Oldmeldrum

Olmeldrum, an Aberdeenshire town, 17 miles North-west of Aberdeen on the A947, Aberdeen to Banff main road. It lies in the magnificent countryside of the Cairngorm and Grampian ranges, Royal Deeside and Speyside. The town just falls within Scotland's 300 centres of population. The name 'Oldmeldrum', is from the Gaelic words 'meall druim', meaning, 'the ridge of the hill'. The town has a population of just over 2000. Oldmeldrum is known as "Meldrum", its narrow little streets and lanes reflect the irregular plan of the old medieval market town, on the market square with the fine Town Hall of 1877. Oldmeldrum was created a burgh of barony in 1672 and was the main burgh of the medieval lordship of Garioch until the 19th century when it was superseded by Inverurie which is five miles south of Oldmeldrum.

Meldrum House

Meldrum House to the north of the town dates from the 13th century, it is a mansion surrounded by fifteen acres of landscaped parkland which has an ornamental lake. The house is now a hotel and has many outstanding features including tall ceiling Victorian bedrooms, many antiques and family portraits of the Meldrums.

Tolquhon Castle

Near Oldmeldrum is Tolquhon Castle, which was established in 1420 when the original tower was built. In 1584, the rest of the castle was being built by William Forbes. Most of the castle is of newer construction. By the end of the 19th century the roof had collapsed and it had been left to ruin. It has subsequently been acquired by Historic Scotland who undertake the maintenance of the castle.

Oldmeldrum Today

Olmeldrum has a library, two pleasure parks, several hotels, two 18 hole golf courses. The extension of the towns Primary School and the construction of a brand new Academy toward the west of the town is due to be completed in 2002. Each June Olmedrum has a world-wide reputation for good entertainment and fine weather at the well known Meldrum Sports and Oldmeldrum Show, the first of the highland games' season in Scotland. Thousands of people attend the event. Nearby is Barra Castle from the 17th century. Glen Garioch Distillery is situated in the village close to Meldrum House, the distillery was founded in 1797, it is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Robert the Bruce defeated John Conwyn, Earl of Buchan in the Battle of Barra, the battle site is half a mile from Oldmeldrum.