TEN THINGS TO DO AROUND INVERURIE
Winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was a special moment. The home crowd at London 2012 was spectacular, but it was very big and grand, and nothing could really prepare you for how to experience that or how to cope with it. But having experienced London, I was more relaxed when it came Glasgow, and I knew how to use the crowd to motivate me and keep me positive. The venue felt a lot more enclosed as well. I guess it’s like comparing Inverurie to Aberdeen – you’ve got a town here that’s busy enough, but quite compact, and you’ve got Aberdeen, the big city. London to me was kind of like the big city and Glasgow was the town – it felt more personal and more homely. That made a huge difference.
Normally my event – the 400m individual medley – would be on the last day at the Commonwealth Games, but they changed the schedule so that it was on the first. It was the first final as well. There was a lot of expectation so I was so happy to win – it was a mixture of delight, and sheer and utter relief.
That gold has been one of my greatest achievements. Previously, only two other women have successfully defended their Commonwealth title. I’m the third. I was also the first Scottish swimmer to win a gold medal on Scottish soil, so that is another nice little bit of history.
People were so lovely when I got back from Glasgow. A group called Inverurie 4 U organised a parade for me and Viorel Etko, the wrestler from Oldmeldrum who won a bronze medal. We were paraded through Inverurie on a float.
INSCH TO OYNE CYCLE ROUTE
BALMEDIE COUNTRY PARK Pass through the dunes to the sweeping beach at Balmedie. The award-winning beach offers picnic benches and barbecue fire stands, so the whole family can enjoy a meal near the sea. BENNACHIE HILL AND VISITOR CENTRE This distinctive hill attracts walkers from all over, thanks to its variety of tracks and hiking trails through woodland and open countryside. Find out all about Bennachie’s history and wildlife at the visitor centre. THE MUSEUM OF SCOTTISH LIGHTHOUSES This Fraserburgh museum offers a fun way to learn about Scotland’s lighthouse history. Dress up in the keeper’s uniform and climb up the spiralling staircases to experience the true experience in a real lighthouse.
PITMEDDEN GARDEN CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE HADDO HOUSE MACDUFF MARINE FYVIE CASTLE
Discover the beautiful heart of Aberdeenshire on this easy and relaxing cycle route across the fluctuating hills, vast woodlands and old historic villages. It has a wide range of tracks for any level of experience.
‘I was so happy to win – a mix of delight and utter relief’
This beautiful National Trust for Scotland garden is famous for its miles of intricately laid-out box hedging, formal walled garden and abundance of colourful blooms. Its picturesque picnic areas are a big draw on a sunny day. A fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, this National Trust castle was built in 1626. The tower is home to a collection of family portraits and beautifully furnished rooms, and there are wonderful gardens to explore. Come to this elegant Georgian mansion, home to the famous Gordon family for 400 years, to see art exhibitions, antique furniture and elegant living, then sit back and relax on the terraced patio and take in the stunning views.
AQUARIUM Come face to face with Moray Firth’s wildlife and vegetation in the aquarium’s exhibition of the rocky shores and kelp reef. Learn and discover all there is to know about the coastal life in the sea lab and touch pools. Famous for its many Raeburn paintings, Fyvie also attracts visitors for its wonderful collections of antique furniture, tapestries and armour. The castle is reputed to be haunted by several phantoms, including the Green Lady. Beware!
GLEN GARIOCH DISTILLERY AND VISITOR CENTRE
This small distillery was established in 1797 in Oldmeldrum. It took its name from the valley of Garioch, which is known as having the finest barley of Scotland, and today its single malts are acclaimed across the globe.