Read about the Tolbooth Museum
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A New Beginning
In June 2024 we announced that, after many years of negotiation, Aberdeenshire Council had agreed to a Community Asset Transfer of the ground floor of the Tolbooth building to the Stonehaven Tolbooth Association (STA). Little did we realise the ensuring complexities in bringing this decision to a successful conclusion. The Tolbooth is a grade A listed building which was totally owned by the Council and whilst the ground floor was licenced to STA to operate as a museum, the first floor is leased to a restaurant operator. This, in itself, led to legal issues which took a while to resolve and a further complication was the requirement to install fire and sound proofing between the two floors. Because of the grade A listing Historic Environment Scotland became involved and then planning permission had to be obtained. After a favourable decision from the planning department contractors had to be sought and in February this year work began on the entire building - you may have noticed scaffolding incasing the building, containers in the courtyard and the car park and a general hive of acitivity. During this period the museum had to close.
All of a sudden everything has come together. The contractors finished their work at the end of March and since then our volunteers have been undertaking a deep clean of the museum, reviewing old exhibits, some of which have been retired, and created new ones. It is still the same museum with most of the beloved artefacts still in place but with a fresh look. We will now re-open on Wednesday 15th April.
In addition, on 25th March, the Council and STA signed the legal documents which transfered the ownership of the ground floor of the Tolbooth and the courtyrads to STA. After 5 years of discussions, pitfalls, heartbreak and frustration we can now say that the museum has a permanent home and we can preserve the history of Stonehaven for the generations to come. None of this would have occurred without the efforts and support of our committee and volunteers and the input of Aberdeenshire Council in resolving outstanding issues.
Please visit the museum - it is genuinely YOUR MUSEUM. The committee and volunteers are the custodians for the future and we look forward to the local community supporting us in appreciating and preserving our heritage
Stonehaven Harbour
An informative book which traces the development of Stonehaven harbour from the early 1600’s to the present day. It also delves into the houses, shops and trades that existed, or still exist, in the area. Lavishly illustrated with 45 images this book is a must read for anyone interested in this aspect of Stonehaven’s history.
A5 size. 55 pages.
Price: £5.00 + £2.50 Postage and Packaging (UK Only)
(for multiple purchases please contact us for postage)
Stonehaven Auld Toon Memories
Memories of Madge Mackie growing up in the Auld Toon in the 1950s. Interesting insight into childhood life 60 years ago.
Price: £5.00 + £2.50 Postage and Packaging (UK Only)
(for multiple purchases please contact us for postage)
Stonehaven Shops 1960 – 2020 Book
Published Dec 2020, this will bring back memories for generations of Stonehaven folk, telling the story of the many shops and businesses in the Town over the past 60 years. Written by Donald Mitchell, who is well known for running the very successful hairdressing salon ‘Hair Care’ in the centre of the Town for over 40 years. The book is well illustrated with old and new photographs, and adverts from the past, and brings you up to date with descriptions of the present shops in Stonehaven today. Donald describes Stonehaven in 1960, a prosperous self-contained town with a population of 4,500, busy with all the traffic to and from Aberdeen. He also tells us of the many hotels and public houses at that time.
Price: £5.00 + £2.50 Postage and Packaging (UK Only)
For international sales please contact us for postage
Stonehaven Beach Guide
The Stonehaven Beach Guide is a newly published booklet which is indispensable for anyone wishing to explore Stonehaven beach. Published November 2021, it covers the majority of rocks, fauna and flora that can be found less that 200 metres from the town centre. Lavishly illustrated, it is an excellent introduction to the local beach environment and fun to use for all the family whilst being educational as well. A5 size, 40 pages.
Price: £5.00 + £2.50 Postage and Packaging (UK Only)
(for multiple purchases please contact us for postage)
Stonehaven A4 Poster
Unframed A4 size poster on glossy art paper depicting 9 local scenes in a 1930’s style
Price: £5.25 P & P included (UK only)
For international sales please contact us for postage
Picture Gallery
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