Ardgrain

Aberdeenshire Guide - Local information at your fingertips

Where it all started

Recognising that the North-East of Scotland has so much to offer, we decided back in 2008 to offer local businesses the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience, free of charge, through the Aberdeenshire Guide on Ardgrain.

The aim was simple - unlike most business directories, we wouldn't simply harvest and regurgitate the same old outdated information found all over the internet. Instead, we'd put together meaningful and detailed directory listings for people who actually choose to be included, and update this content - free of charge - as often as requested.

What's in store?

We are happy with the results of the Aberdeenshire Guide so far, and we hope you are too. But not content to rest on our laurels, we'd like to take things a step further.

In today's "more is better" fast-paced cut-price consumer driven world there never seems enough time to discover life's good things as we rush from one day to the next.

We think it is about time for change.

So if you have a local business selling high quality locally produced crafts, a market stall selling home-grown organic veg, a shop selling hand-made goods, or run a delicatessen of distinction, we'd love to hear from you. If you run a local B&B set in a picturesque setting, a well equipped and friendly guest house or a well-stocked local pub serving good honest home-cooked food, then please get in touch.

In a local band with an upcoming gig list? Working on a charity fund-raiser which needs promotion? Starting a village allotment and need some participants? No problem, just send the details through and we'll put a page together.

With your help we intend to grow a directory head and shoulders above the rest, a living point of reference with interactive content, lively forums, and much more. Think along the lines of an interactive local magazine with guides, reviews and more.

Think Big

Something like this doesn't just happen overnight. It takes time for ideas like this to spread and gather momentum, but we think it will be worthwhile.

To get the ball rolling we are encouraging local businesses, charities and clubs to place adverts in the Aberdeenshire Guide. As content starts rolling in we'll introduce regular feature articles, perhaps a blog to track our progress, and of course a local events calender. Then follows a forum - and from then on the content takes on a life of its own, driven by all the people who participate.

Participation

If you run an Aberdeenshire business, or know a local business who would benefit from being included in the Aberdeenshire Guide then please send the details through. You can submit an advert for inclusion through our contact pages.

We hope you agree that this will be worthwhile, and we'd love to hear from you with your ideas, suggestions and comments.

Clearly this going to be a lot of work, so we'll also be looking for skilled volunteers to help coordinate and run parts of the Aberdeenshire guide - from forum administrators to editors and article authors. If you enjoy writing or want to help out on the technical side, please contact us.