Turriff

Turriff, A market town in north Aberdeenshire, 11 miles south-east of Banff, situated between the districts of Banff and Buchan overlooking the Idoch Water which meets the River Deveron. Above; Turriff looking towards Markethill in 1914. In 1179 the Knights Templar, were giving land in Turriff to set up their second establishment in Scotland. It gained burgh status in 1512 and a grammar school was established by 1540. Over the centuries Turriff grew in size and developed as an important market a service centre for the farming community.
Turriff became known in 1913 throughout Great Britain when, Robert Paterson, a local farmer protested against the National Health Act by withholding payment of National Insurance contributions for his employees. One of his cows was taken into legal custody by the Sheriff Officers who tried to auction it to cover the National Insurance payments that Mr Paterson owed. A riot began and the Sheriff Officers were chased out of town. It was later bought at an auction by local farmers who presented it back to Mr Paterson after a procession through the streets of Turriff, the cow was then known as the "Turra Coo".

Turriff Show

Turriff Show was held in 1864 on the Market Hill where it continued until 1924 before moving to the Haughs. Above; Turriff Show in the 90's a sunny day for the people at Turriff Show. It is an annual two day event held at the beginning of August, one of the largest agricultural shows in Scotland attracting 40,000 visitors each year. Such agricultural shows are a feature of this part of Scotland and highlight the importance of this industry to the area economy. The events include livestock, craft shows, machinery and dancing. The year 2000 saw the 136th Turriff Show which attracted around 50,000 visitors.

Turriff Today

Today, Turriff is the main shopping centre for the surrounding farmlands. For the people of Turriff there is a library, museum, community centre, swimming pool, fishing at the River Deveron, boating, bowling, 18 hole golf course. The newly developed Turriff Sports Centre has plenty activities to do, five a side football, table tennis, basketball, gym etc. Within easy reach from Turriff is Delgatie Castle which is thought to date from 1030, it has now underwent major restoration. The castle has displays of stonemasonry and heraldry as well as a collection of portraits and antiques.