Fraserburgh

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Fraserburgh

Fraserburgh

Population: c. 13,000 Family links: Fraser,

On A90/A981/A98 on the North Sea coast, approx 40 miles/65km due north of Aberdeen and on one of the attractive alternative routes between Aberdeen and Inverness.

The most north-easterly town in mainland Scotland, Fraserburgh is traditionally known as an important centre of the fishing industry and as the largest shellfish port in Europe. The harbour and bay are pelagic fish landing areas with large quantities of herring and mackerel landed during the season, with demand coming from local processors as well as continental buyers. Fraserburgh is also known for having some of the best wild surfing beaches in the UK and has hosted international surfing championships. There is good shopping and a range of places to eat in the town centre, on the waterfront and in nearby villages; most are also large enough for pre-booked group lunches.

Practical info: Good access for coaches, although some town centre streets may be narrow because of parked cars. Drop off at the harbour, just a short walk uphill to the town centre (Broad Street, Saltoun Square, High Street). Coach parking at the Leisure Centre and at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses/Heritage Centre. Allow 1½ hours for shopping, coffee, looking at buildings and the busy harbour; allow longer if lunch and/or a visit to attractions is included. Some shops close for lunch 13.00-14.00 (1-2pm) and on Wednesday afternoons.

What’s unique?

The first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland (1787) and the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses (national museum) www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk
Best surfing beaches in the UK & home to international surfing champions
Ancestral home of the Clan Fraser www.fraserchief.co.uk
Birthplace of Thomas Blake Glover (of particular interest to Japanese market), John Ross (adviser to Shaka Zulu), George Strahan (Governor of Tasmania), David Murison (Scottish dictionary) and Bill Gibb (fashion designer)
Site of 1^st protective radio signal, broadcast by Guglielmo Marconi
The Waters of Philorth local nature reserve

What’s fun?

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, especially the tour to the top of old Kinnaird Head Lighthouse www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk
Fraserburgh Heritage Centre: a 4 star museum illustrating the rich history of this north east fishing town developed by the 8^th Lord Saltoun in 1592. Includes interest and hands-on activities for all ages www.fraserburghheritage.com
Beautiful Fraserburgh beach: for surfing and diving, or just for walks and building sandcastles…
Fraserburgh Seashore Centre: an educational and recreational resource for interpreting the natural environment of the Fraserburgh Bay area, including the Waters of Philorth local nature reserve
Fraserburgh Harbour and Bay: Watch the trawlers and fishing boats in the busy harbour and see selling and buying of ultra-fresh fish at the early morning fish auction www.fraserburgh-harbour.co.uk, or do some wildlife watching and see seals, dolphins and whales (Marvin the minke whale spent 3 nights in the harbour in July 2007 before being enticed back out to open sea!)
Golf at Fraserburgh Golf Club: the 7^th oldest in the world, founded in 1777, an 18-hole natural links course… www.fraserburghgolfclub.net
Events including the annual Vintage Car Rally, Arts Festivals etc. For details of events click here www.visitfraserburgh.com

What else to do?

Sandhaven Meal Mill: a working, restored meal mill from the 1800s (at Sandhaven, nearby)
Maggie’s Hoosie: a typical fisherman’s house from the late 1800s (at Inverallochy, nearby)
Coastal walks: superb sandy beaches and 12 miles/19km of sand dunes
Visit the RSPB Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve nearby, covering 2,300 acres and containing the largest dune loch in Britain and a myriad of migratory and native birds, including whooper swans, oystercatchers, finches and plovers
Exploring caves at New Aberdour Beach
For information on these and other activities in and around Fraserburgh, visit the website www.visitfraserburgh.com, or call the Tourist Information Centre (01346 518315)