Strichen Viaduct and Community Park

 Strichen viaduct carries the Line high above the River Ugie close to the road bridge over the Ugie on the southern edge of the town. The viaduct is on the site of a now forgotten mill, demolished in 1857 when the viaduct was constructed.  The viaduct was reconstructed in 1922 when the main single span was replaced by three arches supported on high granite pillars. The town's gas works was situated on the north bank of the Ugie close to the viaduct. There are excellent views over the town from the viaduct.

Bridge over the Ugie near the Mormond Hotel at the end of Bridge Street.
This time last year the banks of the Ugie near the bridge and under the viaduct were carpeted with celandines and wood anemones 

Looking up Bridge Street towards the white horse on Mormond Hill, the Town Hall spire is on the left.

Strichen Community Park situated where the Line crosses Bridge Street, the excellent cafe is well worth a short digression. There is car paring and access to the Line by the cafe.

Strichen Community Park and Lake is an attractive and well maintained amenity developed as a result of the efforts of Strichen people in the grounds of Strichen House. 

There are several attractive walks in the woodlands and round the lake.

The park has been extensively planted with garden flowers and native species

The Lodge has been turned into an excellent cafe, opened in July 2011 by First Minister, Alec Salmond, himself a Strichen resident and supporter of the venture.  

 The lake, originally powered the nearby mill, demolished when the railway viaduct was built, the moss covered remains of the sluice can still be seen in the Community Park. When the grounds of Strichen house were landscaped around 1820 the lake became the ornamental feature  it is today.

The mill pond sluice. This was one of several mills along the Ugie, reflecting the importance of   textiles (both linen and wool)  and agriculture to the community. 

Strichen viaduct carries the Line high above the River Ugie close to the road bridge over the Ugie on the southern edge of the town. The viaduct is on the site of a now forgotten mill, demolished in 1857 when the viaduct was constructed.  The viaduct was reconstructed in 1922 when the main single span was replaced by three arches supported on high granite pillars. The town's gas works was situated on the north bank of the Ugie close to the viaduct.