Alford
Alford is a huge village in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland, lying simply south of the River Don. It exists within the Howe of Alford (also called the Vale of Alford) which inhabits the center reaches of the River Don. The place-name is believed to originate from the Scots auld ford; its initial position getting on the banks of the Don. The "L" audio in the word has, over time, been gone down, and is silent. Conversely, the name could be a tautology; a mix of ath and ford, both implying 'ford' in Gaelic and Scots specifically. Alford offered its name to a fight of the Battle of Alford (1645 ). It is also the residence of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed, which is commemorated by a life-sized version of a bull on the edge of the town, which the Queen Mother inaugurated in 2001. It is believed that the original breeding place of the livestock was Buffal, situated in between Hard (Tulloch) and Craigievar neighboring Alford. Another claim to fame for the community is Alford Oatmeal, ground at Montgarrie, simply outside the community. Alford additionally sports the Alford Neighborhood University, with a collection and also swimming pool. The Alford Valley Railway, Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Heritage Museum and also Craigievar Castle are prominent visitor destinations, with a range of other historical sites, stone circles, and also castles (including Balfluig Castle, Castle Fraser and also Drum Castle) being within easy reach by roadway. One rock circle, initially believed to be prehistoric, ended up being a 20-year-old replica. Situated in Alford, Haughton Country Park is a large and preferred green space with a caravan park as well as timberland walks. The 18 opening Alford Golf Club is an eye-catching and enjoyable training course which has a large regional membership.
