Strichen

Strichen is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It sits on the A981, connecting it to New Deer 7.2 miles (12 km) to the southwest and Fraserburgh 8 miles (13 km) to the north-northeast, and the B9093, connecting it to New Pitsligo about 4 miles (6.4 km) due west. The village got its name from Lord Strachen. It is situated on the River Ugie at the foothills of Mormond Hill. The Strichen White Horse is constructed of quartz on Mormond Hill, some 1,500 m (1,600 yd) northeast of Strichen.[2]

Strichen

The distinctive Town House
Strichen
Location within Aberdeenshire
Population1,020 [1] (Aberdeenshire Council)
OS grid referenceNJ946551
Council area
Lieutenancy area
  • Aberdeenshire
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townFRASERBURGH
Postcode districtAB43
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament

History

There is considerable evidence of local habitation by early man in and around Strichen. Strichen Stone Circle can be found near Strichen House in publicly accessible land. Further south lies the Catto Long Barrow and a number of tumuli.[3]

There are several listed buildings within the village.[4] The most significant is the category A listed Town House constructed to a design by the Aberdeen architect John Smith in 1816. It is described by Historic Scotland as an "excellent example of an early 19th century castellated Town House".[5]

Strichen House, designed in 1821 in a commission for Thomas Fraser, 12th Lord Lovat, is also by John Smith.[6][7] It fell into ruin in 1954. As well as a country house it was variously used as a base for hunting, a hotel and an army barracks.

Strichen School was designed by Aberdeen architect Robert Gordon Wilson in 1873.[8]

Notable residents
The writer Lorna Moon (1926), was born in Strichen in 1886

The former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, lives in a converted mill in the village with his wife Moira.[9][10]

Author and screenwriter Lorna Moon was born in Strichen in 1886. Her 1925 collection of short stories Doorways in Drumorty was written when she lived in Hollywood and is based upon her memories of Strichen. Her 1929 novel Dark Star also features scenes of Strichen and Aberdeenshire.[11]

Serial killer Dennis Nilsen was brought up for part of his childhood in Strichen.[12]

The bacteriologist Robert Cruickshank FRSE was born here.[13]

References
  1. "Aberdeenshire Settlements Populations 2016" (PDF). Aberdeenshire Council. 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  2. Peterhead historical site
  3. C. Michael Hogan (2008) Catto Long Barrow fieldnotes, The Modern Antiquarian
  4. "Strichen Parish (search results)". Historic Scotland. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  5. Historic Environment Scotland. "Town House High Street and Bridge Street (LB16551)". Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  6. Historic Environment Scotland. "Strichen House, Stableblock, (Barnyards of Strichen) Strichen Mains (LB16547)". Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  7. "Strichen House". Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  8. http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=100095
  9. Alex Salmond MSP www.scotland.gov.uk accessed 11 July 2008
  10. Cramb, Auslan (10 May 2007). "Moira Salmond: A reluctant First Wife". Telegraph. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
  11. Overview of Lorna Moon
  12. Buchan, Jamie (29 December 2009). "Author inspired by serial killer Nilsen". Press & Journal. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  13. http://munksroll.rcplondon.ac.uk/Biography/Details/1094
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