Newmachar

The name originates from the original parish created in 1609, from part of the parish of St Machar's Cathedral. The name refers specifically to the village, originally known as Summerhill,[2] with the surrounding parish being correctly known as New Machar.

In 1928, the name Summerhill was changed to Newmachar, which was also the name of the railway station serving the village.

The railway station, on the Formartine and Buchan Railway, closed in 1965.[3]

During World War II Winston Churchill initiated the forming of a British resistance force called Auxiliary Units. These units were put together in top secret, and were selected from areas that could be used to benefit from guerilla warfare. Typically, these units (called patrols) were made up from farmers, gamekeepers and estate workers. Newmachar had one of these patrols that were tasked with destroying the main railways to Inverness, and the Buchan line to Fraserburgh and Peterhead, also RAF Dyce and bridges over the River Don.

Research by C.A.R.T has revealed the patrol members and also the location of the Operational Base. The Operational Base was built underground to house up to 8 patrol members who, when the Invasion came would go into hiding for 7–14 days before coming out at night to attack "targets of opportunity", including assassinations of key individuals (both local and enemy personnel). Aux unit members had a life expectancy of up to 2 weeks after an invasion. All the members had to sign the official secrets act, and were trained at Blairmore House near Huntly. Auxiliary units were well armed with the latest weapons and conventional and booby trap explosives.

Currently there is only one food shop in Newmachar, a Co-op Food. There used to be two shops in the village; A Costcutter was opened across the road from the Newmachar Hotel, which had an adjoining petrol station. This closed in 2011 and is now demolished. A small block of flats now stands in its place. The Co-op also contains a Post Office branch.

There is a village pharmacy

The village contains one pub and one hotel.

The Newmachar Hotel has been named "Evening Express Pub Of The Year 2010". The Newmachar Hotel retained the title as Aberdeen's Best Pub, having won the last time the competition ran in 1993.

Beekies Neuk commonly referred to as "Beekies", has won "PUB OF THE YEAR" twice and was also voted "Best Aberdeenshire business" 2018 in Scotlands Business Awards.

The village has Newmachar Fish Bar and a Chinese takeaway.

Towards the south end of the village is the Newmachar Scout and Guide Hall. This hall is used regulatory by various groups including the Scouts, Guides, Playgroup, and many others.

Outside of the Axis Centre taken from School Road

The original village hall was closed in 2012, and replaced with the Axis Centre, opened on 30 August 2014. [5] The Axis Centre is a multipurpose facility owned and managed by the community. As well as a fitness suite, fitness classes and children's facilities it also houses the "Bake N Butty" café.

The local Newmachar Golf Club located just outside the village is noted for being the official golf course of Paul Lawrie at the time he won The Open in 1999.[6] It was also the venue of a hole in one in which the winner became a professional with a handicap of 24. This was because, to claim the 15k prize, he had to be a pro at the sport.

The village is also host to Newmachar United F.C., who are affiliated with the Scottish Junior Football Association.

Outside of the School taken from School Road

New Machar School is a non-denominational primary school. It has a current role of 370 P1-P7 pupils and 55 pupils in the Early Learning and Childcare Centre. The catchment area is the village of Newmachar and the surrounding rural area. [7]

For secondary education most pupils transfer to Dyce Academy, an Aberdeen City school.

Outside of the Library taken from School Road

Located across the road from the primary school is Newmachar Library part of "Live Life Aberdeenshire Library Services".