OS grid reference NJ675284 Sovereign state United Kingdom Postcode district AB52 6 Local time Thursday 8:24 PM Council area Aberdeenshire Scottish parliament Aberdeenshire West | Country Scotland Post town INSCH Police Scottish Dialling code 01464 Lieutenancy area Aberdeenshire UK parliament constituency Gordon | |
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Weather 3°C, Wind S at 11 km/h, 80% Humidity | ||
Old Rayne is a small village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, approximately 9 miles north west of Inverurie and 14 miles south east of Huntly along the A96 road.
Contents
- Map of Old Rayne Insch UK
- Geography
- Etymology
- History
- Lourin Fair and ORCA
- Language
- Religion
- Education
- References
Map of Old Rayne, Insch, UK
Geography
Old Rayne is bordered by the River Ury
Etymology
The word "Rayne" comes from the Scottish Gaelic Raon meaning a field of good ground. In the area around Old Rayne are other settlements including Kirton of Rayne, Rayne North and Potts of Rayne.
History
Once a burgh of barony, Old Rayne has a 17th-century mercat cross ("market cross"). In days gone by this served as a meeting place for farm workers looking for employment. The bishops of Aberdeen who owned the parish of Rayne once held residence.
Lourin Fair and ORCA
The village hosts Lourin Fair, a traditional country fair dating back some 500 years, held annually on the third Saturday in August.
Lourin Fair is well attended and quite unusual including traditional elements such as Clydesdale Horse competition/parade; bothy concert; pipe band; It's a knockout; homecraft & produce competition; demonstrations; traditional children's games; vintage vehicles and tea/coffee with "fancy pieces"
The fair is organised by the Old Rayne Community Association, (ORCA) a registered charity raising funds for community projects; the upkeep of the village hall and supporting local organisations including Toddlers; Playgroup; Scouts; Bowling and Ospreys football.
Language
Old Rayne natives speak the Aberdeenshire Doric dialect of Scots.
Religion
The nearest church is Rayne Church, Church of Scotland. The parish is "Culsalmond and Rayne linked with Daviot".
Education
There is one primary school, located centrally in the village, with the associated secondary school Meldrum Academy, a short bus journey away to Oldmeldrum.