Stonehaven Guide

Sport Relief Mile in Stonehaven

2012-01-20T10:32:00.000Z

Stonehaven will host its first ever Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25 th March 2012
Setting off from Mineralwell Park the Stonehaven Mile will pass through Mineralwell . Entrants don’t have to be sporty to take part, but can choose to complete 1, 3 or 6 miles knowing that all the money raised will help to change the lives of people living unimaginably tough lives right here on our doorstep, across the rest of the UK and in some the world’s poorest countries.From teeny-tots with their mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock there’s something for everyone on the big day.
Carol McLaren from Aberdeenshire Council said: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Stonehaven is here and it’s your time to shine.

This is the first Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Stonehaven and it’s set to be a great event. So come on, pull your Sport Relief socks up, enter the Mile and do something amazing!”
Sport Relief has a unique history of dedicated people doing extraordinary things to rise to the challenge. Last September, David Walliams started Sport Relief off with an epic splash when he completed The BT Sport Relief Challenge: Walliams vs The Thames. Despite battling a nasty bacterial bug and bitingly cold water, David swam a staggering 140 miles and has so far raised over £1 million for Sport Relief. And that’s not all; there will be even more amazing celebrity challenges to get the whole nation geared up for the Sport Relief weekend!
The Sport Relief Weekend kicks off on Friday March 23 when everyone gets active, has fun and raises cash at home, at work or at school; before settling down to watch a night of top Sport Relief TV on BBC One. There will be even more BBC radio, online and TV coverage throughout the weekend to keep you entertained. By the end of the weekend everyone will be raring to go, when the whole nation comes together to take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile. To enter the Mineralwell Mile visit http://www.sportrelief.com/

Ambitious plans for Ury Estate in Stonehavenare back on track

2011-08-10T12:26:00.000+01:00

Proposals for a championship golf course designed by Jack Nicholas, to become the centrepiece of a £40 million luxury housing and leisure development in Aberdeenshire were abandoned two years ago when Edinburgh-based FM Developments put ten of its subsidiaries into administration - including the division responsible for the Ury project.
The company had announced that the Ury Estate at Stonehaven was to become home to only the second signature golf course in Scotland designed by Nicklaus, who in all won a record 18 golf majors.
It was announced that the mothballed project is back on course following the sale of the estate to a new company, FM Ury, established by a former director of FM Developments.
Nicklaus Design, includingJack Nicklaus, have welcomed the opportunity to resume their association with the Ury Estate project in Scotland.
Mr Nicklaus has visited the site several times, and believes that this special piece of property can be developed into an extraordinary golf course, and one which the people of Aberdeenshire will be proud of."
Richard Milne, a director of FM Ury, said: "We have got the estate back and we have got the designer Jack Nicklaus back. We will be fulfilling all our promises."
The original £40m development at the Ury estate was approved by Aberdeenshire Council's main planning authority, the infrastructure services committee, in June 2008.

Public meetings will be held later in August to discuss proposals.

Drumtochty Highland Games

2011-06-24T07:21:00.000+01:00

Another even taking place, near Stonehaven is the Drumtochty Highland Games on Sat 25th June

This is the 35th year of this event held in the grounds of Drumtochty Castle.

Large crowds attend every year. See video

I love the innovative way they promote the Games with painted bales of straw, specially painted as you can see in the photo.

These giant figures can be found on the A90 at Fordoun and Stracathro on the few days prior to the Games starting.

Last Weekend in June

2011-06-24T07:10:00.000+01:00

Lots happening in Stonehaven this last weekend in June 2011.
The Open Air Pool opens to-day after 4 weeks of delays.
The weather is looking promising.
Other outdoor attractions in Stonehaven this weekend include the Continental Market
in the Market Square on Sat & Sun 25th & 26th June and the Car Boot Sale in Margaret Street on Sunday 26th. See Video
Other events include the Stoney Jazz Cafe in the Town Hall 2 - 5pm
Jazz Session on a Sunday afternoon come chill out to Cindy Douglas and her band. Speak to them for a chance to play in future events. Jazz sessions will be held on the last Sunday of every month. Bring the family everyone welcome.
Price: £5 concession £3
Contact : Ma Simpson's tel 01569 766264
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in Town Hall - Sun 26th June
Time: Doors open 7.30 Bar Provided
Details:Professional comedians
Steven Hall
Sal Stevens
Junior Simpson
Vince Atta
Price:Tickets £8 in advance £10 on the Door
Contact : Ma Simpson's tel 01569 766264

