Ellon is a town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is approximately 16 miles (26 kilometres) 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 area of Formartine. Its name is considered to derive from the Gaelic word Eilean, an island, on account of the presence of an island in the River Ythan, which offered a convenient fording point. In accordance with population estimations from 2006, the town has a permanent resident population of around 9860 people. Ellon has actually profited from the North Sea oil demand, and is among the principal dormitory towns for Aberdeen. Routine and frequent bus services connect Ellon with Aberdeen, Inverurie, Peterhead, Fraserburgh and surrounding towns and villages, serving both the town centre and the large Park and Ride facility at the eastern edge of the town. Ellon belongs to the proposed Energetica corridor of development. The population is increasing as young families seek to escape Aberdeen and relocate to surrounding towns like Ellon, Inverurie and Banchory. Through 2006, Ellon ranked as the town with the 4th most quickly increasing average house prices in Scotland. Places of interest within the town feature the ruins of Ellon Castle, surrounded by walls known as the Deer Dyke, and the Auld Brig, a category A listed bridge across the Ythan, constructed in 1793 and still in use as a pedestrian bridge. The Riverside Park offers paths next to the Ythan, from which herons, salmon, trout and otters may be observed. The Meadows sports centre has several sporting facilities and clubs, including football and rugby pitches, an astroturf pitch for hockey, a fitness center, and a multi-use sports hall. For all of your home enhancements, make certain to identify credible professionals in Ellon to make certain of quality.