27 ... Thur.- 6 13 20 27 ... Thur. 3 10 17 24 31 ... Thur.- 7 14 21 28 ... Frid. - 7 14 21 28 ... Frid. 4 11 18 25 Frid. 1 8 15 22 29 ... Sat. 1 8 15 22 29 ... Sat. 5 12 19 26 Sat.
  • History & Heritage

    History & Heritage

    History & Heritage 3 Day Itinerary Day 1 Today is castle day! If it is one thing that we have a lot of here in Aberdeenshire, it’s castles. There are more than you’d ever have time to explore on a visit to the area, so we’ve singled out two that you simply must go and see. The first is right on our doorstep and can actually be seen from our lodges – Dunnottar Castle. It may look a little familiar – it’s been used as the backdrop for Hollywood films including Hamlet starring Mel Gibson and Victor Frankenstein with James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe. On a side note, this cliff top fortress is said to the inspiration behind Disney’s animated movie Brave. The castle was the home of the Earls of Marischal and it has a rich and colourful history. It’s been visited by Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and in the 17th century Oliver Cromwell’s army laid siege to the castle for eight months. Surrender was made – but not before the Scottish Crown Jewels were smuggled out. Next, we’re heading inland to Royal Deeside and to a castle which some say is straight out of a fairy tale. Craigievar Castle near Alford is famed for its distinctive pink exterior and is one of the best preserved tower houses in Scotland. Built in 1626, it was a family home until the 1960s and houses an impressive collection of artefacts, art and armour. Day 2 Many people consider Aberdeen to be a modern city because it’s a powerhouse of the global energy industry, but it’s a place with deep heritage and traditions.
  • Aberdeen ECN Document

    Aberdeen ECN Document

    Expert Couplet Node (ECN) for Aberdeen City and the Aberdeenshire Coast (University of Aberdeen (UoA) and Aberdeen City Council (ACC)) 1. General Information on the Aberdeen coast study site (supplied from previous projects e.g. SARCP (AICSM) and AICSM/ACC for the Aberdeen Beach Project) 2. The Aberdeen coast study site area from an ICZM/Climate Change perspective. An example from SACRP (South Aberdeen Coastal Regeneration Project) on coastal and waterfront regeneration (MS-Powerpoint presentation (PPT)) 3. The Expert Couplet Node (ECN) of the University of Aberdeen (UoA) and Aberdeen City Council (ACC) for the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire coast 4. RESULTS from the Climate Change and Scenarios Workshop to identify the ISSUES and the IMPACTS on SECTORS due to climate change along the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire coast. In addition, also to highlight the use and role of GIS as an educational and geovisualization tool in climate change. 5. IMCORE collection of case studies on coastal erosion and flooding 6. Datasets: Ordnance survey 1:10,000 raster map, Ordnance Survey (OS) Land-Form PROFILE 1:10,000 DTM, 2001 Census output area/population data, SEPA Flood maps, Ordnance Survey Aerial Imagery, flood incident database (Aberdeen City Council), Aberdeen city catchments and watercourses etc… 7. GIS Training videos (e.g how to create a sea level rise contour)/ Support 8. Climate change leaflet and website (http://www.aberdeenclimatechange.net) 9. Aberdeen Beach Case Study. 10. IMCORE bus advert 11. Coastal Geotools 2011 conference 1. General Information on the Aberdeen coast study site (supplied from previous projects e.g. SACRP and Amy Taylor Beach nourishment program) Aberdeen beach is an important asset for Aberdeen City.
  • Explore Aberdeen

    Explore Aberdeen

    Aberdeen is in the North East of Scotland and is the country's third largest city. Around 220,000 people now inhabit Aberdeen and enjoy its dramatic granite architecture that glistens on sunny days. In mid to late June it never gets really dark, with the sun setting after ten pm and rising at around 4am. Golf is played until 11pm by many. The city is set between the Rivers Dee and Don, both of which provide for wonderful walks and scenery. The modern name Aberdeen literally means between the Dee and Don. Aberdeen has a long, spectacular beach between the two rivers which turns into high sand dunes north of the Don stretching as far as Fraserburgh and to the south of the Dee are steep rocky cliff faces and deep inlets making for spectacular scenery and great rock-climbing. The earliest charter for the city was granted by William the Lion in 1179. In 1319, the Great Charter of Robert the Bruce transformed Aberdeen into a property-owning and financially independent community and formed the basis for the city's Common Good Fund which still benefits Aberdonians. Traditionally, Aberdeen was home to fishing, textile mills, shipbuilding and paper making. These industries have been largely replaced but their impact on the city is still very evident. In modern times, Aberdeen has driven the north east to the very top of the UK’s economic growth tables with high technology developments in the electronics design and development industry, food, life sciences and, obviously, the oil industry, powering an economic boom.
  • Aberdeen Main Drainage Works: Girdleness Outfall

    Aberdeen Main Drainage Works: Girdleness Outfall

    238 CONWAY ON ABERDEENMAIN-DRAINAGE WORKS. [Selected (Paper No. 3721.) Aberdeen Main-Drainage Works : Girdleness Outfall Scheme.” By GEORQEROBERT GRAHAM CONWAY. THECity of Aberdeen, with the exception of the district of Torry in the County of Kincardine, lies wholly between the estuaries of the Rivers Dee and Don, on the shore of the North Sea, and at the extreme south-east cornerof Aberdeenshire. The situation is within the area of the metamorphic rocks of the Highlands ; and these rocks range southwards for a short distance, being exposed at Girdleness Pointand along the coast tothe south-east of the city. Themetamorphic rocks with laterintru- sive masses form the geological foundation of Aberdeen andits neighbourhood. For .the most part up to about 100 feet above sea- level they are overlain by a mantle of later accumulations, such as glacial clays,l fresh-wateralluvium, blown sand, andancient and modernbeach-deposits. In the suburbanand residential parts of the city to the north-west and west, the rocks are exposed at the surface, consisting generally of a fine-grained granite of a bluish- grey colour, extensively quarried at Rubislaw and well known as a valuable stone. The elevation of the city extends to over 400 feet above sea-level at thewestern boundary, but the greater part of the area built upon lies below the 120-feet line. There are two natural drainage-areas tothe city ; the southernpart, with an area of 4,856 acres, drains to the River Dee, and the northern, 1,838 acres in extent, drains to the River Don. A plan of the city is shown in Fig.