Alford is a big village in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland, existing just southern of the River Don. It exists within the Howe of Alford (also called the Vale of Alford) which occupies the middle reaches of the River Don. The place-name is believed to come from the Scots auld ford; its original setting being on the financial institutions of the Don. The "L" audio in words has, in time, been gone down, and is silent. Alternatively, the name could be a tautology; a mix of ath and ford, both meaning 'ford' in Gaelic and Scots specifically. Alford gave its name to a battle of the Battle of Alford (1645 ). It is additionally the residence of the Aberdeen Angus cattle reproduce, which is commemorated by a life-sized model of a bull on the edge of the village, which the Queen Mother inaugurated in 2001. It is thought that the original breeding place of the livestock was Buffal, situated between Challenging (Tulloch) and also Craigievar neighboring Alford. An additional specialty for the community is Alford Oatmeal, ground at Montgarrie, simply outside the town. Alford additionally sporting activities the Alford Community Campus, with a library and also 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, rock circles, as well as castles (including Balfluig Castle, Castle Fraser and Drum Castle) being within easy reach by road. One rock circle, initially believed to be ancient, turned out to be a 20-year-old replica. Situated in Alford, Haughton Country Park is a large and also prominent eco-friendly space with a caravan park and also woodland strolls. The 18 hole Alford Golf Club is an eye-catching as well as pleasant program which has a big regional membership.