Alford is a large town in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland, existing just southern of the River Don. It exists within the Howe of Alford (additionally called the Vale of Alford) which occupies the center reaches of the River Don. The place-name is thought to originate from the Scots auld ford; its initial position being on the banks of the Don. The "L" audio in the word has, over time, been gone down, and also is silent. Additionally, the name could be a tautology; a combination of ath and ford, both meaning 'ford' in Gaelic and also Scots specifically. Alford offered its name to a fight of the Battle of Alford (1645 ). It is likewise the home of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed, which is commemorated by a life-sized design 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 cattle was Buffal, situated in between Difficult (Tulloch) and Craigievar neighboring Alford. An additional claim to fame for the community is Alford Oat meal, ground at Montgarrie, simply outside the town. Alford likewise sporting activities the Alford Community Campus, with a collection as well as pool. The Alford Valley Railway, Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Heritage Museum and also Craigievar Castle are prominent site visitor destinations, with a variety of various other historical sites, rock circles, and also castles (including Balfluig Castle, Castle Fraser as well as Drum Castle) being within easy reach by road. One rock circle, originally thought to be primitive, turned out to be a 20-year-old replica. Positioned in Alford, Haughton Country Park is a huge as well as preferred eco-friendly area with a campers park as well as forest walks. The 18 opening Alford Golf Club is an eye-catching and also enjoyable program which has a large neighborhood subscription.