Peterhead factfile

How to get to Peterhead
Peterhead is situated on the easternmost tip of mainland Scotland, on the coast of Aberdeenshire. It lies on the A90, a 45-minute drive north-east of Aberdeen. There is a bus service between Peterhead and Aberdeen's airport and train station.

There are direct trains to Aberdeen from Edinburgh and Glasgow (both two hours 30 minutes) and flights from major UK cities.

Peterhead through the ages
Peterhead was founded in 1587. Its first harbour, Port Henry, was built six years later. Peterhead grew into Europe's most important white fishing port, but there have been other important industries here too.

In the latter half of the 18th century, Peterhead was renowned as a fashionable spa and attracted Scottish nobility. In 1773 the south harbour was built and Peterhead became a centre for the British whaling trade for the next 100 years.

In 1970, a whole new era in Peterhead's economy began when oil was found 100 miles offshore. An oil/gas power station was built at Peterhead in 1973 and remains a major employer in the town.

Famous people from Peterhead
Film director Peter Mullan (The Magdalene Sisters) comes from Peterhead. William Niven, the distinguished mathematician and president of the London Mathematical Society from 1908-10, was born in Peterhead in 1843. Eric Temple Bell, the science fiction writer, was born in Peterhead in 1883.

Famous landmarks in Peterhead
The Ugie Salmon Fish House is the oldest building in Peterhead, dating back to 1585. It now showcases traditional methods of fish preparation.

Things to see and do in Peterhead
Peterhead Golf Club, on Craigewan links, is reputedly the 18th oldest in the world. The Aden Country Park in Mintlaw, just outside Peterhead, offers nature trails, woodlands and an adventure playground.

Sports and leisure in Peterhead
Peterhead FC were recently promoted to the Scottish Football League. Their nickname is the same as for residents of Peterhead—"blue-tooners". Peterhead FC has a historic rivalry with Fraserburgh FC.

Peterhead's claim to fame
The Victorian Peterhead Prison, just outside the town, is one of Scotland's high-security prisons. In 1987 there was a siege at Peterhead prison, which the SAS were called in to break. There have been doubts about its future but it was saved from closure in 2002.