Alford
Alford is a big town in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland, lying simply south of the River Don. It exists within the Howe of Alford (likewise 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 initial position being on the banks of the Don. The "L" noise in words has, over time, been gone down, and also is silent. Alternatively, the name could be a tautology; a combination of ath as well as ford, both suggesting 'ford' in Gaelic and also Scots specifically. Alford gave its name to a fight of the Battle of Alford (1645 ). It is likewise the house of the Aberdeen Angus cattle reproduce, which is commemorated by a life-sized model of a bull on the edge of the town, which the Queen Mother inaugurated in 2001. It is thought that the original breeding ground of the cattle was Buffal, located between Hard (Tulloch) as well as Craigievar neighboring Alford. An additional specialty for the town is Alford Oatmeal, ground at Montgarrie, simply outside the town. Alford additionally sporting activities 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 popular visitor destinations, with a range of various other archaeological sites, stone circles, and castles (consisting of Balfluig Castle, Castle Fraser and also Drum Castle) being within easy reach by roadway. One stone circle, initially believed to be prehistoric, ended up being a 20-year-old reproduction. Situated in Alford, Haughton Country Park is a big and also preferred eco-friendly area with a caravan park as well as timberland walks. The 18 hole Alford Golf Club is an eye-catching as well as pleasurable program which has a huge neighborhood membership.