Ellon

The town of Ellon in Aberdeenshire, Scotland lies on the River Ythan that starts its journey at Wells of Ythan before flowing south-eastwards through Ellon and out to the North Sea near Newburgh, in Formartine. The town is located at a fording point on the river where, for many years, it was the main crossing point for traffic going to and from the Buchan area. There has long been a settlement at Ellon, with the earliest nearby human traces from prehistory evidenced in nearby Catto Long Barrow, a massive stone structure surrounded by agricultural fields. Ellon was the main settlement of the Pictish province of Buchan before 400BC and went on to have an often bloody history that includes being one of the places that was burned in the harrying of Buchan in 1308, following Robert the Bruce's defeat of the Comynes near Oldmeldrum.

Ellon is a popular destination that has been described as 'The Gateway to Buchan' and is set amidst stunning scenery that is rich with diverse wildlife, landscapes, flora and fauna. There are ample amenities here along with historic sites and nearby attractions, including the ruins of Ellon Castle that can be seen from various parts of the town. The castle was formerly known as the ancient fort of Ardgith and is just one of a number of castles that were built on this site. The impressive Deer Dykes, walls 12 foot high, which reach around the castle grounds can be seen from Castle Road. Ellon is also a popular place for bird watchers as it has several estuary sites, inland lochs and cliff nesting sites nearby.