Torry Battery is soon to have a new lease of life thanks to Greyhope Bay.
Built in the mid 1800s as an artillery battery, it continued to protect the city during both World Wars. Afterwards it served as temporary accommodation during post-war housing shortages until the last residents left in the 1950s, when the site went to ruin and was partially demolished.
The site also benefits from amazing views across the harbour and a variety of wildlife, and The Greyhope Bay team plan to incorporate this with stories from its past to bring new visitors to the area.
I found out about Greyhope Bay through social media, and took the family along to one of their taster sessions which included a tour and scavenger hunt. Despite being born and bred just outside of Aberdeen, I had never been to Torry Battery before, but founder Fiona says that a lot of people from within the city haven’t either. The history is definitely interesting, and the plans for the future are sure to bring us back.
First up, the cafe. Due to open later in 2021, the cafe will be constructed from shipping containers and will feature a glass fronted viewing area with views stretching across the North Sea, overlooking the lighthouse and the perfect place to spot the somewhat surprising visitors, dolphins.
Dolphins are regularly seen from this side of the harbour, and I would happily sit by the window drinking tea and watching for them. The area also hosts other wildlife including hundreds of visiting birds, some quite rare.
Over the next 5 years the team have a list of plans to connect the community to the stories and marine wildlife of Torry Battery in a sustainable and sympathetic way and I look forward to watching it grow.
To find out more visit Greyhope Bay.
KAREN & THE CONSTABLES 
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