Strichen

Bridge Street, Strichen, showing the distinctive Town House

Strichen is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It sits on the A981, connecting it to New Deer 7.2 miles (12 km) to the southwest and Fraserburgh 8 miles (13 km) to the north-northeast, and the B9093, connecting it to New Pitsligo about four miles due west. The village got its name from Lord Strichen. It is situated on the River Ugie at the foothills of Mormond Hill. The Strichen White Horse is constructed of quartz on Mormond Hill, some 1500 m Northeast of Strichen.[1]

History

There is considerable evidence of local habitation by early man in and around Strichen. Strichen Stone Circle to be found near to Strichen House in publicly accessible land. Further south lies the Catto Long Barrow and a number of tumuli.[2]

There are several listed buildings within the village.[3] The most significant is the category A listed Town House constructed to a design by the Aberdeen architect John Smith in 1816. It is described by Historic Scotland as an "excellent example of an early 19th century castellated Town House".[4]

Strichen House, designed in 1821 in a commission for Thomas Fraser, 12th Lord Lovat, is also by John Smith.[5][6] It fell into ruin in 1954. As well as a country house it was variously used as a base for hunting, a hotel and an army barracks.

Notable residents

Scotland's former First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, lives in a converted mill in the village with his wife Moira.[7][8]

Author and screenwriter Lorna Moon was born in Strichen in 1886. Her 1925 collection of short stories Doorways in Drumorty was written when she lived in Hollywood and is based upon her memories of Strichen. Her 1929 novel Dark Star also features scenes of Strichen and Aberdeenshire.[9]

Serial killer Dennis Nilsen was born and brought up in Strichen.[10]

The bacteriologist Robert Cruickshank FRSE was born here.[11]

References

  1. ↑ Peterhead historical site
  2. ↑ C. Michael Hogan (2008) Catto Long Barrow fieldnotes, The Modern Antiquarian
  3. ↑ "Strichen Parish (search results)". Historic Scotland. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  4. ↑ "Town House, High Street and Bridge Street". Historic Scotland. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  5. ↑ "Strichen House". Historic Scotland. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  6. ↑ "Strichen House". RCAHMS. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  7. ↑ Alex Salmond MSP www.scotland.gov.uk accessed 11 July 2008
  8. ↑ Cramb, Auslan (2007-05-10). "Moira Salmond: A reluctant First Wife". Telegraph. Retrieved 2012-01-14.
  9. ↑ Overview of Lorna Moon
  10. ↑ Buchan, Jamie (29 December 2009). "Author inspired by serial killer Nilsen". Press & Journal. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  11. ↑ http://munksroll.rcplondon.ac.uk/Biography/Details/1094
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Coordinates: 57°35′11″N 2°05′25″W / 57.5865°N 2.0904°W / 57.5865; -2.0904

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