Heritage award for Aberdeenshire country park

Keep Scotland Beautiful has awarded a Green Heritage Site Accreditation to Aden Country Park that recognises its rich history, cultural significance, and environmental beauty. 

The Green Heritage Site Accreditation acknowledges parks that bring history to life, encourage exploration, and preserve historical authenticity while inspiring the future. 

Aden’s heritage spans from the Neolithic and Jacobite periods to its designation as a country park in 1975. Within the Mintlaw park, archaeological investigations have uncovered a Neolithic burial site, the remains of the former Aden Mansion House, and late 19th and early 20th century military training trenches.  

Home to a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year, two woodlands within the park are also considered priority habitats with high ecological value in the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland: one a Wet Woodland and the other an Ancient Woodland Site. 

At the heart of Aden Country Park is a former Coach House: a rare Category-A listed farmstead that is now home to the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, Aden Café, Aden Craft & Gift Shop, and the park’s Visitor Information Centre. This central space is complemented by the historic structures of a former laundry, gasworks, cottages, icehouse, and dramatic ruins of a mansion house and lodges. 

Councillor Dianne Beagrie, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee, said: "We are so fortunate to have a site of such historic significance and beauty right on our doorstep. Aden Country Park brings tremendous value to local businesses and services. Its continued success and recognition are down to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and visitors who look after and support the park, keeping it in top condition for generations to come." 

Councillor Anne Stirling, Aberdeenshire Council’s Co-leader and Chair of its Communities Committee, said: "Aden tells a remarkable story throughout its 230 acres, from its ancient archaeological roots to the outstanding Aberdeenshire Farming Museum at its heart. Preserving our shared heritage enriches and connects communities and this accreditation is proof that the park holds a special place in Aberdeenshire’s history and cultural landscape."  

Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "Achieving the Green Heritage Site Accreditation alongside holding the Green Flag Award for the 17th consecutive year is a tremendous achievement. Managing a diverse landscape that includes ancient woodlands, historic arboretums, and archaeological features requires dedicated care and my thanks go to all the council staff involved alongside the Landscape Services team who maintain these exceptional standards year-round." 

The park's natural heritage credentials also include both a Victorian arboretum established in the 1850s and a 21st century arboretum as well as sensory, carers’, and SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) memorial gardens. 

For Keep Scotland Beautiful to award a Green Heritage Site Accreditation, the site must already have a Green Flag Award to qualify for this heritage-focused recognition. Aden Country Park recently won the Green Flag Award for the 17th year in a row as it continues to be recognised as among the best in Scotland to visit.  

Keep Scotland Beautiful is a charity for Scotland’s environment. It inspires action to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity, and improve places.

Pictured from left to right are John Sibbert (Landscape Services Officer), Councillor Dianne Beagrie (Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee), Robert Sinclair (Buchan Supervisor), Julie Lorimer (Customer & Commercial Services Officer Museums), Mark Price (Chargehand), Amy Miller (Museums Development Co-ordinator), Mark McIntosh (Skilled Operative), Derek Jennings (Archaeology & Book of Deer Member), Councillor Alan Turner (Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee), Neil Shirran (Aden Project Co-ordinator).

Pictured from left to right are Councillor Alan Turner (Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee), Councillor Dianne Beagrie (Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee).