Ellon
Burgh (Medieval), Town (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Ellon
Classification Burgh (Medieval), Town (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Auchterellon
Canmore ID 76276
Site Number NJ93SE 42
NGR NJ 9583 3053
NGR Description Centred NJ 9583 3053
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/76276
- Council Aberdeenshire
- Parish Ellon
- Former Region Grampian
- Former District Gordon
- Former County Aberdeenshire
ELLON. Riverside gateway to, and ancient capital of, Buchan; from Gaelic 'eileann', meaning an island. It began as seat of justice for Comyn earldom of Buchan but was burned during Bruce's 'heirschip' or harrying; motte, now gone, marked by plaque above river. Medieval kirk gifted by David I to Kinloss Abbey, Moray, whence the confusing name Kinloss-Ellon. Although at key crossing-point of Ythan, just above its tidal limit, its 19th-century development was constrained by
landowner Alexander Gordon's refusal to let off reasonable feus. Now transformed by enveloping oil-related housing, which began in the mid- 1970s and is continuing apace.
Taken from "Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Ian Shepherd, 2006. Published by the Rutland Press http://www.rias.org.uk
NJ93SE 42 Centred 9583 3053
For (associated) landing-place at Waterton (NJ 971 302), see NJ39SE 41.
Erected burgh of barony, 1707.
G S Pryde 1965.
NMRS REFERENCE:
ARCHITECT of the proposed extension of the town of Ellon: James F. Beattie & Son. 1873
