Ferryhill Versus Pitmuxton - no contest!

As a psychogeographer, I'm often asked the intriguing and perennial question: "So, which is best then: Ferryhill or Pitmuxton?"

On the surface, it's a difficult question to answer, and one which needs careful analysis and comparison in various categories. The two neighbourhoods (once parishes, previously strongman-warlord estates) have been at loggerheads since the 14th century at least, probably longer! It goes much deeper than a simple fecht between Ferryhill and Broomhill Pitmuxton primary kids. Let's see if here and now, we can put the long-standing argument to rest.

RECREATION

Ferryhill has it's historic "The"(?) Duthie Park. Very nice we're sure. But we all know the truth is that the park has seen better days; it's quite run-down, and is in need of a bit of TLC, if not a comprehensive 're-vamp'. Let's hope that Lotto money comes through really soon!

Ewww - nasty.

Pitmuxton, on the other hand, has The Woodies, which is not run down. (Because it has no facilities which could become run down!) Moreover, The Woodies has secure car parking available, to lease. Beat that, Duthie Park!

Nice, clean signage. And an enigmatic grey box.

Lockups for lease! In The Woodies!

Ferryhill has its Albury Outdoor Centre, with it's tennis courts, bowling greens and far-too-difficult putting assault course. Nothing we don't have at the Ruthrieston Pitmuxton Outdoor Centre. But, our putting green is actually do-able and, more importantly, we DON'T have a children's play-park attached. Who wants to have that all that screaching and screaming going on when your trying to sink the winning putt on the 18th? No, no, in Pitmuxton, we put the brats where they should be - inside, at the soft-play in the Ceramic Place. Yes, inside, where they belong, out of harm's way, and well out of the way of weirdos with cameras. While they're in there, their YummyMummies can practice their PaveParking.




VIP's

It is said that parochial architect Ertchie 'Pech' Simpson stayed in Ferryhill for a while, and we're sure that there was once some Arctic explorer lived on South Crown Street. At some point.

But... and he's got it's a really big but... Buff Hardie stays round the corner from us to This Very Day!!!

CATERING

Hungry visitors to Ferryhill have to check their pockets for all their available cash and call their bankers to check available credit when hoping to eat at the, frankly overrated, overpriced and past its best Inn at the Park. (We've not been in Ferryhill House for years - we didn't 'fit in' after the re-furb in the '90's).

There are no such budget worries at Pitmuxton's famous Abergeldie Bar! The franchise-menu "Hasty Tasty Snacks in a Hurry" is suitable for all palates, and all pockets! The Abergeldie is one of the oldest hostelries in the country, with decor, and service to match - we stand for tradition in Pitmuxton! Stay late for kara-oke and (unlicenced) dancing/boxing! Pitmuxton also boasts the "cliquey" Clubhouse hotel, for that exclusive "outsiders not welcome" feel. We've never been in The Short Mile (funny name) - too scared. And, before you start, The Holburn is in Couperstone. FFS.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Ferryhill is rightly considered to be one of the 'nicest' 19th Century suburbs in Scotland; it's fine avenues and stately terraces are famed throughout the country. Ferryhill boasts the grade 'B' listed Marine Terrace, which is Georgian.

Georgian sobriety and niceties are all very well, but we prefer the grandiloquent Victorian bluster of our own conservation area in Pitmuxton at Great Western Road, which is used by Royalty and other important folk when they leave Aberdeen under fast police escort. Let's just hope that the property downturn ends soon, so that we can see some top-notch conservation in this important area!


Failing that, there's plenty spare brown-field land available to aspiring developers with the right project. Pitmuxton is the place in Aberdeen for property-opportunity!




CONCLUSION

So, on balance, we're afraid to say that poor over-rated Ferryhill is comprehensively beaten in all categories by fabulous Pitmuxton.

Better luck next century, Ferryhill!

Pitmuxton - "Fit a rare place tae bide!"