Peterculter (pronounced /ˌpiːtərˈkuːtər/), also known simply as Culter, is an outer suburb of Aberdeen, Scotland, located approximately eight miles (13 km) southwest of the city centre. It lies on the north bank of the River Dee, at its confluence with the Culter Burn. Following the 1996 Scottish council boundary changes, it became part of the Lower Deeside ward in the Aberdeen City council area.
Population
As of the 2022 census, Peterculter had a population of 4,359.
History
About one mile (2 km) southwest of Peterculter is the site of the Roman marching camp at Normandykes.
King William the Lion bestowed the church of Kulter ("iuxta Abirdene") upon the Abbey and monks of St Mary of Kelso, around 1165–1199. The gift was later confirmed by Mathew, Bishop of Aberdeen.
In 1287–1288, an agreement was made between the Abbot and Convent of Kelso and the Knights of Jerusalem regarding Templars' lands on the south side of the Dee. This agreement changed the existing parish of Culter into two separate parishes, the other being Maryculter.
Attractions
A notable local landmark is a statue of Rob Roy MacGregor, a kilted figure holding a broadsword and targe, standing on the steep bank of the Culter Burn. According to local tradition, Rob Roy is said to have leapt across the burn at this point while fleeing Hanoverian troops, though the story is unlikely to have a firm historical basis. The original statue is thought to have been adapted from a ship's figurehead and was replaced in 2017 by a resin effigy wearing ancient MacGregor tartan.
Due to its proximity to Aberdeen and the Cairngorm National Park, Culter serves as a base for tourists. Local walks include the Deeside Way at the site of the former Culter railway station, and the forest area known locally as "Sandy Hilly" or "The Muggie Widds" (St. Margaret Woods).
Sport and Events
- Peterculter Golf Club
- Culter Sports Centre
- Culter Gala – held annually on the last Saturday in May
Education
Culter School is a primary school in Peterculter dating from 1896.
Notable People
- Alexander Cuming – explorer
- William Duff – minister and psychologist
- Oswald Lumsden – cricketer
- William Lumsden – cricketer
- John Mortimer – cricketer
- Peter Donald Thomson – moderator of the Church of Scotland
