Grampian Transport Museum

Museum Entrance

In April 1983 the Grampian Transport Museum was opened in its current premises, just on the north side of the centre of Alford, in Aberdeenshire. Two years later it was joined by the Alford Valley Railway Museum based in the old railway station a few hundred yards away.

Outside Exhibits Entrance and Shop Motorbikes to Drool Over Grampian Region Snowplough

The idea of a transport museum for the area had been in the air for a decade. At the beginning of the 1980s Alford emerged as the ideal location, at the same time as funding became available from Council and European sources to supplement the efforts of local fundraisers.

The entrance to the museum faces on to Alford's main car park. Beyond the distinctive white arch are a range of outdoor exhibits and a children's playpark. Off to the right is the path leading to the large oval track which hosts a range of special events over the Summer, complete with its own grandstand.

These events includes the Scottish Eco-Marathon, now held annually, in which vehicles try to go as far as possible on a measured amount of fuel. In August 2001 a new world record was set by a Japanese team who achieved the equivalent of 10,240 miles per gallon.

The museum is housed in large and airy factory unit style buildings. Once past the reception desk, you find yourself in the museum shop, complete with a range of tempting ways to spend your money. And then you are into the displays themselves.

Lots of Cars...

The Last Tram to Cruden Bay

What is most impressive about the Grampian Transport Museum is the combination of the quantity and the quality of the exhibits on offer. Want to see motorcycles? Well there's a tremendous collection here, with an especial emphasis on British bikes like the Triumph Legend photographed on the left.

Cars? Yes, another lovely and extensive collection, including some fascinating oddities like the American "barn find" in its pre-restored state, set in a simulation of the barn. Other exhibits are still more varied. Near an example of the ill-fated Sinclair C5 is a giant six wheeled Grampian Region snowplough complete with a remarkably intimidating blade on the front.

For those who like to touch as well as look, a number of the vehicles, including buses, trams and a traction engine, can be boarded. You can even climb aboard a genuine penny farthing, well secured to avoid accidents, or drive computer simulated vehicles. There is also an upper level, which is informative in itself and provides excellent views across the exhibits in the museum.

And, when you've finally seen enough you can retire to the Travellers Rest tea shop at the rear of the museum. This is open daily in July and August and on Sundays during the rest of the season.