Aberdeen’s communities offer a vital role in making the Granite City a wonderful place to live, work and play.
Join us now as we take a trip through our archives to recall some special moments, from Paolo Nutini performing an intimate gig before hitting the big time, to one of Union Street’s lost cinemas.
Milltimber
All the thrills and spills of motor cycle racing as two competitors corner at the track racing meeting at Milltimber in 1960.
Tillydrone
Forever blowing bubbles on the Tillydrone Community Centre float for the Aberdeen Festival in 1988 are Angela Kidd (left) and Jacqueline Dailly.
Altens
Getting to grips with an air rifle at the Superstars competition held in aid of the Give a Child A Chance Appeal is Karen Falconer, aided by, from left, Evander McRae, Colin Paterson and Adrian Austin. The competition was held at the Shell Training Centre, Altens with 150 trainees and 30 staff taking part. There were 12 events, including swimming, running and shooting.
AECC
A quick cuddle for Furry Ben from four-year-old Anita Esslemont of Ellon, before he took his place in the open section of the Grampian and Highland Cat Lovers Group Show at the Aberdeen Conference and Exhibition Centre in 1988.
King Street
The frontage of John E Esslemont’s shops on King Street, as they were in this photograph from 1949. The firm was famous as confectioners, tea blenders and wholesale grocers.
Spital
Occupying a fine site on Spital was St Margaret’s Convent, pictured here in 1969, designed by Aberdeen-born architect Sir Ninian Comper and built in 1898. He was one of the last of the great Gothic Revival architects, noted for his churches and their furnishings.
Mastrick
Charlotte Webster, secretary of Mastrick Community Council, gets a hand with some balloons from Royal Scots Dragoon Guards cadets from Aberdeen, Christopher Stewart (left) and Brian Innes, at the local community centre’s first gala day in 1991. Highlights included horse and cart rides, five-a-side football and police ID service for bikes.
Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital
Volunteers who help cheer up young hospital patients at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital are treated to a thank-you tea party in 1985, with Sister Hilda Glennie (front) one of the nursing staff acting as waitress for the occasion. About 40 volunteers were entertained to tea including representatives of the WRVS, who operate the canteen, Sunday School teachers, and women who operate book trollies.
Holburn Junction
This view of Holburn Junction from 1977 show the boarded-up Playhouse Cinema, left, and three doors along was Jaffa Furs.
Kincorth
Members of Kincorth Community Centre Children’s Dance Class proudly show off their first medals and certificates in 1989. The class was under the direction of Highland and tap dance teacher Gladys Allison.
