Local heroes have always been a feature of life in Aberdeen’s suburbs and communities over the years.
From Denis Law to Commonwealth gold medal winners plus everyday heroes such as firefighters and bakers, join us for a trip through our archives.
Aberdeen Harbour
Aberdeen University Rector, actor Iain Cuthbertson, on board the university naval training unit’s minesweeper HMS Thornham on her arrival at Aberdeen Harbour in January 1978. Back, right, is the ship’s commanding officer lieutenant-commander Ian Parkinson. Mr Cuthbertson joined the Thornham at Rosyth after her annual refit.
Froghall
Boxers John Gillan and Tony Kerr are welcomed back to Froghall Avenue in 1970. They were back from the Commonwealth Games where John won a silver medal.
Middlefield
Middlefield primary 3 pupil Stewart Groves starred as Glenn Miller with his band, back from left, Lee Cameron, Graham Lonie, Ricki Beagrie, David Armour, Harry Merchant and Danny Stewart. GIs Mark McIlhinney, Andrew Wood, Alan Mortimer and Colin Thomson also get in the swing during a concert rehearsal to celebrate the school’s 50th birthday in 1989.
Nigg
An aerial view of some of Aberdeen’s prefabs from 1966. These homes at Nigg are bounded by Hillview Road, on the left, and Wellington Road leading to Nigg Brae.
Bieldside
Formerly known as the Murtle Mill, the Water Wheel Inn at Bieldside was launched under its new name in 1981 by the Sphere Group of companies. The building is now flats.
Heathryfold
Twelve-year-old Spence Nicol, of Murray Terrace, demonstrated a turn to some of his friends at the new skate bowl at Heathryfold in August 1978.
Tillydrone
The Wallace Tower, or Benholm’s Lodging, dominates the north-eastern tip of the Tillydrone area of Aberdeen in this picture from 1974. The house was originally built in the Netherkirkgate by Sir Robert Keith of Benholm in the 1620s. The tower was moved to its present site in 1964 to make way for the building of Marks & Spencer and Lord Sieff, chairman of the company, paid for it to be rebuilt at the Motte of Tillydrone near Seaton Park. On the left of this is Donside Paper Mill.
King Street
Firemen pictured at the Aberdeen Central Fire Station on King Street in 1922. The brigade moved to a new purpose-built station on Mounthooly Way in 1997.
Northfield
Bakers and assistants hard at work at Strathdee Bakery in Granitehill Road, Northfield, in 1964.
Ferryhill
It was a night of reminiscing for these Old Boys of the 12th Aberdeen (Ferryhill North Church) Company, Boy’s Brigade, when they celebrated their 75th birthday in the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen in 1973. Five former captains of the company joined present captain Michael Ross (third right) in holding up a pictorial record of company events during their history. They are former Dons’ and Highland League goalkeeper Bill Bruce (extreme left), who organised the evening and (from third left) Fred Booth, Norman Stronach, Douglas Smith and Bert Booth.