Help Stonehaven Town Hall Get Much Needed Funding

2011-06-14T13:23:00.000+01:00

Stonehaven Town Hall is in urgent need of funding and you could help the Town Hall Trust secure thousands of pounds from the Big Lottery Peoples Millions.
Stonehaven Town Hall Trust is in the running along with five other community projects and you can help Stonehaven by tuning into STV programme Giving Your Community A Voice at 6pm on Monday 27th
June
The telephone number will be on http://www.stonehaventownhall.org/ at 9am on the June 27 and the lines will be open from 9am until midnight. Please help by voting.
If the funding is secured the building’s trustees will use the money to install a new sound system in the lower hall.
Stonehaven Town Hall trust member Chris Stirk said: “We need a sound system for the town hall. It needs a sound system so we can put more events on, raise more money and do better things in the hall – it’s as simple as that.
“It saves us hiring it in every time we want to do something and saves us hiring the hall for 12 hours when you only want it for a five hour gig.
“Particularly the elderly and the ones in the care homes want a matinee and at the moment we just can’t physically get the stuff in and set up in time. If the gear is there we can do a matinee for the older generation.
“It will also benefit things like the Folk Festival – they will no longer have to hire in the gear. It would save them £4,000 a year.
“We’re hoping to get the schools involved too because apart from Mackie Academy none of them have a big stage.
Note your diaries now to tune into STV on Mon 27th June at 6pm and do use your vote.

Baker Shop Changes Hands

2011-05-27T06:59:00.000+01:00

The Harbour Bakery which had a shop in the High Street and one in Evan Street closed on Mon 23rd May.
However shop premise in Stonehaven don't seem to lie empty for too long.

It has been announced to-day that Goodfellow and Steven who own several shops in the North East of Scotland are taking over the shop in Evan Street.

Search Marketing & Social Media Workshop

2011-05-27T06:54:00.000+01:00

Stonehaven Business Association held a very successful workshop with Joseph Bushnell at Kirktown Garden Centre on Thurs 26th May 2011. Joseph was very passionate about his subject and imparted a lot of knowledge and tips on Google, Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. All businesses attending felt they benefited and received great value for money. More information on Joseph Bushnell can be found at http://www.josephbushnell.com/

Business Changes in Stonehaven

2011-04-12T19:15:00.000+01:00

There has been some concern re the amount of businesses in Stonehaven that have closed recently but there has been strong demand to replace them. Several business owners are retiring this year but they didn't have to wait long for another business to take over. Stonehaven is still a very popular place and shops are not empty for long. Here are some of the changes.

Here and Now next to Bus Station is now Stellas and have built up steady trade within a few weeks. Openn till 10pm so this should be good for tourists in the summer.

Dorothy Jacks has closed but he premises will be opening soon as a Kitchen Studio

Elizabeth Havens, Laurencekirk is taking over the premises of Footprint and opening a Ladies Fashion Shop.

Niall Menzies of Footprint is taking over an existing Shoe Repair and Keycutting shop in Ann Stree at the end of this month.

The owner of Euronics is retiring in 2 weeks but negotiations are almost completed for a new business to take over the premises.

I have received several emails recently on http://www.stonehavenguide.net/ praising Stonehaven so many people love the town.

Stonehaven Events

2011-02-17T13:46:00.000Z

Lots of things happening in Stonehaven over the next few months particularly in The Town Hall.
Check out what's on at http://www.stonehavenguide.net/whats-on.html

Events in Stonehaven

2011-02-16T10:17:00.000Z

We are offering free listings in our What's On Section for any events in Stonehaven area. Submit an event at
http://www.stonehavenguide.net/submitevent.html

Google Doodle creator Michael Lopez reveals bean bag inspiration

2011-01-12T16:18:00.000Z

Recently came across this interesting article.

The man behind Google's "doodles" has spoken out about his inspiration - scribbling on bean bags.
Michael Lopez leads the creative team that has given the search engine its colourful look.
His illustrations, which use the Google logo, have been themed on events as varied as Valentine's Day, Halloween, the Beijing Olympics and Wallace and Gromit's 20th birthday.More at http://goo.gl/fYM20

Hogmanay in Stonehaven

2011-01-07T00:01:00.000Z

My wife and I and relatives from Boness attended Open Air in the Square and the Fireballs Festival and had a great time along with around 8,000 others. The High Street was looking good with the new Christmas Lights organised by the local Business Association. I had great fun talking to people who had travelled fom Aberdeen, Banchory and Torphins just to see the ceremony. After a few swigs of malt whisky from a flask, while watching the Fireball swingers, Big Phil and I enjoyed a wonderful plate of Stovies on the way home, from a Stall at the Market Square. You can see photos and read an interesting report from a visitor at http://goo.gl/kjBhM

Stonehaven Open Air in the Square and Fireballs

2010-12-31T00:23:00.000Z

The first Open Air in the Square was organised by Doug Paton and Stonehaven and District Community Council to celebrate the new millenium. The event was a huge success and has continued every year since - weather permitting. It is now organised by a committee of volunteers, who are grateful for the support shown by local businesses and sponsers who make the night possible.
Although the event almost didn't take place last year due to lack of volunteers, it did go ahead and now the hard working committe with support and sponsorship from Training company imorph have changed the format a little and this is expected to be the best year yet.
Stonehaven Market Square will be empty of cars. In their place will be a huge stage flanked with video screens and bedecked with lights, music stands and speakers. There are fair ground rides, food and drink stalls, and an eager and excited crowd of all ages. All this surrounding one of Scotlands biggest, free, annual outdoor parties.

Using the technical wizardry of the modern era, the organisers are able to present stunning live footage of the Fireballs Festival in the High Street at midnight, on stage via the video screens. If you can't find a space in the High Street, you can still stay in the Market Square and not miss the procession. So whether you are a teenager by age or at heart, local or visitor, go along, enjoy the evening and have fun by joining in with dancing, singing and cheering.

Video from BestBeanBagStore.com

2010-12-22T22:30:00.000Z

Please watch this video. Comments welcome.

New Found Fame for Louis Walsh Look Alike

2010-12-06T11:08:00.001Z

My mate Peter Stewart from Aberdeen has joined a Look Alike Agency as Louis Walsh and recently rehearsed with The Chippendoubles for Britain's Got Talent.

Just recently he was involved in the video for The Chippendoubles Charity Christmas Song, Simon Carol
You can view this on You Tube

You will see Pete with a Simon Cowell look alike and other stars you will recognise.

Pete has appeared in Stonehaven with his Singing gigs at Stonehaven Bowling Club and the British Legion.

If you like the track, the Christmas Charity Song will be available for download from itunes on the 13th of December from
I Tunes

All sales will go to CLIC Sargent charity for children suffering with cancer.

The video is entertaining and the song is good. Worth a look on You Tube.

Pete said "It was great fun and I hope people will support this good cause".

George McGillivray
http://www.stonehavenguide.net/

Business Association Christmas Fair

2010-11-25T21:23:00.000Z

Stonehaven Town Hall is the place to be on Sunday 28th Nov.The local Business Association is holding their Annual Christmas Fair from 11am to 4pm.
Bring the kids along to Santa's Grotto organised by Michies.
Some interesting new businesses this year include a Colour Consultant and The Chef's Bean offering hand knitted wooly hats (beans)
Wattie McDonald will be in attendance providing information on his successful husky dogs race in Alaska this year and his plans for next year

Mearns FM will be providing music

Bowmore 26 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) Review

2010-11-25T21:19:00.000Z

Again after being out in the snow at the switch on of Stonehaven's Christmas Tree lights. it was a pleasant task to sample a nice malt whisky and write a review
Here's my reviewFirst reaction -a bit rough - got better and better with each taste - full of smokey, peaty flavour. Score 8 out of ten. Check out Bowmore 26 Year Old - Single Cask

Review of Edradour 1998 Sassicaia Malt Whisky

2010-11-24T22:38:00.000Z

I received an email request last week to see if I was interested in reviewing some malt whiskies for a new website called Master of Malt and publishing the reviews on some of the websites I run and I certainly welcomed the challenge.
Here's what I thought of the first sample

Edradour 1998 Sassicaia - Straight from the Cask(50cl, 56.90%)

I tried this malt whisky at home while it was snowing heavily outside and I soon had a nice warm glow.

I have visited the Edradour distillery in the past but I had never tasted this whisky

I first tried this malt straight and felt a nice little kick. I like my malts with a lump of ice and once I added this it was very smooth and easy to drink.I would give it 8 out of 10.
Learn more about this Edradour 1998 Sassicaia Malt Whisky
Sample drams are available to buy

Hogmanay Ceilidh Tickets now on sale

2010-11-03T20:33:00.000Z

Tickets for this year's Hogmanay Ceilidh, held in Stonehaven Town Hall, are now on sale. All money raised will go towards supporting next year's Stonehaven Folk Festival. The ceilidh will be licensed and doors open at 8:30 'till late, tickets will be £22.50 and local band “Cabrach” will be providing the music.

*** Please note this event sells out so no tickets on the door ***

For more information or if you want to buy tickets please contact Fiona Kasprowicz on 01569-766151 or write to her at 8 Slug Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2 EX.

Stonehaven Bonfire and Fireworks Display

2010-10-25T09:51:00.000+01:00

Stonehaven Round Tablers have been working very hard this year organising the Bonfire and Fireworks Display in th Minerallwell Park on Sunday 7th November 2010. Gates open at 18:00hrs, fire lit at 18:30hrs and Fireworks Display starting at 19:00hrs. There will be a BBQ and the opportunity to buy flashing novelties to help the night go off with a bang. Admission charges Adults £3, Children £1.

The Spirit of Glenury

2010-10-21T11:18:00.000+01:00

The Spirit of Glenury bitter is a a new drink that has been brewed to commemorate a distillery at the forthcoming Stonehaven Real Ale Festival at Stonehaven Town Hall from 4th to 6th November 2010.
Matured in Glenury Royal whisky casks, the ale is expected to be very popular.
Last year's inaugural festival was hailed a great success in the town.
Organiser Robert Lindsay said: "The Glenury distillery still has a special place in the hearts of many people in Stonehaven, and there's a few bottles of Glenury Royal whisky tucked away in cupboards around the town.
"All that is left of the distillery now, 25 years after it was closed, are the remains of the lower part of the chimney and a commemorative plaque.
"We thought it would be a nice idea to pay tribute to that part of Stonehaven's heritage at this year's real ale festival to help keep its memory alive."
This year is second festival and offers the opportunity to sample ale from dozens of breweries.
Last year's festival raised about £3,500 for a local Maritime Rescue Institute (MRI) that helped during the serious flooding that hit the town on 1st Nov 2010.

Organiser Robert Lindsay said: "The Glenury distillery still has a special place in the hearts of many people in Stonehaven, and there's a few bottles of Glenury Royal whisky tucked away in cupboards around the town.
"All that is left of the distillery now, 25 years after it was closed, are the remains of the lower part of the chimney and a commemorative plaque.
"We thought it would be a nice idea to pay tribute to that part of Stonehaven's heritage at this year's real ale festival to help keep its memory alive."

Who Wants To Enjoy a Festival of Real Ale

2010-10-16T10:56:00.000+01:00

Thursday 4th, Friday 5th, Saturday 6th November 2010 is the dates to note in your diary if you are a real ale lover.
Stonehaven Town Hall is the venue for the 2nd Festival and due to last years success an extra day has been added this year.
The organisers, Robert Lyndsay from the Marine Hotel and Sandy Kenneway from Dunnottar Wines and Spirits have been working hard to ensure that this year's event raises even more money for the locally based MRI.
There will be ale from every working brewery in Scotland for you to sample and enjoy – more than 50 in all plus the best real ales from Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and even the Isle of Man. All this, plus the return of the hugely popular world beer bar. Mind you, you’re not just here for the beer. This year will see the welcome return of the heady mix of singers and musicians that helped make our first Stonehaven Real Ale Festival a success. The big screen will be back in action too, plus good eats, all adding to the special atmosphere of this special event. See http://www.stonehavenrealalefestival.co.uk/

Stonehaven Allottment Association Auction

2010-10-11T20:27:00.000+01:00

Great news for Stonehaven Allotment Associaton who were worried they were not going to sell enough tables for the Auction planned for the Town Hall on Saturday 23rd October.

A supporter has come forward and paid for all the tables which means that anyone wanting to go along can now save £20 and get in for free,

Organiser Frieda Burns is absolutely delighted.

New Modern Choir Starting in Stonehaven

2010-10-04T18:38:00.000+01:00

Stonehaven business owner Chris Stirk of Ma Simpsons Music Shop has started a modern choir doing popular songs although they may also perform some numbers from famous musicals.
The idea cam when a customer asked if there was anything in the area apart from singing in a church choir.

The first meeting was organised for Friday 1st October in the Town Hall and is aimed at those aged 14 and over. The idea is to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Anyone interested in more details should contact Chris Stirk on 01569 766264

Famous People Born In Stonehaven

2010-10-03T22:17:00.000+01:00

ROBERT WILLIAM THOMSON the Inventor of the Pneumatic TyreThomson was born in Stonehaven and left school at the age of 14 . He was sent to stay with an uncle in South Carolina in order to learn the trade of a merchant, but returned home two years later.

He taught himself chemistry, electricity and astronomy, and after his father built a workshop for him, set about redesigning his mother's washing mangle and then built a ribbon saw. He pursued a career in engineering in London before patenting the pneumatic rubber tyre at the age of 23

Farmers Market

2010-10-02T11:20:00.000+01:00

The Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday of every month in Margaret Street next to the Market Square in Stonehaven. Sun is shining to-day Sat 2nd October.

New Shop opening soon in Robert Street Stonehaven

2010-09-27T19:51:00.000+01:00

Former butcher's premises in Robert Street will soon be opening as a Showroom for Woodburning Stoves and Fireplaces by local man Alan G Fenton who is already well known as a Chimney Sweep in Stonehaven. He hopes to open on 1st November 2010.

Forthcoming Events

2010-08-24T14:20:00.000+01:00

Curry & Ceilidh at Stonehaven Town Hall on Saturday 5th September. Meal at 7.30pm Music by Shindig.

Tickets £20 - Tel Cheryle on 07887 841019

Organised by Stonehaven Town Hall Trust.

Have fun and support the Town Hall.

Congratulations to Stonehaven swimmer

2010-08-19T11:22:00.000+01:00

Stonehaven swimmer, 16 yr old Sara Hamilton is to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October 2010. She competed in the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India, where she won the bronze medal in the 50 metres freestyle.

Stonehaven Business Association Social Night

2010-08-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

Member Businesses and non members are invited to a Social Evening at The Heugh Hotel on Tuesday 24th August 2010 at 7.30pm

Guest speaker will be Jim Davidson

Jim has had 25 years experience in the retail trade both in the UK and America. He has been section manager of John Lewis (Edinburgh) and Assistant General Manager at BHS plc (number 2 in a store with 25 departments and 320 employees) as well as an independent trader - owning 4 convenience stores and a petrol station (all at the same time!) for 8 years. Jim regularly speaks to audiences over 1000, his largest being 6000 in New Orleans.

In this current climate, customer service is one area where independent businesses, can seek to achieve an advantage over competitors. Jim will give evertyone valuable food for thought.

SBA Members: Free Non Members: £5.00 includes a glass of wine, teas, coffee

Anyone interested in attending please notify Niall Menzies info@fpootprintshoes.co.uk by Friday 20th August 2010

Watch out for new Stonehaven Guide website

2010-08-16T12:18:00.000+01:00

The Stonehaven Guide will be updated over the next few weeks and moved to one of the fastest servers in the UK.
Interested to hear any comments on what people would like to see on the site

2010-08-16T12:01:00.000+01:00

Great news that Stonehaven was voted the best seaside town in Scotland. Good to see the considerable efforts of various local groups being acknowledged