Home Report Stonehaven

Stonehaven is a harbour town in Aberdeenshire roughly 15 miles south of Aberdeen. The town has approximately 12,000 residents and lies on Scotland’s northeast coast in a natural bay. It comes as no surprise then to learn that Stonehaven had originally grown as a fishing village, with the natural bay offering shelter to moor and launch from. In the 19th century, the bay was improved by engineers and fishing was one of the significant industries of the town with some 15 million fish being caught annually around the late 19th/early 20th centuries though this has since diminished significantly. The Carron Water and Cowie Water also run through the town.

Stonehaven today though is primarily an affluent commuter town for residents working in Aberdeen. Luckily for residents today, the town lies on all the main roads – the A90 and A92 – and rail routes – from Stonehaven to Aberdeen – which allows for easy and speedy travel into Aberdeen. As such, the town has benefitted from the oil wealth in the last several decades, with many middle-class residential developments and amenities popping up. This is driven by increasing demand from people who wish to move to the town. More than likely, this is due to the desire to live out with the city of Aberdeen, but be within easy reach, yet still enjoying a ‘country’ feeling. It has to be said also that Stonehaven has a character and charm of its own which also helps to keep demand high.

In terms of things to do in the town, Stonehaven has the usual array of chains as well as many independent stores and retailers. The harbour is still active and is busy with many private sailing yachts and boats. Dotted around the harbour and promenade area there are some excellent local eateries. Just a bit further along the seafront is a heated open-air swimming pool which is very popular with locals. For golfers, Stonehaven Golf Club is well regarded, and many go to play there for the dramatic scenery available on every hole. High on the cliffs two miles south is Dunnottar castle, perched on a jutting piece of land extending into the sea and waves. The castle has quite a history and is a popular local landmark.

Stonehaven cannot be discussed without mentioning the New Year’s Eve parties and the associated ancient fireball ceremony. People literally walk in a spectacular procession swinging blazing fireballs above their heads, until they reach the harbour where they chuck the blazing fireballs in. In times past it was done to ward off evil spirits, but nowadays it is done for the enjoyment and spectacle and to bring in the New Year.

In terms of local education, there are three primary schools in Stonehaven. Arduthie Primary, Dunnottar Primary and Mill O’ Forest Primary School all of which feed into Mackie Academy, the local secondary school. There is also a special education school named Carronhill in the town.