Kincardineshire Experience Days

About Kincardineshire

The county was located on the North Sea, and covered an area southwest of the city of Aberdeen. To the north, the River Dee marked much of the Aberdeenshire border, and to the south, the River North Esk to Angus (Forfarshire). The western part of the county was within the Grampian Mountains (the highest peak in the county – Mount Battock, 778 meters above sea level). The rest was lowland – River Dee Valley in the north, coastal belt in the east, Howe of the Mearns Valley in the south (part of the greater Strathmore Valley).). The coastline was about 50 km long, it was steep and rocky, with numerous small bays. The mountainous part of the county was covered with forests and moors, while the lowlands were cultivated. The county’s area in 1887 – 993 km², in 1951 – 981 km² (1.3% of Scotland’s territory). Population in 1887 – 34,464, in 1951 – 27,882 (0.5% of the total population of Scotland).

The economy of the county was based on agriculture and fishing. The textile industry was developed to a limited extent. The historic capital of the county was Kincardine. The town fell into decline in the 17th century and was abandoned; a few remains have survived to the present day. Stonehaven, the county’s principal port city, took over as the administrative center. Other major urban centers included Inverbervie, Laurencekirk, Fettercairn and Banchory.

The county was liquidated as a result of an administrative reform in 1975, incorporated into the newly created Grampian region. Since 1996, the county has been within the boundaries of the Aberdeenshire council area.