Ardgrain

Ellon and Ythan River

Originally just a fording place across the Ythan river, Ellon slowly grew to became the Buchan seat of power in the Middle Ages when Ellon Castle (called Ardgith) was built by the Kennedy family. Robert the Bruce totally destroyed Ellon in 1308 as part of the "Harrying of Buchan" following the defeat of his enemy, the Earl of Buchan.

With a population now approximately 10 000, Ellon has a thriving local community and is popular with commuters wishing to work in Aberdeen but live outwith the city. This popularity has helped to push local house prices ever higher, and Ellon was ranked in the top four most rapidly increasing areas within Scotland in 2006.

Photograph by Craig Turnbull