Ellon, Aberdeenshire

infobox UK place
country = Scotland
official_name= Ellon
gaelic_name= Ealain
population= est. 9,540 (2004) [http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/settlements-and-localities/mid-2004-population-estimates-for-settlements-in-scotland.html]
os_grid_reference= NJ948306
map_type=Scotland
unitary_scotland= Aberdeenshire
lieutenancy_scotland= Aberdeenshire
constituency_westminster=
constituency_scottish_parliament=
latitude=57.366
longitude=-02.086
post_town= ELLON
postcode_district = AB41
postcode_area= AB
dial_code= 01358

Ellon is a sizeable town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, approximately 16 miles north of Aberdeen, lying on the River Ythan (pronounced "eye-than") which has one of the few undeveloped river estuaries on the Eastern coast of Scotland. It is in the ancient region of Formartine.

History

The general area is endowed with prehistorical and historical features. Somewhat to the northeast of Ellon are a number of ancient monuments including Catto Long Barrow, [C. Michael Hogan (2008) "Catto Long Barrow fieldnotes", Modern Antiquarian [http://letmespeaktothedriver.com/site/11227/catto.html#fieldnotes] ] Silver Cairn and many tumuli. In that same vicinity of the Laeca Burn watershed is the point d'appui of historic battles between invading Danes and indigenous Picts.

Ellon developed in prehistoric times since it provided the only feasible site for fording the Ythan Estuary and was the principal settlement of the Pictish province of Buchan prior to 400 BC; furthermore, in the Middle Ages the Celtic Mormaers and later the Norman (Comyn) Earls of Buchan held court and dispensed justice at Moot Hill, also known as Earl's Mount. [ [http://www.atap.org.uk/ellon/index.htm Ellon: Historical Summary] ]

Arnage Castle, a 16th century fortification is five miles to the north.

Education and leisure

The town has three primary schools:
* Ellon Primary School
* Auchterellon Primary School [http://www.auchterellon.aberdeenshire.sch.uk/]
* Meiklemill Primary School

Each of these schools has some type of greenspace as well as a concrete playground. These schools feed into Ellon Academy, the local secondary school, which currently has a roll of about 1200 students; however, due to ongoing residential development in the area that figure is expected to rise. A new school is planned to contain the influx of new students, and is expected to be finished by the year 2015.

Ellon has a community centre, which includes a swimming pool and café. Ellon also has one of northeast Scotland's youth groups, which is situated at the Ythan Centre, a building dedicated to serving the needs of Ellon's teenage population. This facility includes a soundproofed room where amateur bands can practice and a large hall with roof to floor length mirrors, which the dance group Refresh uses for their weekly practise.

The Meadows sports centre, located on the outskirts of Ellon, has many sporting facilities and clubs, including football and rugby pitches, a gym, and a multi-use sports hall. The Meadows is also home to the Ellon United football team, and the Ellon RFC.

Ellon today

Ellon has benefited from the North Sea oil demand, and is one of the main dormitory towns for Aberdeen. The population is expanding as young families seek to escape Aberdeen and move to nearby towns like Ellon, Inverurie and Banchory. During 2006, Ellon ranked as the town with the fourth most rapidly increasing average house prices in Scotland. [http://www.hbosplc.com/economy/includes/Scotlandposttownwinners2006FINAL.doc (retrieved 22nd October 2007)]

Rail Link

Ellon was a principal station on the Great North of Scotland Railway line that ran from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Due to the Beeching Axe, passenger services were withdrawn on the line in 1965. Freight services continued on the line until 1979 (Fraserburgh only, the Maud-Peterhead section was closed in 1970), at which point the entire line was closed.

The former railway line was purchased by Grampian Regional Council in 1981, and is now part of the National Cycling Route network.

Due to the population expansion since the North Sea Oil boom, the A90 has become overloaded between Aberdeen, Ellon and Peterhead. The Aberdeen Crossrail project has looked at reopening sections of the former railway, however as of 2008 this is still unlikely.

A branch line that ran to Boddam via Cruden Bay started at Ellon. This closed in 1945.

Famous People From Ellon

*Paul Sturrock, footballer.
*Teddy Scott, footballer, coach and kit man for Aberdeen
*Evelyn Glennie, Percussionist.

ee also

*Ythan Wells

References

External links

* [http://freespace.virgin.net/three.merlin/index.html Rose Cottage Self Catering Holiday Let, Newburgh, Ellon]
* [http://freespace.virgin.net/three.merlin/webcam2.html Webcam view from Merlin Terrace Newburgh, Ellon]
* [http://www.visitellon.co.uk Ellon Tourism Group website]
* [http://www.ellonaac.co.uk Ellon AAC Website]
* [http://www.ellonacademy.org.uk Ellon Academy website]
* [http://www.ardgrain.com/ellon-webcam Ellon Webcam, local picture galleries and historic info]