Peterhead

Population c. 18,000                     Family links: Keith, Arbuthnot        On the North Sea coast approx 30 miles/48km north of Aberdeen, Peterhead is bypassed by A90 and on an attractive route to the north and Inverness. One of the major towns and ports of Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is a traditional commercial and shopping centre for Buchan’s agriculture and fishing families and workers. This is well-reflected in the town’s facilities and shopping, and choice of hotels, restaurants, cafés pubs and takeaways for lunches etc. The largest hotels (town centre/outskirts) have 60/105 twins/doubles for group accommodation.   Peterhead Industry Overview Due to Peterhead's location on the Northeast corner of Scotland, a vast experience of Oil and Gas industry support has been built over the past 30 years. In the early days Peterhead's large deepwater harbour of refuge was utilised by pipe-laying barges of Brown and Root, McDermott and even the mighty Thor, which at the time was the largest gross lift crane barge in the world. Since those early days a vibrant support industry evolved, from medical supplies to bespoke engineering processes. Peterhead is also an excellent cruise ship port, with good options for tours to attractions in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Moray. Fishing Industry These industries have matured into a unique combination of all-weather deepwater port and a broad based support industry. These operations have co-existed with Peterhead's fishing industry. Being the premier white fish port in Europe, it is the base for most of the Scottish fishing fleet. Practical info: No problem with coach access from any junction with the A90. Good drop off/pick up point very close to main shopping area (Drummers Corner) and free parking at Lido car park on south outskirts. Allow  3-4 mins from A90 and around 1½ hrs for shopping/coffee etc; longer if lunch stop included. Only 1 shop now known to close for lunch or have Wednesday half day. Shopmobility: free manual, electric and motorised wheelchairs (prebook 01771 613287)   What’s unique? Busy harbour with deep water berths for cruise ships and pleasure marina with 100 berths Ancestral home of the Keith family at Inverugie on north edge of town. See Peterhead Family Heritage  Scotland’s oldest salmon fish house in historic building (from late 1600s) Largest white fish port in Europe, with most modern Fish Market Ruined Slains Castle (near Cruden Bay nearby) – the inspiration for Dracula!   What’s fun? Experience the lore of the land at Aberdeenshire Farming Museum and working farm at Aden nearby Shopping in pleasant pedestrianised area and elsewhere in town in a wide range of shops large and small including major chains, small gift shops and a mill shop Golf at Peterhead golf course  (the world’s 18th oldest!) or world-renowned Cruden Bay links nearby Events: Scottish Week (3rd week July), Harbour Open Day and monthly market (1st Saturday) – more info on website Town Centre Zanre’s (award-winning fish and chips), Chapel Street (01779) 470121: max seating 56 ·         Palace Hotel (01779) 474821: max seating 50 (brasserie) 60 (rest) + 250 ·         Hennings Restaurant, Chapel Street (01779) 473277: max seating 56 ·         Bayview Hotel, St. Peter Street (01779) 472523: max seating 50 (rest) + 30 (lounge) ·         Mrs Bridges, Marischal Street (01779) 481800: max seating 50 Simpsons Tearoom, Broad Street (01779) 490303:max seating 40 Symposium Coffee Shop, Broad Street  (01779) 478950;: max Seating 28 The Shining Pearl, Marischal Street (01779) 490099: max seating 88 Albert Hotel, Queen Street (01779) 472391:max seating 30 Café Rio, Erroll Street  (01779) 470982: max seating 60 ·         Dolphin Café, Merchants Quay (01779) 478595:max seating 98 ·         Waverley Hotel, St Andrews Street (01779) :max seating 50 (bar) + 24 (rest) Maharajah Tandoori, Clerkhill Road (01779) 490066 (take away only) Outskirts Swallow Waterside Inn (01779) : max seating 80 (rest) + 40 (lounge + 180 Nearby Happy Plant Garden centre, Mintlaw (01771) 623344 :max seating 130 Country Park Inn, Mintlaw (01771) 662622: max seating 60   Where to stay Go to Accommodation    Practicalities – loos & parking   Coach drop off/pick up Lido coach/car park (for Harbour of Refuge, Marina and Maritime Heritage) Town Centre: by pedestrian area (Access allowed for coaches, not cars) at east end of Queen Street Also Prince Street outside Palace Hotel   Coach parking Lido coach park (free) at south side of town Town Centre: none, but Lido close by   Car parking Lido (free) Town centre: Broad Street (pay and display); Threadneedle Street/Maiden Street Prince Street (pay and display); all have Park Mark Safer Parking Award. Also street parking (pay and display & free)   Toilets By Maiden Street Car park (behind WH Smith shop) Charge; 20p coin required, no change available. Disabled Access with RADAR key from environmental health departments nationwide.   Shopping for disabled people: Shopmobility Scheme: manual, electric and motorised wheelchairs on free loan for shoppers. Call (01779) 613287 to pre-book.   FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PETERHEAD   VISIT     www.peterhead.org.uk