Old Ordnance Survey Maps of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire


This page summarises the local government organisation of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire and Kincardineshire since 1890.

  • Aberdeenshire was one of Scotland's 34 historic counties before 1890. In 1890 there was some reorganisation into 33 counties, and Aberdeenshire absorbed former enclaves of Banffshire. Otherwise the boundaries were little changed.
  • Aberdeenshire had the following Burghs: Aberdeen (a royal burgh), Inverurie (a royal burgh), Kintone (a royal burgh), Ballater, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Old Meldrum, Peterhead, Rosehearty, Turriff. Rattray, a former royal burgh, had been largely destroyed in a storm in the 18th century.
  • In 1900 Aberdeen became the County of a City, so was no longer part of Aberdeenshire.
  • Banffshire was also one of Scotland's 34 historic counties before 1890. It was little changed by the 1890 reorganisation but lost two enclaves to Aberdeenshire. It remained a county until 1975.
  • Banffshire had the following burghs: Banff (a royal burgh), Cullen (a royal burgh), Aberchirder, Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Findochty, Keith, Macduff, Portknockie, Portsoy.
  • Kincardineshire, sometimes known as The Mearns, was also one of Scotland's 34 historic counties before 1890. It was little changed by the 1890 reorganisation. It remained a county until 1975.
  • Kincardineshire had the following burghs: Inverbervie (a royal burgh), Banchory, Laurencekirk, Stonehaven.
  • In 1975 there was major reorganisation as the counties were abolished and replaced by 12 Regions. Aberdeenshire was amalgamated with Banffshire, Kincardineshire and most of Moray into the new Grampian Region.
  • This was a two-tier council, with five districts:
  • In 1996 there was further reorganisation as the Regions were abolished and replaced by 32 Unitary councils. Grampian Region was split into 3 unitary councils: