View source for Fraserburgh

{{short description|Town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland}}
{{for|the South African town|Fraserburg}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country = Scotland
| official_name = Fraserburgh
| label_position = top
| gaelic_name = Baile nam Frisealach
| scots_name = The Broch
| population = {{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Fraserburgh}}
| population_ref = ({{Scottish settlement population citation|year}})<ref>{{Scottish settlement population citation}}</ref>
| os_grid_reference = NJ997670
| coordinates = {{coord|57.693|-2.005|display=inline,title}}
| static_image_name = Fraserburgh Harbour.jpg
| static_image_2_name = Fishing Fleet at Fraserburgh.jpg
| static_image_2_caption = Fishing boats in Fraserburgh harbour
| unitary_scotland = [[Aberdeenshire]]
| lieutenancy_scotland = [[Aberdeenshire (historic)|Aberdeenshire]]
| constituency_westminster = [[Aberdeenshire North and Moray East (UK Parliament constituency)|Aberdeenshire North and Moray East]]
| constituency_scottish_parliament = [[Banffshire and Buchan Coast (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Banffshire and Buchan Coast]]
| post_town = FRASERBURGH
| postcode_district = AB43
| postcode_area = AB
| dial_code = 01346
| london_distance_mi = 434
| edinburgh_distance_mi = 128
| website = [http://www.visitfraserburgh.com visitfraserburgh.com]
}}
'''Fraserburgh''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|r|eɪ|z|ər|b|ər|ə}}; {{langx|gd|Baile nam Frisealach}}),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/?id=39824 |title=Fraserburgh |work=[[Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba]]: Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland|access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> locally known as '''the Broch''',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/snd00089487|title=BROCH|publisher=Dictionaries of the Scots Language|access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> is a town in [[Aberdeenshire (unitary)|Aberdeenshire]], Scotland, with a population recorded in the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 Census]] as 13,100.<ref>[https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/4746/fraserburghcensusprofile.pdf Aberdeenshire Council Information and Research Team - Fraserburgh, Census 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073156/https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/4746/fraserburghcensusprofile.pdf |date=4 January 2018 }} accessed 3 January 2018</ref> It lies in [[Buchan]] in the northeastern corner of the county, about {{convert|40|mi|km|0}} north of [[Aberdeen]] and {{convert|17|mi|km|0}} north of [[Peterhead]]. It is the biggest [[shellfish]] port in Scotland and one of the largest in Europe, landing over {{Convert|5450|t|LT ST}} in 2016.<ref>[http://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/dataset/04328a6b-6361-449d-8f5b-0636a9dcb69a/resource/a5e09f5b-b2b6-4041-9a34-63590544f2f8/download/aberdeenshire-sea-fisheries-statistics.pdf Fishing Industry Statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073238/http://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/dataset/04328a6b-6361-449d-8f5b-0636a9dcb69a/resource/a5e09f5b-b2b6-4041-9a34-63590544f2f8/download/aberdeenshire-sea-fisheries-statistics.pdf |date=4 January 2018 }} Aberdeenshire Council (December 2017)</ref> Fraserburgh is also a major port for [[whitefish (fisheries term)|white]] and [[pelagic fish]].{{fact|date=January 2024}}

==History==
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2023}}
===16th and 17th century: Origins===
The town takes its name from the [[Frasers of Philorth|Fraser family]], who bought the lands of Philorth in 1504 and brought about major improvements in the area over the next century.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

By 1570, the Fraser family had built Fraserburgh Castle at [[Kinnaird Head]] and within a year a church was built for the area. [[Alexander Fraser (died 1623)|Sir Alexander Fraser]] built a port in the town in 1579, obtained a charter establishing it as a [[burgh of barony]] in 1588 and secured the right to change the name from Faithlie to Fraserburgh in 1592.<ref name=odnb>{{cite ODNB|url=https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-10099|title=Fraser, Sir Alexander, of Philorth (1537–1623)|year=2004|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/10099|isbn=978-0-19-861412-8|access-date=23 September 2021|last1=Wells|first1=R. P.}}</ref>

A grant from the [[Parliament of Scotland]] in 1595 allowed Sir Alexander Fraser to erect [[Fraserburgh University|the town's first college building]], and in 1597 the [[General Assembly of the Church of Scotland|General Assembly]] of the [[Church of Scotland]] recommended the Rev. [[Charles Ferme]], then minister at the Old Parish, to be its first and only principal.<ref>(ed.) [[Thomas Thomson (advocate)|Thomson, Thomas]], ''Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies of the Kirk of Scotland'', Church of Scotland General Assembly, Edinburgh, 1845.</ref>{{contradictory-inline|Fraserburgh University|date=June 2024}}

In 1601, Fraserburgh became a [[burgh of regality]]. The college, however, closed only a decade or so after Ferme's arrest on the orders of James VI for taking part in the 1605 [[General Assembly of Aberdeen]], being used again only for a short time in 1647 when [[King's College, Aberdeen]] temporarily relocated owing to an outbreak of plague. A plaque commemorating the university's existence may be seen at the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

===18th and 19th century: further growth and development===
During the 18th and 19th centuries the population of Fraserburgh was growing with peaks due to seasonal employment. From a population of an estimated 1682 in 1755, a population of about 2,000 was recorded in 1780, of whom 1,000 resided in the town proper. There were a further 200 people in the village of Broadsea.<ref name="Fraserburgh 1791">The Statistical Account on the Parish of Fraserburgh, between 1791–1799 (probably 1791) by Rev. Alexander Simpson of the Fraserburgh Old Parish Church</ref>

In 1787, Fraserburgh Castle was converted to [[Kinnaird Head Lighthouse]], Scotland's first mainland lighthouse and the first in Scotland to be lit by the [[Northern Lighthouse Board|Commissioners of Northern Lights]].{{fact|date=January 2024}}

In the 1790s, Rev. Alexander Simpson of the Fraserburgh Old Parish Church described the harbour as "small but good", writing that it had the capability to take vessels with "200 tons burden". The Reverend noted that shipbuilding had become the main industry in the town, especially after 1784, and that the locals were making donations and seeking government assistance to have the harbour enlarged.<ref name="Fraserburgh 1791"/>

In 1803, the original 1571 church building was [[Fraserburgh Old Parish Church|replaced and enlarged]], to a design by [[Alexander Morrice]],<ref name="McKean130">{{cite book |last1=McKean |first1=Charles |title=Banff & Buchan: An Illustrated Architectural Guide |date=1990 |publisher=Mainstream Publications Ltd. |location= |isbn=185158-231-2 |page=130}}</ref> to seat 1,000 people. The Auld Kirk was to be the standing authority in the town up until the 1840s. This period also saw the extension of the harbour, with a northern pier of {{convert|300|yd|m ft}} being built between 1807–1812 and, in 1818, a southern pier being built following an [[act of Parliament (United Kingdom)|act of Parliament]].{{which|date=May 2025}}{{fact|date=January 2024}}

Fraserburgh's population boomed in the early 19th century, from 2271 in 1811 to 2954 by 1831. This was primarily put down to the growth in herring fishing, which intensified in 1815. The herring season also brought with it an additional 1,200 people working in the Parish. Contemporary accounts mention the increase in general wealth brought by this increased trade spurring a change in ''dress and diet'' as well as a ''considerable'' amount of new houses being built in the town.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

No less than £30,000 was spent developing the harbour between 1807 and 1840 by which time the harbour held eight vessels of {{convert|45|-|155|LT|t|abbr=off}} and 220 boats of the herring fishery.<ref>The Statistical Account on the Parish of Fraserburgh (January 1840) by Rev. John Cumming of the Fraserburgh Old Parish Church</ref>

[[Fraserburgh Town House]], which was designed by Thomas Mackenzie of [[James Matthews (architect)|Matthews and MacKenzie]], was completed in 1855.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB31868|desc= Town Hall and Police Office, 3 Saltoun Square and 1-5 Kirk Brae |access-date=23 September 2021}}</ref>

===Lifeboat service===
{{main|Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station}}
The town has had a local lifeboat on service since 1806 which was run privately by the local Harbour Board until the first [[RNLI]] operated station opened in 1858. This was the first official RNLI station opened in Scotland.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

