The Victoria Hall was conceived in 1897 and completed in 1902. This section contains articles from books and library photographs which will inform the reader of the efforts afforded by the public of Ellon in the realisation of its first public facility which comprised not only a grand hall for events but also a public library, reading rooms and an armoury for the local Volunteer Corps.

Probably the most prominent person involved in the promotion of the Hall and raising of funds necessary for the building work to commence, was James H Brown who wrote the first chapter of 'The Book of Ellon' an account of the Hall's conception has been reproduced and added to this web site.

In 1902, shortly after completion of the building work, Brown died during a mountaineering holiday in Switzerland. This clearly had a profound effect on the people of Ellon as was proclaimed by his close friend, Rev. James Coutts, minister of Ardallie, who edited a book titled 'In Memorandum, James H Brown' dedicated to him. This was published 1903 and the first chapter titled 'Biographical Sketch' written by the minister has also been reproduced on this web site.

Related Note (Ref Aberdeenshire web site):

Hall and drill hall depicted on the OS 3rd edition map (revised 1924). RCAHMS entry notes that the Gordon Highlander volunteer unit contributed to the cost of building the Victoria Hall and were given a room to use as an armoury and shared use of the rest of the building. he 2rd edition map shows a separate drill hall building to the south of the Victoria hall. In 1914-18 the Ellon drill hall was the drill station for F squadron, 2nd Scottish Horse and E Company, 5th Gordon Highlanders. The offices of Ellon Council in Station Road are located in a replacement drill hall erected in 1936.