Designating Alford Heritage Museum

From 31 August to 21 September 2021, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on our proposal to designate Alford Heritage Museum (former Alford Auction Mart) as a category A listed building.

The building is a very rare example of a largely complete early 20th century former livestock auction mart that was found to meet our criteria for designation. Of timber construction, the building retains its sale ring, adjoining offices and cattle byres and it contributes to our understanding of agricultural life in this part of Aberdeenshire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Further details can be accessed on our Heritage Portal.

We received three responses which contributed to our knowledge of the building and also provided insight into how the building and museum are valued.

Alford Heritage Museum was described as atmospheric, magical, a unique insight into farming life over 100 years, and an important hub for the village. There were also comments about how the museum’s collection enhanced our understanding of the building.

We received new information about the attached 19th century waterwheel, which was a donation to the museum in 1993.

Overall, there was support for the protection of industrial historic buildings through designation.

After considering the comments received during the consultation, we have now listed the Alford Heritage Museum at category A.

Listed building record for Alford Heritage Museum 

Download the Report of Handling from our Heritage Portal 

More Information

You can find out more about listing in our booklet, Scotland’s Listed Buildings or find out more on our website: 

• How does the listing process work?
• What is listing?
• What does listing mean for owners?

Our website also has more detail about the Listed Building Consent (LBC) and Conservation Area Consent (CAC) processes, as well as information on how to apply. There is additional guidance in our Managing Change series of publications.