Ellon is a town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is approximately 16 miles (26 km) north of Aberdeen, lying on the River Ythan, which has one of the few undeveloped river estuaries on the eastern coast of Scotland. It is in the ancient region of Formartine. Its name is believed to stem from the Gaelic phrase Eilean, an island, on account of the presence of an island in the River Ythan, which provided a helpful fording point. According to population estimates from 2006, the town has a permanent resident population of around 9860 people. Ellon has actually benefited from the North Sea oil demand, and is among the major dormitory towns for Aberdeen. Regular and regular bus services link Ellon with Aberdeen, Inverurie, Peterhead, Fraserburgh and surrounding towns and towns, serving both the town centre and the large Park and Ride facility at the eastern edge of the town. Ellon becomes part of the proposed Energetica corridor of development. The population is broadening as young families seek to get away from Aberdeen and relocate to nearby towns like Ellon, Inverurie and Banchory. Throughout 2006, Ellon placed as the town with the 4th most rapidly increasing average house prices in Scotland. Places of interest within the town feature the ruins of Ellon Castle, surrounded by walls referred to as the Deer Dyke, and the Auld Brig, a category A listed bridge across the Ythan, developed in 1793 and still in use as a pedestrian bridge. The Riverside Park provides paths along the side of the Ythan, from which herons, salmon, trout and otters can be observed. The Meadows sports centre has lots of sporting facilities and clubs, including football and rugby pitches, an astroturf pitch for hockey, a gym, and a multi-use sports hall. For all your home enhancements, make sure to identify respected contractors in Ellon to make certain of quality.