While words at times can be hard hitting as they stick with those on their receiving end, photographs sometimes tell a story more effectively – which is certainly the case for depicting Aberdeen’s changes over the last few decades. From the development of Queens Links and the continual changes on Union Street, the city is no stranger to innovation.
With no doubt more shifts to come in the future, we thought it fitting to capture how the city looks now, before any more streets become subject to change – as the pictures below depict.
Union Street
Union Street is a street that’s probably seen the most changes with several of its shops going under or being reopened by new companies. The photo above was taken in the 1970s and shows the street bustling with both people and traffic for sale or letting while the snap below shows a slightly quieter scene.
Jack’s Brae
In the background of this 1960s image of Jack’s Brae, a woman can be seen using a vending machine by a corner shop. The tyre company behind is now flats with the structure of the street remaining much the same.
Belmont Street
Now most renowned for its bars and restaurants, Belmont Street, as seen here in 1988, was open to cars with a string of shops and markets. It’s still as busy, just in a different way.
Queens Links
This picture above shows the beginnings of a major development at Queens Links, now home to a plethora of cafes, restaurants and Cadonas Amusement Park.
Aberdeen Train Station
An area that has seen one of the biggest transformations in the city is the train station. The taxi rank once sat where the main entrance to the station is now, just to the right of the doors to the shopping complex. It’s not just inside of the station.
Castlegate
Castlegate is now the perfect spot for markets, shows and parades with it being a pedestrianised area. But before it was, cars would be able to drive straight through Castlegate toward the beach.
Five Roads Roundabout
The five-road roundabout at Ashgrove Court has seen little changes, with the exception of the house in the left being demolished and replaced by greenery.
Rosemount Viaduct
Another one of Aberdeen’s high profile areas is Rosemount with its collection of independent shops and and restaurants. While unexpectedly the bushiness side of things have changed over the years, much of the original architecture stands strong.
King Street
One of the main links transport links throughout the city, this area of King Street was certainly a lot quieter before the opening of Lidl and the Brig O Don restaurant.
Mid Stocket Road
Those who knew in Aberdeen in the late 70s may remember this garage on Mid Stocket Road. It’s now residential flats.
And if you have any of your own vintage snaps you’d like to share, dig them out, scan them, and send them into webpix@ajl.co.uk.