Throughout the 20th century, Fraserburgh suffered three lifeboat disasters. First, in 1919, the 'Lady Rothes' capsized while assisting HM [[Naval drifter|drifter]] ''Eminent''. Coxswain Andrew Noble and Acting Second Coxswain Andrew Faquhar drowned.<ref>{{cite news|title=Losses to Shipping and Property|newspaper=[[The Times]]|location=London|date=1919-04-29|page=7|issue=42086}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=The Flag in the Wind|title=Notable Dates in History|publisher=[[The Scots Independent]]|url=http://www.scotsindependent.org/dates1-g.htm|access-date=2014-05-23|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523225830/http://www.scotsindependent.org/dates1-g.htm|archive-date=23 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Second, on 9 February 1953, six crew members lost their lives when the lifeboat capsized while escorting fishing vessels to the harbour. On this occasion Coxswain Andrew Ritchie, Mechanic George Duthie, Bowman Charles Tait, Assistant Mechanic James Noble and Crew Members John Crawford and John Buchan all lost their lives - the only survivor was Charles Tait. Lastly, on 21 January 1970 while on service to the Danish fishing vessel ''Opal'', the lifeboat ''The Duchess of Kent'' capsized with the loss of five of her crew of six. Those killed were Coxswain John Stephen, Mechanic Frederick Kirkness and crew members William Hadden, James R.S. Buchan and James Buchan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/scotland/stations/FraserburghGrampian/history |title=Fraserburgh History |access-date=2010-08-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818062522/http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/scotland/stations/FraserburghGrampian/history |archive-date=18 August 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

{{stack|[[File:Fraserburgh Lifeboat Memorial - geograph.org.uk - 2026024.jpg|thumb|Fraserburgh Lifeboat Memorial - geograph.org.uk - 2026024]]}}
In 2009, a local campaign was started to raise £40,000 to erect an official monument to the 14 men who lost their lives whilst serving on the Fraserburgh Lifeboat. The target was successfully achieved and the monument unveiled by [[Flora Fraser, 21st Lady Saltoun]] in August 2010.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

===Railways===
[[Fraserburgh railway station]] opened in 1865 and closed to passengers in 1965. The railway line was built by the [[Formartine and Buchan Railway]] Company, which became part of the [[Great North of Scotland Railway]]. Trains operated to [[Aberdeen railway station|Aberdeen]] via [[Maud, Aberdeenshire|Maud]] and [[Dyce]], as well as a short branch line to [[St Combs railway station|St Combs]] via [[Inverallochy and Cairnbulg|Cairnbulg]].{{fact|date=January 2024}}

In 1923, the GNSR was incorporated into the [[London and North Eastern Railway]], which was in turn nationalised on 1 January 1948. Passenger services on the Buchan lines were withdrawn in 1965 as part of the [[Beeching cuts]], although freight trains continued to operate Fraserburgh until 1979. The track was subsequently lifted.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

Following the opening of the [[Borders Railway]] in September 2015, Fraserburgh became the most distant town in UK from the rail network, leading to calls for the lifted track to be reinstated.<ref>[https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/peterhead-and-fraserburgh-most-distant-towns-in-uk-from-rail-network/?sso-c=MC4xNzQ4NDEwMCAxNTE0OTk0ODYw Peterhead and Fraserburgh most distant towns in UK from rail network] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073434/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/peterhead-and-fraserburgh-most-distant-towns-in-uk-from-rail-network/?sso-c=MC4xNzQ4NDEwMCAxNTE0OTk0ODYw |date=4 January 2018 }} Evening Express (7 September 2015)</ref> The nearest operating station is currently [[Inverurie railway station|Inverurie]], {{Convert|35|mi|km}} away.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

==Climate==
Fraserburgh has a [[oceanic climate|marine climate]] heavily influenced by its proximity to the sea. As such, summer highs and winter lows are heavily moderated, with mild winter temperatures for a location so far north. The differences between seasons are narrow as a result, with February averaging highs of {{convert|6.7|C|F}} and August {{convert|17.2|C|F}}.<ref name="Met Office">{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gfq84qg2b|title=Fraserburgh climate information|publisher=Met Office|access-date=5 August 2015|archive-date=24 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024054811/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gfq84qg2b|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a result of its marine influence, there is significant seasonal lag, with September being milder than June, and October having slightly milder nights than May, in spite of a considerable difference in the length of [[daylight]]. The climate is overcast and wet with and average of 1,351.8 hours of sunshine per year. Temperature extremes have ranged from {{convert|26.6|C|F}} in July 1995 to {{convert|-14.4|C|F}} in February 1991. There is approximately {{convert|747.7|mm|in|abbr=on}} of precipitation per annum.<ref name="Met Office"/>

