Insch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Insch
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 Insch
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| Population | 2,690 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NJ632280 |
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| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | INSCH |
| Postcode district | AB52 6 |
| Dialling code | 01464 |
| Police | Grampian |
| Fire | Grampian |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Insch is a friendly village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic words "An Innis" or "Innis Mo Bheathain." It's located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from the big city of Aberdeen.
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A Glimpse into Insch's Past
Insch has a long and interesting history! One of its most famous treasures is the Picardy Stone. This ancient stone was made by the Picts, who were people living in Scotland long ago. It's one of the oldest Pictish symbol stones ever found, possibly from the 600s.
Just outside Insch, you can find Dunnideer Castle. This castle was built in 1260. It is one of the very first Tower Houses in Scotland that is still standing today. In 1837, a book called the Gazetteer of the British Isles said that Insch parish had 8,370 people. The village itself had 1,536 residents.
What Does the Name Insch Mean?
The name of the village, Insch, likely comes from the Scottish Gaelic word innis. This word can mean an island. In this case, it might mean a piece of dry land in a marshy area.
Another idea is that innis or inch refers to a meadow or low-lying pasture. This fits well with where the village is located. The word innis also suggests that there was water nearby, like a river or a loch. You can see Inch in many other place names in Scotland. For example, Perth has the North and South Inches along the River Tay. Innis can also mean a "haven" or "sanctuary." This could have been a safe place from enemies or a resting spot for cattle.
What Can You Find in Insch?
Insch has many useful places for its residents and visitors. You can find a post office and a health center here. There is also a part-time fire station ready to help. For fun and activities, Insch has a leisure center, a golf course, and a bowling club.
The village also has a library where you can borrow books. You'll find general shops and special shops for different needs. If you're looking for a snack, there's a coffee shop. The community center is a place where people can gather.
Insch has two churches: a Church of Scotland and a Scottish Episcopal church. If you need a place to stay, there are two hotels, the Commercial Hotel and the Station Hotel. Some local people also offer bed and breakfast rooms.
For younger kids, there are several small play-parks around the village. A bigger play park and a football pitch are located next to the leisure center.
Getting Around Insch
Insch is well-connected by public transport. It has a regular bus service and a train station. The Insch railway station is on the main train line that goes from Aberdeen to Inverness. You can catch regular buses to nearby towns like Huntly and Inverurie. From these towns, you can connect to buses going to Aberdeen and Inverness.
Learning in Insch
For younger children, Insch has a nursery. There is also the Insch Primary School for elementary education. After primary school, students can go to secondary schools in nearby towns. They can attend The Gordon Schools in Huntly or Inverurie Academy in Inverurie.
Insch Golf Club's History
People first started playing golf in Insch before World War I. The original golf course was set up around Dunnideer Hill. Around 1923, the course moved to its current spot. However, it closed in 1940 because the land was used by the War Department as a grenade range during the war.
Golf was not played in Insch for many years after that. Then, in 1977, a group of people decided to bring golf back to the village. They built a nine-hole course themselves, working as volunteers. This new course opened in 1982. The club grew even more in 1987. They built a clubhouse using parts of an old temporary school building. This clubhouse had changing rooms, an office, a bar, a café, and a dance floor. Later, the course was made even bigger. Twelve new holes were added on the slopes of Dunnideer Hill.
Insch's Local Sports Team
The local football team in Insch is called Insch AFC. They play their games at Recreation Park in Insch. This team plays in the Premier Division under the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football Association (AAFA).
Famous People from Insch
One famous person born and raised in Insch was Robert Daun (1785–1871). He was a surgeon and an adventurer.
Insch's Population
Most people living in Insch were born in Scotland, about 86%. Around 10% were born in England, and 4% were born in other countries.
See also
In Spanish: Insch para niños
