User talk:DavidBone/Craigiebuckler

Craigiebuckler
Craigiebuckler is an affleuent area of housing situated in the west end of Aberdeen.

In 1319 Craigiebuckler was part of what was known as the “freedom lands” and were given to Aberdeen City by Robert the Bruce. Aberdeen City subsequently sold off the lands to pay for the construction of the main shopping street – Union Street. In 1826, James Blaikie built the “Mansion House” (now part of Macaulay Land Use Research Institute) as a summer residence for his large family. His permanent home was in Aberdeen, and in 1833 he became the first Lord Provost of Aberdeen, dying in the vestibule of the Old Town House in 1836. A statue and portrait of James can be seen there today.

In the 1850’s a Relative of James Blaikie, comb manufacturer, John Stewart, owned the Mansion House. Due to his company (Highland Railways) shares depreciating he had to relinquish it all. In the 1860’s the estate passed to John Couper, who worked as an engineer in China and returned determined to own all the estates from Deeside to Hazlehead. He bought Burnieboozle, Craigiebuckler, Slopefield and Viewfield. His son John lived at Craigiebuckler with his other son, Sydney, living in Viewfield House – now the Hilton Treetops Hotel. His daughter married the minister of Craigiebuckler Church. The Couper family is believed to be responsible for laying out the grounds of the mansion house as they remain to this day, including the planting of exotic conifers. As was the trend of the day, overseas influences spread to garden design and the introduction of the pagoda and boat house (now fallen into disrepair and removed) clearly depicted the Chinese influence favoured by John Couper.[1]

Craigiebuckler Church
Craigiebuckler Parish Church is the fourth largest congregation in Aberdeen Presbytery of the Church of Scotland. It is a beautiful setting, popular for weddings. The church is progressive in the style of worship which incorporates traditional and modern forms. It is also progressive in that the church actively seeks to involve itself with the local community. The Church is regularly used by community groups as a venue for dancing, sports etc. It also serves as a local polling station at times of local government and parliamentary elections.

Schooling
Nursery and primary education is provided by Hazlehead School. Originally opened in 1966 a new purpose built state of then art school is due to open in 2009 as part of Aberdeen City Council’s “3 Rs” project. Until 1999 there was a nursery school (Walker Dam Infant School), again opened in 1966 and situated on Kildrummy Road. This was amalgamated with Hazlehead School and the site developed into luxury housing. Secondary education is provided by Hazlehead Academy.

Amenities
There is a small play park and football pitch adjacent to the bus terminus. Walker Dam is a picturesque setting which features ducks, swans and other wildlife and is a popular site for picnics and walks.

One of Aberdeen’s largest hotels, The Hilton Treetops is located on Springfield Road.

Transport
Craigiebuckler is served by two First Aberdeen’s bus services numbers 16 & 16A. There are bus services every 10 minutes or so from the Terminus on Crigiebuckler Avenue and Pinewood Place. Both services run ito Aberdeen city centre and the journey time is around 10 minutes.

Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute is a world renowned scientific research organisation specialising in Land Use and Soil Research.

Retail
On Springfield Rod at the corner of Craigiebuckler Avenue there is a Co-op shop and Shell petrol station selling a variety of produce. Next door, there is a hairdresser / beautician called Allure, and on the opposite side an Nevada Bob’s golf outlet. On Hazledene Road, there is a Dobies garden centre which features a pet shop and café/restaurant.