Fraserburgh is also notable for having the [[United Kingdom weather records|highest ever recorded wind speed in the UK at a low altitude]]. The {{convert|142|mph|kph|abbr=on}} gust was recorded on 13 February 1989 at [[Kinnaird Head Lighthouse]].<ref>[https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/wind/windiest-place-in-uk Where are the windiest places in the UK?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233546/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/wind/windiest-place-in-uk |date=8 January 2018 }} Met Office, accessed on 8 January 2018</ref> The corresponding hourly mean speed was {{convert|78|mph|kph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/es |title=Eastern Scotland: Regional Climate |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233632/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/es |archivedate=2018-01-08 |work=Met Office |accessdate=2018-01-08 }}</ref>

{{Weather box
| location = Fraserburgh (14 m asl, averages 1991–2020)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 14.2
| Feb record high C = 14.6
| Mar record high C = 17.7
| Apr record high C = 21.0
| May record high C = 22.5
| Jun record high C = 25.2
| Jul record high C = 26.6
| Aug record high C = 24.9
| Sep record high C = 23.7
| Oct record high C = 19.4
| Nov record high C = 17.9
| Dec record high C = 14.9
| Jan high C = 7.1
| Feb high C = 7.1
| Mar high C = 8.6
| Apr high C = 10.3
| May high C = 12.7
| Jun high C = 14.7
| Jul high C = 17.1
| Aug high C = 17.2
| Sep high C = 15.3
| Oct high C = 12.5
| Nov high C = 9.6
| Dec high C = 7.5
| year high C = 11.7

| Jan low C = 2.7
| Feb low C = 2.4
| Mar low C = 2.7
| Apr low C = 4.5
| May low C = 6.6
| Jun low C = 9.2
| Jul low C = 11.1
| Aug low C = 11.4
| Sep low C = 9.6
| Oct low C = 7.2
| Nov low C = 4.7
| Dec low C = 3.2
| year low C = 6.3

| Jan record low C = -12.5
| Feb record low C = -14.8
| Mar record low C = -10.2
| Apr record low C = -4.3
| May record low C = -2.1
| Jun record low C = -0.3
| Jul record low C = 3.2
| Aug record low C = 2.7
| Sep record low C = -1.3
| Oct record low C = -4.6
| Nov record low C = -8.8
| Dec record low C = -12.0

|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 63.8
| Feb precipitation mm = 54.6
| Mar precipitation mm = 51.1
| Apr precipitation mm = 58.4
| May precipitation mm = 48.7
| Jun precipitation mm = 51.0
| Jul precipitation mm = 69.9
| Aug precipitation mm = 55.8
| Sep precipitation mm = 60.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 87.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 83.8
| Dec precipitation mm = 74.3
| year precipitation mm = 759.8
| Jan sun = 43.3
| Feb sun = 74.4
| Mar sun = 119.0
| Apr sun = 153.8
| May sun = 208.3
| Jun sun = 166.9
| Jul sun = 166.0
| Aug sun = 163.0
| Sep sun = 133.4
| Oct sun = 85.4
| Nov sun = 52.9
| Dec sun = 34.8
| year sun = 1401.0
| source 1 = [[Met Office]]<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gfq84qg2b | title =Fraserburgh climate information | access-date =8 January 2018 | publisher =[[Met Office]] | archive-date =13 November 2017 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171113025858/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gfq84qg2b | url-status =live }}</ref>
|date=August 2015
}}

==Demographics==
The 2011 census recorded 13,180 residents making Fraserburgh the third largest settlement in [[Aberdeenshire]] after [[Peterhead]] and [[Inverurie]]. Since the accession of [[Poland]] and other eastern European countries to the [[European Union]] in 2004, there has been an influx of EU citizens to the town, with 5% of residents now speaking Polish as their first language, and a further 6% speaking other languages.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fraserburgh Area Profile|url=https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/24585/fraserburghtownprofile.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=4 November 2021|website=Aberdeenshire Council|archive-date=20 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720075807/https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/24585/fraserburghtownprofile.pdf}}</ref>

