The Granite City is rightly proud of having a thriving centre… but there’s far more to Aberdeen than that.
Our communities and suburbs have a rich life, heritage and history of their own.
We’re happy to share some images and memories from our archives to jog memories of yesteryear, from Margaret Thatcher in Bridge of Don, to Molly Sugden at Airyhall.
Take a look through and see if you spot anyone you remember… you might even find yourself from yesteryear.
Rosemount
No parking problems in this picture from May 1959 of Northfield Place. The shop on the left was that of G Robson, Shoemaker, and gas lamps were the order of the day for street lighting.
Sheddocksley
Sword bearers Duncan Forbes, left, and Robert MacGregor put pressure on talent contest judge Fiona McKenzie during a day camp at Sheddocksley Sports Centre, Aberdeen, in August 1994. Looking on, from left, are centre duty manager Neil Robertson, Kevin Thorburn, Sarah Hogg, Garry MacGregor and day camp leader Richard Crabtree.
Airyhall
Cub-Scout Ewen Chesser, a member of the 53rd Aberdeen, Craigiebuckler/Airyhall Cub Scouts pours a cup of tea for actress Molly Sugden in June, 1983. The event took place after the opening night of the play Find The Lady at His Majesty’s Theatre. The Cubs were taking part in the National Cub Scout Tea Making Fortnight which was sponsored by the Tea Council. The Cubs looking on are, from left, Mark Reid, Rami Dean, Kenneth Dean and Keith Whyte.
Bucksburn
A happy moment for these members of the 2nd Newhills Guide Company at Hillocks School, Bucksburn, in October 1976, as they had a special visitor – Promise, the Aberdeen Zoo fox they had adopted two years previously.
Mastrick
Niko the dancing parrot rocks to the rhythm of the children’s music as they rehearse with the Rev Fred Coutts and his wife Mary at a play day at Mastrick Church in 1984.
Cults
This once familiar landmark on the North Deeside Road, Thomsons of Cults garage, was pictured in 1985 before being demolished to make way for a new retail development.
Duthie Park
It was in 1977 that Miss World Cindy Breakspeare brightened up a grey February day in Aberdeen during a flying visit to the city. The 22-year-old Jamaican found the experience quite puzzling. She said: “I can’t feel my feet. They’re freezing. It’s the weirdest thing.” The beauty queen warmed up a bit when she planted a Kentia Palm in the Winter Gardens at the Duthie Park. Our picture shows children from Broomhill Primary School looking on as Cindy plants the palm. Afterwards she enjoyed a buttery as she had a coffee in the park restaurant.
Garthdee
Garthdee travelling grocer Norman Robb retired in 1983. Six days a week for the previous 19 years his mobile shop had brought everything from coal to cabbages – even the Sunday papers – to doorsteps in the area. Customer Margaret Napier, aged 96, gets a hug from Norman at a gathering in Talisman Road to give him a send off on his final round.
Aberdeen Beach
Crowds flocked to the golden sands of Aberdeen Beach in July 1973, when the north-east basked in a long, hot summer.
Kingswells
History came alive for members of Kingswells Church Sunday School in 1983 when they dressed up in Victorian costumes for morning service as part of the kirk’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Former ministers of the church joined the class after the service. Back, from left, Rev Walter Gordon, Rev Derick Henderson, Rev Jim Mckerron along with minister Rev Bill Sunter.
