Alford, Aberdeenshire

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Alford, Aberdeenshire is a small town of north-east Scotland with a population of just over 2,000. It gave its name to a battle of the Civil War, and lies within the Vale of Alford. It is also the home of the world popular Aberdeeen Angus cattle breed, which is celebrated by a life-sized iron model of a bull on the edge of the town. Alford is the birthplace of the renowned poet, Charles Murray.

The Vale of Alford Railway, Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Heritage Centre and Craigievar Castle are popular visitor attractions, with a range of other archaeological sites, stone circles, and castles (including Castle Fraser and Drum Castle) being within easy reach by road. Situated in Alford, Haughton Country Park is a large and popular green space with a caravan park and woodland walks. The 18 hole Alford Golf Club is an attractive and pleasant course which has a large local membership.

There is a bus service connecting with Aberdeen, approximately 25 miles away.

A small castle can be found at Kingsford about half a mile from the village. This castle used to be bigger but was mostly destroyed in a fire. A small farmhouse is nearby and the farmbuildings have been recently refurbished into homes. A ruin of a house lies farther up the lane.

There is much new housebuilding going on in Alford as of 2006 to cater for a workforce who mainly commute in Aberdeen to work in the oil industry.

Another claim to fame for Alford is the world famous Alford Oatmeal, ground at Montgarrie, just outside the town.

Alford is also famous as being the birthplace of the person who played the most games for Glasgow Rangers - Douglas Herbert Gray. Mr Gray played over 920 game for Rangers.