Transport

Communication networks which made provision for the movement of people and goods has seen many stages of its developments. Each revolutionary development was as dynamic as its successor. The support that each network required showed the relationships which change always has. This big picture of change seen from a backward glance can be a lesson drawing exercise for future projections.

  1. The tollhouse and the early turnpike system. The toll system of collecting road fees was a prolific feature of the North East Toll houses were built every 7-10 miles. The shape of the house and the features of the toll bar are all explained. See some of the best examples of the old tollhouses and its accessories.
  2. Droving roads and stories of these men. Drovers gathered cattle from the North East and drove the cattle long distances down to the markets of Lothian and the Borders prior to winter months. Find out the routes used and how they served their community.
  3. Horse power, the gig, spring traps stagecoach. See for yourself various modes of horsepower as used within pre motorised society. The horse made a vital contribution to all walks of life. The stagecoach and its operation by major transport companies within the North East. The linkages to road improvements. The mail delivery and passenger movements all tell a networking story of our heritage. Yes there were "Boy racers" in the age of horsepower. So really there is nothing new?
  4. The cherabang, bus and car. The introduction of motorised transport and the people who used them. The design features and the routes travelled.
  5. Steam Engines. Their role in industry, haulage and agriculture is clearly articulated. Meet the men who operated these machines, which were state of the art technology of the time. How did you learn to operate the equipment, what items of supply had to be available? See them in operation on a farm doing a threshing process.
  6. Canal systems of the region. The Aberdeenshire canal was a masterpiece of civil engineering, get the fact behind the task. See how the train superseded the canal and realise the nature of strategic thinking prior to its conception. What it did for the rural economy and how trade was a two-way business. See some of its remaining features.
  7. Modern road building techniques. The new Kintore bypass and its impact and cost of build.
  8. Railway carriages then and now. The standard of railway carriages their layout and internal contents. The promotional features included and some of the roles, which they played, post Dr Beechings cuts on railway networks.
  9. Bicycles through the ages and their roles. Visit one of the last old-fashioned bicycle shops in Scotland and hear for your self about the role the bicycle played as a mode of business and pleasure transport. Be introduced to the brands of bicycle and their characteristics. Find out how to ride a penny-farthing bike. See the promotional enamel signs, which bedecked the shop.
  10. Inverurie Loco works. This major loco engineering workshop in Inverurie was considered to be one of the country's premier railway workshops in Britain. See some of the remaining memorabilia of this institution and major employer in the area.
  11. 125 years of the "Jint" station. Railway deregulation is nothing new. Aberdeen suffered from two different rail width and passengers had to change stations to continue their journey. Find out about Aberdeen's rail heritage.
  12. The tram car system in Aberdeen. Hear for yourself the story of the tramcar from a tram conductor who loved the network. The people the process the heyday and the demise of the trams are included in this feature. See the trams being taken to the Beach in Aberdeen and set alight. No consideration was given to the preservation of any of the trams by the council. So what responsibility have today's councils for the security of our heritage today. Today this mistake is seen as monumental.