HISTORY & HERITAGE OF MELDRUM AND BOURTIE
Explore Our Heritage
Discover the Rich History of Meldrum and Bourtie Parishes
Learn about the historical significance and key facts of Meldrum and Bourtie. Dive into their unique stories.
From Robert the Bruce to the Millennium. From its medieval origins to its growth as a thriving Aberdeenshire town, Oldmeldrum’s history tells the story of resilience, trade, and rural life through the ages.
From the Battle of Barra to Barra Berries. The rural parish of Bourtie, with its rolling fields and historic kirk, preserves a quieter narrative of farming heritage and local faith that complements Meldrum’s bustling past.
Meet the individuals — from local innovators to civic leaders and artists — whose lives and achievements left a lasting imprint on the heritage of Meldrum and Bourtie.
One of Scotland’s oldest Highland gatherings, the Oldmeldrum Games celebrate tradition, community spirit, and the enduring charm of music, dance, and friendly competition.
Oldmeldrum and Bourtie’s built heritage — from kirks and mills to cottages and civic halls — tells the evolving story of design, craftsmanship, and community pride.
Once the seat of local lairds, the Meldrum Estate reflects centuries of social and architectural change — from grand houses and gardens to the landscape that surrounds them.
From the joyful sounds of the “Corkisters” to modern performances, music has always echoed through Meldrum’s halls and fields, expressing the heart of its community life.
Founded in 1797, Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries — a proud symbol of craftsmanship and continuity at the heart of Meldrum’s identity.