Some 10% of residents stated the [[Scots language]] to be their primary language used at home, whilst 63.1% reported being able to speak it.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/24585/fraserburghtownprofile.pdf | accessdate=13 September 2021 | title=Aberdeenshire's Towns Fraserburgh | date=August 2019 | website=www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk | archive-date=20 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720075807/https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/24585/fraserburghtownprofile.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Places of interest==
[[File:Fraserburgh Beach.jpg|thumb|Fraserburgh Beach]]
The town has several attractions including an award-winning beach,<ref>[http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/aberdeenshire-tourist-and-visitor-information/beaches/ Beaches] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109065120/http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/aberdeenshire-tourist-and-visitor-information/beaches/ |date=9 January 2018 }} Aberdeenshire Council, accessed 8 January 2018</ref> a major commercial harbour, [[Kinnaird Head Lighthouse]], the [[Kinnaird Head Lighthouses|Museum of Scottish Lighthouses]], Fraserburgh Heritage Centre, and the community war memorial by the Scottish sculptor [[Alexander Carrick]].{{fact|date=January 2024}}

Fraserburgh is home to a variety of 19th century churches, each in its own distinct style. This includes: Fraserburgh Baptist Church; [[Fraserburgh Old Parish Church]] (the oldest); Our Lady, Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church; South Church; St Peter's Episcopal Church; and West Church.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/places/region/Grampian/parish/Fraserburgh |title=Places of Worship in Scotland |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233530/http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/places/region/Grampian/parish/Fraserburgh |archivedate=2018-01-08 |accessdate=2018-01-08 }}</ref>

== Sports and recreation ==
[[File:Bellslea Park.jpg|thumb|Bellslea Park]]
Fraserburgh has a number of sporting facilities including a swimming pool, ten-pin bowling alley, tennis courts, martial arts dojo, skatepark and football pitches.

=== Golf ===
Founded in 1777, Fraserburgh Golf Club is the fifth oldest club in Scotland and seventh oldest in the world.<ref>[http://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/oldest-golf-clubs-societies/1777-fraserburgh-golf-club-1881/ Scottish Golf History, 1777 Fraserburgh Golf Club (1881)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104014205/http://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/oldest-golf-clubs-societies/1777-fraserburgh-golf-club-1881/ |date=4 January 2018 }} accessed 3 January 2017</ref> It has both an 18-hole and a 9-hole course, and a modern clubhouse. Nearby is the Dunes Golf Centre public driving range and cafe.

=== Football ===
[[Fraserburgh FC|Fraserburgh Football Club]] is a senior football club that plays in the [[Highland Football League|Highland League]], of which they became champions for the 4th time in April 2022. [[Fraserburgh United F.C.]] is a junior football club that plays in the [[Scottish Junior Football North First Division]].

=== Cricket ===
Fraserburgh Cricket Club was founded in 1862 and currently competes in the Aberdeenshire Grades Leagues. They play their home matches at Kessock Park. The club celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2012 and in the same year succeeded in gaining promotion to Grade 2.

In 2013, the Club won the Bon Accord Cup for only the second time in their history with a victory over Knightriders CC. In 2014, Fraserburgh Cricket Club gained promotion to Grade 1 by finishing second in Grade 2, meaning that they would play in the top tier of the Aberdeenshire Grades for the first time since 1975.

The club were relegated to Grade 2 in 2015.

In 2018 the club won the Bon Accord Cup for a third time, in a re-vamp T20 competition, at Mannofield Cricket Ground, beating Gordonians.

== Media ==
===Television===
Television signals are received from the [[Durris transmitting station|Durris]] TV transmitter <ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Durris |title=Full Freeview on the Durris (Aberdeenshire, Scotland) transmitter|date=May 2004 |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref> and the local relay transmitter situated in [[Rosehearty]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Rosehearty|title=Freeview Light on the Rosehearty (Aberdeenshire, Scotland) transmitter|date=May 2004 |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref>

===Radio===
Radio stations are [[BBC Radio Scotland]] on 93.1 FM, [[Greatest Hits Radio North East Scotland]] on [[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]], [[MFR (radio station)|MFR]] (formerly Kinnaird Radio) on 96.7 FM <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://planetradio.co.uk/mfr/|title=MFR Radio |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref> and Coast Radio, which will broadcast on 101.2 FM on the licence which was previously held by [[Waves Radio]] which ceased broadcasting in April 2023, launched on 25th April 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.coastradio.scot/|title=Coast Radio}}</ref>

===Newspapers===
The town is served by the local newspaper, The Fraserburgh Herald which is owned by [[The Scotsman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/scotland/fraserburgh-herald/|title=Fraserburgh Herald|date=12 May 2014|website=British Papers|accessdate= 20 November 2023}}</ref>

==Transportation==

=== Road ===
Fraserburgh is situated at the northern end of the [[A90 road]]. It is served by buses, including the [[Buchan Express]] to Aberdeen and a town service numbered 76 and 77.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-06|title=Supported bus services being cut|url=https://www.fraserburghherald.co.uk/lifestyle/money/supported-bus-services-being-cut-3190691|access-date=2021-06-23|website=Fraserburgh Herald|language=en|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204458/https://www.fraserburghherald.co.uk/lifestyle/money/supported-bus-services-being-cut-3190691|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=David |date=2021-09-28 |title=Several supported bus services to be reintroduced in Aberdeenshire |url=https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/several-supported-bus-services-to-be-reintroduced-in-aberdee-252400/ |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Grampian Online |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928113531/https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/several-supported-bus-services-to-be-reintroduced-in-aberdee-252400/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-12 |title=Bus route cuts in North East Scotland |url=https://www.focustransport.org/2019/02/bus-route-cuts-in-north-east-scotland.html |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Focus Transport |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Harbour ===
Fraserburgh is a major [[whitefish (fisheries term)|white fish]] port and busy commercial harbour. The harbour has a six berth slipway facility, storm gates, a large drydock, and fully refrigerated fish market facilities.<ref>[http://www.fraserburgh-harbour.co.uk/history-home Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners: History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109121844/http://www.fraserburgh-harbour.co.uk/history-home |date=9 January 2018 }} accessed 8 January 2017</ref>

The [[Apostleship of the Sea]], a seafarers charity, has a port chaplain in Fraserburgh.

==Education==
{{see also|Fraserburgh University}}
The town has a variety of educational establishments, including four primary schools (Fraserburgh North School, Fraserburgh South Park School, Lochpots School, St Andrew's School), a secondary school ([[Fraserburgh Academy]]), a SEN school (Westfield School), and a campus of a college of further education ([[North East Scotland College]]).

===Fraserburgh Academy===
The original academy building was opened in 1909. A new, more modern, school was built in the 1950s, and the original building was repurposed to house the academy's art and drama departments.

In early 2009, a group of MPs from the [[Scottish Parliament]] held a petition committee meeting in the school. Also in early 2009, the art department of the school organised commemorate photo exhibition in memory of Glover's early years of living in Fraserburgh. These photos were displayed throughout the town, and some of the photos are being used as part of the [[Homecoming Scotland]] campaign. See article - [[Thomas Blake Glover]]

In September 2009, the school had a visit from the [[Poet Laureate]] [[Carol Ann Duffy]] who gave a speech to pupils from the school and others from the whole of Aberdeenshire.

== Religion ==
[[Christianity]] is the prevalent religion in Fraserburgh and it is home to many congregations from a wide variety of [[Christian denomination]]s. This includes one united [[Church of Scotland]] congregation and four [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] congregations ([[Elim Pentecostal Church|Elim Pentecostal]], [[Assemblies of God|Assembly of God]], [[Calvary Chapel]] and Emmanuel Christian Fellowship). Additionally, there are also congregations of [[Baptists]], [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholics]], [[Scottish Episcopal Church|Scottish Episcopalians]], [[Evangelicalism|Evangelists]], [[United Reformed Church|Congregationalists]], [[Exclusive Brethren|Brethren]], [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and [[The Salvation Army|Salvationists]].

==Notable people==
*[[George Bruce (poet)|George Bruce]] (1909–2002): Poet of the Scottish literary renaissance<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110615233158/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/george-bruce-749745.html George Bruce Poet of the Scottish literary renaissance] independent.co.uk, 29 July 2002</ref>
*[[Felicity Buchan]] (1970 - ), Conservative MP for Kensington (2019-2024), investment banker. 
*[[James Cardno]] (1912 – 1975) was a Scottish [[bobsled]]der. He won the bronze medal in the four-man event at the [[1936 Winter Olympics]] in [[Garmisch-Partenkirchen]], [[Germany]]. 
*[[Patrick Cheves|Patrick Gray Cheves]] (1820 –1883): a [[Farming|farmer]] in [[Norway, Wisconsin|Norway]], [[Wisconsin]] who served two terms as a member of the [[Wisconsin State Assembly]] from [[Racine County, Wisconsin]]. 
*[[William Cheyne (footballer)|William Cheyne]] (1912–1988) sometimes known as Andy Cheyne''':'''  was a Scottish [[Association football|footballer]], playing for Rangers and Motherwell.  
*[[John Christie (footballer, born 1929)|John Christie]] (1929 – 2014): a [[Goalkeeper (football)|football goalkeeper]] who played for [[Southampton F.C.]] for most of the 1950s.  
*[[Steve Fairnie]] (1951–1993): Fraserburgh born musician, painter, sculptor, actor, board game designer, chicken hypnotist, frontman of the post-punk band Writz and half of the Techno Twins.
* Rev. [[Charles Ferm]] ({{circa|1565–1617}}): born in Edinburgh; Minister of [[Fraserburgh Old Parish Church]] (1598–1617), Principal of the University of Fraserburgh. A notable rebel minister against Episcopacy.
*[[Gordon Forsyth|Gordon Mitchell Forsyth]] (1879-1952): Fraserburgh born artist. Known mainly for his work in ceramics, he tutored many artists at the Burslem School of art including [[Clarice Cliff]] and [[Susie Cooper]].
*[[Alexander Fraser, 11th Lord Saltoun|Alexander Fraser]], 11th Lord Saltoun (1604 – 1693): Scottish peer and the 10th [[Laird]] of Philorth.
*[[John Fraser (British Army officer, born 1760)|General Sir John Fraser]],  (1760 – 1843): [[British Army]] officer.
*[[William Fraser, 12th Lord Saltoun]] (1654–1715): born in Philorth; voted against ratifying the [[Treaty of Union]].
*[[Bill Gibb]] (1943–1988): born near Fraserburgh; became international fashion designer.<ref>[http://www.fraserburghheritage.com/default.asp?page=25 Bill Gibb - Fashion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123222932/http://www.fraserburghheritage.com/default.asp?page=25 |date=23 January 2013 }} fraserburghheritage.com, accessed 31 October 2008</ref><ref>[http://living.scotsman.com/features/Back-in-vogue--Bill.4591371.jp Back in vogue - Bill Gibb] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017175559/http://living.scotsman.com/features/Back-in-vogue--Bill.4591371.jp |date=17 October 2008 }} scotsman.com, 15 October 2008</ref>
*[[Thomas Blake Glover]] (1838–1911): born in Fraserburgh, where his father worked for the coastguard, moved to Japan and assisted in the introduction of modern industries. He remained in the country as a consultant to the Mitsubishi Company and died in Tokyo, a legend in his time.
*[[William Henderson (philanthropist)|Sir William Henderson]] (1826 –1904) was a [[Scottish people|Scottish]] [[merchant]], Lord Provost of Aberdeen, and [[philanthropist]].
*[[Charles Jarvis (VC)|Charles Jarvis]] (1881–1948): Recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]].
*[[Archie Johnstone|Archibald Russell Johnstone]] (known as Archie Johnstone) (1896 - 1963): Scottish journalist, hotelier and humanitarian, who defected to the [[Soviet Union]].
*[[Finlay Kennedy]] (1892 - 1925): Scottish International Rugby Union Player.
*[[Pat King|Patrick "Pat" King]] (1944-2022): a [[Scottish people|Scottish]] bassist, best known for his association with [[Manfred Mann's Earth Band]].
*[[Robertson Macaulay]] (1833–1915): one-time president of [[Sun Life]] Assurance Company of Canada.
*Colonel [[William McConnachie]] of Knowsie, (1848–1932): businessman, local politician and Provost of Fraserburgh.
*[[Charles Rawden Maclean]] (1815–1880), alias "John Ross" opponent of slavery, was born in Fraserburgh.<ref>{{cite web|title=John Ross Memorial|url=http://www.fraserburghheritage.com/default.asp?page=48|work=Fraserburgh Heritage Centre|access-date=19 June 2010|archive-date=11 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711024105/http://www.fraserburghheritage.com/default.asp?page=48|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Duncan McLean (writer)|Duncan McLean]] (born 1964): writer and editor.
*[[Jamie Masson]] (born 1993): Scottish semi-professional [[Association football|footballer]] who has played for [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]], [[Formartine United F.C.|Formartine United]], [[Elgin City F.C.|Elgin City]], [[Brechin City F.C.|Brechin City]] and other clubs.
*[[George F. Merson|George Fowlie Merson]] (1866–1959): [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[pharmacist]] who produced an artificial surgical [[catgut]] called Mersuture.
*[[Ann Watt Milne]] (1856 – no earlier than 1928), temperance leader
*Major [[Harold J. Milne]] (1889–1963): Provost of Fraserburgh, First Freeman of the Burgh of Fraserburgh.
*[[John Murray (Liberal politician)|John Murray]] (1879 - 1964): Educationalist, Liberal Politician.<ref>{{Cite ODNB|last=Clapp|first=B. W.|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/35167|title=Murray, John (1879–1964), educationist and politician|date=2004-09-23|series=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/35167}}</ref>
*[[Dennis Nilsen]] (1945–2018): serial killer;<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/24/newsid_3184000/3184987.stm 1983: Nilsen 'strangled and mutilated' victims] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025091730/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/24/newsid_3184000/3184987.stm |date=25 October 2007 }} BBC News, accessed 31 October 2008</ref> born at Academy Road, Fraserburgh; committed his murders in [[London]] in the five years leading up to his arrest in 1983.<ref>[http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/famous_criminal/14/biography/1/Dennis_Nilsen.htm Famous Criminals] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412115352/http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/famous_criminal/14/biography/1/Dennis_Nilsen.htm |date=12 April 2009 }} crimeandinvestigation.co.uk, accessed 31 October 2008</ref>
*[[James Ramsay (abolitionist)|James Ramsay]] (1733–89): born in Fraserburgh; anti-slavery campaigner.
*Sir [[Lewis Ritchie|Lewis Duthie Ritchie]] (1952-) Born in Fraserburgh. Medical doctor and researcher, and James McKenzie Professor of General Practice at the [[University of Aberdeen]].
*[[George Strahan (colonialist)|Sir George Strahan]] (1838–87): British colonial governor.
*[[Craig Watson (footballer, born 1995)|Craig Watson]] (born 1995): Scottish professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]] or [[midfielder]] for [[Airdrieonians F.C.|Airdrieonians]].
*[[Christian Watt]] (1833–1923): author of "The Christian Watt Papers"

