Fraserburgh

Population c. 12,000                                                     Family links: Fraser, Forbes       On A90/A981/A98 on the North Sea coast, approx 40 miles/65km due north of Aberdeen and on one of the attractive alternative routes between Aberdeen and Inverness.             The most north-easterly town in mainland Scotland, Fraserburgh is traditionally known as an important centre of the fishing industry, but now it is also known for having the best wild surfing beaches in the UK and hosts international surfing championships. Good shopping and range of places to eat in the town centre, on the waterfront and nearby villages, and most are also large enough for pre-booked group lunches.   Practical info: Good access for coaches, although some town centre streets may be narrow because of parked cars. Drop off at the harbour, just a short walk uphill to town centre (Broad Street, Saltoun Square, High Street). Public toilets at Saltoun Square (charge; 20p coin required). Coach parking at Leisure Centre (toilets in Leisure Centre also). Allow 1 – 1½ hours for shopping/coffee/looking at buildings and harbour; longer if lunch or visit to attraction included. Most shops close for lunch 13.00-14.00 (1-2pm) and on Wednesday afternoons.   What’s unique? Museum of Scottish Lighthouses (national museum) Best surfing beaches in the UK & home to international surfing champions Birthplace of Thomas Blake Glover (of particular interest to Japanese market), John Ross (Adviser to Shaka Zulu) and Bill Gibb (fashion designer) Site of 1st protective radio signal, broadcast by G Marconi   What’s fun? Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, specially the tour up to the top of old Kinnaird Head Lighthouse Surfing and diving Watching the trawlers and fishing boats in the busy harbour and surfers by the beach Buying ultra-fresh fish at the early morning fish auction Fraserburgh Heritage Centre – hand on activities for all Events including Vintage Car Rally, Art Festivals, Food and Drink Fayre; more details on website   What else to do? Working, restored meal mill from the 1800s (at Sandhaven nearby) Maggie’s Hoosie – typical fisherman’s house from the late 1800s (at Inverallochy nearby) Suitable for individuals and small groups Wildlife watching – seals, dolphins and whales, and also migrating waterfowl at the Loch of Strathbeg nearby Coastal walks – superb sandy beaches and 12 miles/19km of sand dunes Exploring caves at New Aberdour Beach   Where to eat A wide selection of pubs, small hotels and restaurants cater for individuals and groups of all sizes, including: Waterfront/harbour Museum of Scottish Lighthouses: (01346) 511022 max seating 50 The Galleon Bar diner & restaurant (01346) 517308: max seating 45-50 Town Centre Findlays Hotel: (01346)519547 max seating 40 Leisure Centre: (01346)  516663 max seating 100 + 230 Station Hotel: (01346) 513343 max seating 200 Royal Hotel: (01346) 518524 max seating 40-50 Saltoun Arms Hotel: (01346) 518282: max seating 30 + 90 Jaspers: (01346) 511168 max seating 70 The Vine Coffee Shop: (01346) 511223 max seating 24 The Coffee Shoppe (01346) 517865: max seating 30 Gibbs Café: (01346) 517770 max seating 35-40 Solid Rock Café: (01346) 515608 max seating 50 Nearby White Horse Hotel, Strichen (01771) 637218: max seating 28 + 80 Tufted Duck Hotel St Combs (01346) 582481: max seating 80 Ban Car Hotel, Lonmay (01346) 532578: max seating 90 Heath Hill Hotel (01346) 541492: max seating 100   Where to stay To follow   Practicalities – loos & parking   Coach drop off/pick up Museum of Scottish Lighthouses/Fraserburgh Heritage Centre Town Centre: Leisure Centre and by Harbour (short walk to town centre shops toilets, etc)   Coach parking Museum of Scottish Lighthouses/Fraserburgh Heritage Centre (free – for visitors) Town centre:  Leisure Centre    Car parking Museum of Scottish Lighthouses/Fraserburgh Heritage Centre (free for visitors) Town centre: 5 car parks – all have Park Mark Safer Parking Award   Toilets Saltoun Square, 20p coin required (no change available) (open daily 09.00 – 17.00) Leisure centre (open daily all day)   For More information please visit the website www.visitfraserburgh.com