Kintore

Kintore, a small town in East Aberdeenshire, situated close to the River Don. On the A96, 13 miles North-west of Aberdeen. The name Kintore comes from the Gaelic, Ceann-an-torr, "Ceann" means head or end, "Torr" means a round hill, the name signifies that the town was at the head or end of a round hill. Founded in the late 12th century as a royal burgh. The earliest Royal Charter was granted to Kintore in 1506 by King James IV. It was the forth town in Scotland to be given a notarial charter.

Hallforest Castle

Hallforest Castle built in 1296 was host to many Kings and Queens of Scotland during its life time. The Castle was one of the earliest towers in Scotland. About 1 mile west of Kintore, now in ruins was originally six floors, with walls 7ft thick.

Thainstone House

Thainstone House is set in 40 acres of meadowland situated 15 minutes North of Aberdeen. The hotel has a history dating back to the 18th century. The original Thainstone House was burned by Jacobites in the 18th century. The house dates from the early 19th century and has all the modern comforts of a luxurious 20th century hotel. It is a magnificent Mansion with 48 bedrooms. The Leisure club offers a roman style indoor pool, steam room, Jacuzzi, gymnasium and a number of outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting, golf, and fishing. The House is near the North of Scotland's prehistoric stone circles, whisky distilleries and castles.

Kintore Today

Kintore today has a library, caravan park, pleasure park and a 9 hole golf course. Near Kintore is the Thainstone Mart which is the most modern livestock mart in Europe, with stock pens, auction rings, shops, offices and a restaurant. The town house is in the centre of Kintore and dates from 1734, the house has external double stairs and clock tower with ogee roof, two storey, five-window front in rough granite ashlar. Now accommodates a police sub station and the offices and broadcasting studios of NECR FM which broadcasts across a large area of Aberdeenshire. In front of the Town House is the Kintore 2000 Millennium stone, unveiled on Hogmanay 2000.