Alford, Aberdeenshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alford
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 Alford
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| Population | 2,610 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NJ5716 |
| • Edinburgh | 90 mi (145 km) |
| • London | 409 mi (658 km) |
| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Alford |
| Postcode district | AB33 |
| Police | Grampian |
| Fire | Grampian |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Alford is a large village in Aberdeenshire, which is in north-east Scotland. It is located just south of the River Don. The area around it is known as the Howe of Alford, or the Vale of Alford. This valley is in the middle part of the River Don.
When you say "Alford," the "L" sound is usually silent. This village is famous for giving its name to the Battle of Alford, which happened in 1645. Alford is also the original home of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed. You can see a life-sized model of an Aberdeen Angus bull at the edge of the village. The Queen Mother officially opened this statue in 2001. People believe that these famous cattle first came from a place called Buffal, near Alford.
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Fun Things to See and Do
Alford has many interesting places to visit. These include the Alford Valley Railway, the Grampian Transport Museum, and the Alford Heritage Museum. Nearby, you can also explore Craigievar Castle.
There are many other old sites, stone circles, and castles in the area. Some of these castles are Balfluig Castle, Castle Fraser, and Drum Castle. One stone circle, which people thought was very old, turned out to be a copy made only 20 years ago!
Sports in Alford
Alford has a golf club where you can play golf.
Alford Golf Club
The Alford Golf Club first opened on May 15, 1981. It started as a nine-hole course. Later, in May 1992, it became a full eighteen-hole course.
Getting Around
Alford used to have a train station called Alford railway station. This was the end of the old Alford Valley Railway line, which is now closed.
Today, there are bus services that connect Alford to Aberdeen, which is about 26 miles (42 km) away. Many people who live in Alford travel to Aberdeen for work, especially in the oil industry. The main bus services are run by Stagecoach. There are also special "dial-a-bus" services operated by Aberdeenshire Council.
The buses from Alford to Aberdeen take two different routes:
Famous People from Alford
Many well-known people have connections to Alford:
- Charles Murray was a famous poet born in Alford.
- Stewart Milne, who led the Stewart Milne Group and the Aberdeen Football Club, grew up nearby and went to school in Alford.
- John Forbes was a minister who was sent away from Scotland by King James VI.
- Lord Forbes came from Forbes Castle, which is near Alford.
- William McCombie was a very important person in developing the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed.
- Laura Main is an actress known for her role in the TV show Call the Midwife.
- Emeli Sandé is an award-winning singer and songwriter.
- Dougie Gray was a famous football player for Rangers F.C..
- William Minto was a writer and critic.
See also
In Spanish: Alford (Aberdeenshire) para niños
