Aden Country Park was once the grounds of one of Buchan's largest private estates. During almost 200 years of ownership the Russells of Aden transformed the bare landscape by energetic planting of trees and shrubs.

After the Russells sold the estate in 1937 Banff & Buchan District Council set about restoring 230 acres of parkland as Scotland's most northerly country park, now managed for you by Aberdeenshire's Leisure & Recreation Department.

The Aden Estate Story

Early Aden - the name (pronounced Aa-den), meaning bonnie burn or brae, is first recorded in the Celtic Book of Deer. King Robert the Bruce gave the Barony of Aden to Robert Keith, the Earl Marischal, and his heirs managed these lands for almost 400 years. But Aden's present appearance dates from the ownership of the Russell family. The Russells (1758-1937) - Alexander Russell, a Banffshire laird, purchased the estate from James Ferguson of nearby Pitfour. Filled with current ideas of farming "improvement" he re-organised his tenant farms, planted woods for shelter and built a modest house overlooking the South Ugie. Succeeding generations of Russells completed the transformation by building the unique steading (c.1800), enlarging the mansion and adding a coach-house and gate lodges (1832).

By late Victorian times, the estate included the lands of Kininmonth and Ludquharn and covered 31 sq. miles. At Aden, a small army of staff, some of whom you meet in the exhibition! - serviced the mansion house and estate.

Remains of this lavish lifestyle are still visible in and about the mansion (ice house, gasworks and laundry), what a difference compared to the house of Jimmy Thomson the horseman. After the First World War, despite the sale of three quarters of the estate, spiralling maintenance costs combined with falling farm income became a growing burden. Finally in 1937 the last resident laird, Sidney Russell, sold Aden, much of Old Deer and the estate's remaining 52 farms.

Neglect and Rebirth - New owners used the estate mainly for shooting and the home farm and policies were let to local farmers. Instead of care lavished on the estate by the Russells and their staff, the grounds were neglected and the buildings became derelict. In 1975 Banff and Buchan District Council, with considerable support from the Countryside Commission for Scotland set about reversing this decline. The mansion house was consolidated and in 1983 the renovation of the steading as a heritage centre was completed.

Aberdeenshire Farming Museum and Heritage Centre

Long famed for high quality Aberdeen Angus cattle, the North East contains a quarter of Scotland's arable land and consequently farming is an essential feature of our rural life. The award winning North East of Scotland Agricultural Heritage Centre at Aden brings alive the story of our famous farming past in the unmatched setting of the restored estate home farm. This unique semi-circular steading is in turn surrounded by the beautiful woodlands of Aden Country Park that provide an attractive haven for wildlife and visitors.

The Heritage Centre excitingly portrays the story of N. E. farming in three related interpretive themes. Start at the home farm by exploring "Aden Estate Story where by talking with the Guide making "breid" or oatcakes in the Horseman's House. You will find out what estate life was like in the 1920's.

However, the appearance of the estate and region as a whole is the result of innovations in farming methods and implements over 200 years as you will discover in the atmospheric displays of "Weel Vrocht Grun - well worked ground". This award winning exhibition concludes with an introductory video to the newly reconstructed Hareshowe Working Farm where N. E. farming in the 1950's is brought to life by Guides and seasonal demonstrations on 20 worked acres.

Walking

The Park is open everyday of the year from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and there is ample scope for walks of different lengths including access to the long distance Buchan Line Walkway . Many of the paths are suitable for wheelchairs and there is an orienteering course - map pack available from the Craftshop.

Wildlife

Aden is home to a great variety of wildlife ranging from the resident but secretive roe deer to summer migrants that have even included an Osprey! If you would like to explore the wide range of habitats, then follow the self-guided Nature Trail. The trail takes you along main pathways and introduces you to some of the creatures, trees and plants that live in the four habitats covered; the Nature Trail booklet is available from the Craftshop.

Ranger Service

The Ranger Service based at Aden aims to help you make more of your visit by promoting an increased awareness and appreciation of the countryside. Start your walk by looking at the Nature Notes in the Coachhall or visiting the Wildlife Centre where "Zilla Spinner" and the "Pondering Puddochs" look forward to meeting you (open May to September, weekends only 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.)

Rangers, who patrol the Park regularly, are pleased to assist individuals or groups by answering questions about Aden and its natural history. A wide range of summer events are organised with hopefully something for everyone - leaflets available on request. Active involvement with schools and organised groups is encouraged too. If you would like to help look after the Park, then come and join the Aden Supporters.

Best Caravan Park

Aden's caravan and camping site won the Best Caravan Park in Scotland award in 1992. We have a separate camping site for youth groups within the Park.

Additional Features

Cafe/Restaurant, Craftshop, Adventure Playground, facilities for the Disabled, Garden for the partially sighted, free river fishing on the South Ugie within the Park, large group and family picnic sites.

Where is Aden?

Aden lies between the villages of Mintlaw & Old Deer, approximately 30 miles North of Aberdeen and 10 miles inland of Peterhead.

By Car: from Aberdeen, take the A92. From Fochabers, take the A98 then the A950.
By Bus: Buses from Bus Station adjacent to Aberdeen Railway Station.
By Coach: Coach parties welcome by prior arrangement.

To make a booking for a picnic/barbeque, school visit, conducted tour or other organised activity, please contact the Park Secretary by telephoning Mintlaw (01771) 622857.

When Is Aden Open?

Park: All year round 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Admission Free (pay and display parking applies)

Heritage Centre: May - September daily 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
April & October weekends only 12 noon - 5.00 p.m.
(Last admission half an hour before closing). Admission Free.

Hareshowe Farm: Same hours as Heritage Centre. Admission Free.

Wildlife Centre: May - September weekends only 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m .

Caravan & Camping Site April - September.

Our Countryside Rangers are on hand to make your visit more enjoyable.
For bookings please phone the Site Warden on Mintlaw (01771) 623460.