Alford
Alford is a huge 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 middle reaches of the River Don. The place-name is thought to originate from the Scots auld ford; its original setting being on the banks of the Don. The "L" noise in words has, over time, been dropped, and also is silent. Additionally, the name could be a tautology; a mix of ath and also ford, both suggesting 'ford' in Gaelic and also Scots specifically. Alford offered its name to a battle of the Battle of Alford (1645 ). It is likewise the residence of the Aberdeen Angus cattle reproduce, which is celebrated by a life-sized model of a bull on the edge of the village, which the Queen Mother inaugurated in 2001. It is believed that the original breeding ground of the cattle was Buffal, situated between Hard (Tulloch) and Craigievar neighboring Alford. Another claim to fame for the community is Alford Oat meal, ground at Montgarrie, just outside the community. Alford likewise sporting activities the Alford Neighborhood School, with a collection and pool. The Alford Valley Railway, Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Heritage Museum and Craigievar Castle are prominent site visitor attractions, with a variety of other historical sites, rock circles, as well as castles (consisting of Balfluig Castle, Castle Fraser and Drum Castle) being within very easy reach by road. One stone circle, originally thought to be prehistoric, ended up being a 20-year-old replica. Positioned in Alford, Haughton Country Park is a large as well as prominent green area with a caravan park and also woodland walks. The 18 opening Alford Golf Club is an appealing and pleasant course which has a huge local subscription.