SOME INFORMATION ABOUT PETERHEAD

Peterhead is the largest town in Aberdeenshire and the most easterly town in Scotland. It was founded by the 4th Earl Marischal and developed around the harbour at Keith Inch in 1587. In 1716 the 9th Earl Marischal George Keith and his brother James were exiled from Scotland and their lands forfeited for supporting the first Jacobite rising in 1715. The statue at the top of Broad Street, in front of the Town House, is of Field Marischal James Keith (his brother); it was a gift to the town by William 1, King of Prussia as recognition of his trust and loyalty to the King. By 1680 Peterhead had become one of the largest fishing ports on the north coast; its economy had grown through the development of sealing, whaling and fishing, particularly herring, and today Peterhead is Europe's premier white fishing port. With the development of oil and gas exploration in the 1970s and Peterhead being the most easterly deepwater port on the Scottish mainland, it became an important support base for servicing the offshore industry and continues today to play a major part in the development of the town.

You can discover the wealth of Peterhead's maritime history in one of Aberdeenshire's oldest museums, the Arbuthnot Museum on Queen Street. The building, which first opened its doors to the public in 1834, also includes one of the northeast's largest coin collections. During the summer months, the Maritime Heritage Centre at the Lido also provides an interesting and informative look at the town's fishing history. It has audio-visual and interactive displays on maritime life. The centre also boasts a café/restaurant, children's outdoor play area and has ample car parking.

Drummer's Corner is named after the former army drummer James Milner. Mr Milner went on to have a shop on the town corner and also acted as the town's drummer, hence "Drummer's Corner". Peterhead harbour is just a short walk from the town centre and the recently opened Fish Market is considered the most modern facility in Europe. The entire sales area is chilled and boats can land their catch at anytime of the day and not just prior to the market opening. You can purchase fresh fish at various locations in the town. The Peterhead Harbour's Open Day, which is held in August, provides a great day out for the whole family with exhibition stands, children's activities and kipper barbecues. The oldest surviving building in Peterhead, dating back to 1585 is the Old Smoke House on the south bank of the Ugie River estuary. Still producing fine smoked fish products, it is the oldest working premises in Scotland.

Peterhead Golf Club was formed in 1841 and is the 18th oldest golf club in the world. The Golf Club is well placed along the dramatic coastline to the north of the town. Next to the golf course is the famous River Ugie estuary where visitors can watch its renowned swans and other birds or simply relax on the golden soft sands. Another popular bird watching location, especially for puffins, is at the Bullars O' Buchan, some 5 miles to the south of the town.

Peterhead Bay provides the ideal location for those interested in participating in water sports; sailing, kayaking, jet skiing and for those who want to stay on dry land there is a variety of paths and cycle ways in and around the town. During the summer you will also see a variety of cruise ships in the Bay. Peterhead Scottish Week, which runs from 16th - 24th July, has been running since 1961. It provides a week of activities in which the whole community participates - Junior Pop Idol, raft race, bay swim, exhibition events, dog show, parades and a motor vehicle show. In the build up to Scottish Week, the Buchan Queen and Princesses are chosen, selected from local young girls who enter the competition.