==Twin towns==
* [[Bressuire]], France

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Fraserburgh}}
{{Commons category|Fraserburgh}}
*[http://www.fjas.org.uk Fraserburgh Junior Arts Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014201822/http://www.fjas.org.uk/ |date=14 October 2013 }}
* [http://www.visitfraserburgh.com/ Fraserburgh: Scotland's leading light]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060513082503/http://www.fraserburghheritage.com/fraserburghheritage/ Fraserburgh Heritage Centre]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20030921062537/http://www.banff-buchan.ac.uk/domain_web/index.php Banff and Buchan College]
* [http://www.cairnesshouse.com/ Cairness House]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060518100737/http://www.geocities.com/buchanhillwalkingclub/index.html Buchan hillwalking club]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070515193203/http://www.webhistorian.co.uk/pages/index.php?id=40 Historian's pages on the fishing villages of the North East]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080621074601/http://www.fraserburghleisurecentre.co.uk/ Fraserburgh Leisure Centre — featuring local cuisine, bar, and family entertainment]
* [http://www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk/ Museum of Scottish lighthouses — the first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland]
* [http://www.alexandercarrick.webeden.co.uk/#/fraserburgh/4516819503/ Alexander Carrick, sculptor of war memorial]
* [http://www.fraserburghps.weebly.com/ Fraserburgh Photographic Society]

{{Banff and Buchan, Aberdeenshire places|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Aberdeenshire places|state=collapsed}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Fraserburgh| ]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Scotland]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the North Sea]]
[[Category:Fishing communities in Scotland]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Scotland]]