Merry Christmas Everyone

Wherever you are in the World

Merry Christmas

Der Brandenburger Tor

Fröhliches Weihnachten zu Ihnen Thomas und auch zu Ihrer Familie Solveig, Julius und Jonathon

Banff Harbour - Marina (more pics)

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I took a walk along to the Harbour yesterday and even in the winter it looks inviting. It really is a nice place to pass away a few hours surrounded by a lump of history that just stirs the memory. I've added a few more pictures, these were taken at the beginning of last year. The Quayside must have been a hive of activity in the old days, but now the scene is one of tranquility where old and new seem to have blended quite well. Be handy if there were to be a little quayside pub, wonder if there was one years ago - hard to believe there wasn't something here to cater for the thirsts of fishermen and the seamen from the cargo vessels. The webcam is a good feature for it allows my distant family to see the place from time to time and also they can tell what the weather's like because when it's windy the camera wobbles a bit!

Banff Harbour - Marina

(click picture to enlarge)

The harbour is now a marina. It's coversion from the former to the latter has certainly given 'life' to the area. What was once a busy fishing port changed much over the years and there was a danger of the site becoming something of a dead area. The build up of silt made it a poor mooring for leisure craft - then what happens - along come Aberdeenshire Council with investment and promise - Good for them, they not only gave a promise to the town, they actually delivered it.

The site is a pleasure to visit. I do understand there are complaints of silting but many harbours/marinas suffer this - it seems it's just a matter of having an appropriate maintenance programme - after all the forces of nature are somewhat unpredictable.

On a nice sunny day there can be no better pastime than watching the craft, yachts and working boats, going about their business. There's something nice and relaxing watching people messing about with boats.

Yes I have to say - "Well done Aberdeenshire Council and the Banff and Buchan Area Committee for investing in the future of Banff"

Strait Path

Strait Path

Strait Path provides a link between the two main retail street areas and starts at the junction of Castlegate and High Street dropping down to Low Street. The business premises on the path present themselves rather well I think. I would certainly like to see more shops along here. Nice to walk down and watch people struggle to climb, conveniently forgetting I'll be walking in the opposite direction when the shopping's done!

I often stand at the top looking down wondering what it would be like if there were market stalls along it's length on a Saturday - nice thought but probably impractical

It's a relief when you arrive at the top, though it looks a bit bleak from this position

Low Street Banff

The 'Mercat Cross' or 'Market Cross. was an important sign in it's day. It seems to be in fine condition

The Council offices are impressive and well cared for buildings. Well done Aberdeenshire Council.

I understand the cannon, which is placed in front of the council buildings, dates from the Crimean War.

As I took the photo an elderley gentleman suggested it should be loaded then turned to face the Council building and he would do the rest - no need to worry, he said it with a smile on his face. I know he was only joking, or was he...?

Fine Buildings

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The Council offices are a fine example of quality buildings set in a nice part of the town. I wanted to take a separate picture of the 'Biggar Fountain' but found wherever I stood the litter bin or traffic sign spoiled the shot. What a shame such an historic structure has to be blighted in this way. I think I need to find out about the 'Biggar Fountain' in more detail

Memories

©copyright John Robin

I'm very gratful to John for allowing me to use this photograph here. I have a few more that I will place on the site in due course. I'm not planning to fill the site with historic content, though from time to time I may well go back to the past.

This photo was taken at Banff Station on 22nd August 1963. It's sure to bring back memories for many, perhaps you even know the man walking along the edge of the platform.

When I started this 'Blog' my intention was to concentrate on the good things about Banff because there are plenty but I'm reminded that it isn't all good and the suggestion is that I try to give a more balanced view of the town and surrounding area. Plenty of people tell me that things have changed for the worse, no doubt with some things that's true but not everything is 'for the worse' and so I will continue along with the 'Blog' trying to add content about three times a week if possible and at the same time paint a true picture of the town and what it has to offer...in my opinion

Banff Bridge

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Banff Bridge with the fast flowing River Deveron flowing into the sea. I've realised since starting this 'Blog' that I have very few pictures of Banff, so I aim to remedy that as and when I can. If the weather holds out and Mrs Blog doesn't find me too many jobs to do I should get more pictures this week. I recently came across some very interesting pictures of the railway here in Banff and I'm pleased to say I've been given permission to use them on this site - so I'll be doing that sometime this week all being well

Lest we forget

Earlier today at the Memorial

Duff House

Duff house, designed by William Adam (1689-1748) and built between 1735 - 1740 - Reputed to be one of the finest Georgian houses in Britain. Close to the River Deveron it's setting is fantastic. Well worth a visit, parking is free and there is a fine woodland walk starting from within the grounds.

click picture to enlarge

Scotstoun

Scotstoun - nice settlement at the edge of Banff. In the foreground is the trackbed of the former railway line - now a public footpath leading eventually to Whitehills. Little is left of the old station though there are a few signs if you know where to look

Banff railway station (circa 1930)

A nostalgic photo. If only the rail link remained today. Never mind, it's nice to look at the way things were and reflect on what might have been. Must have been an enjoyable experience leaving Banff station following the coast briefly before heading to Tillynaught Junction and beyond

First impressions

Driving across the bridge over the River Deveron is probably the main route from the south and when driving along it seems easy on the eye as Banff opens out before you. The short journey into town is interesting and perhaps difficult to take in at the first attempt with the Duff House Royal Golf Club to your left and Park Royal (the home of Deveronvale FC) to your right.

There is plenty of parking space; some of it's free! Leave the car and have a wander around - you will see shops/stores/cafes/hotels/banks, in fact all that you might expect from a town of this size - whether or not the town caters adequately for it's local population and visitors is really a matter of opinion - now that really is an interesting subject