When you cross the bridge into Ellon, within a 300 metre radius of the first roundabout, which can be termed the hub of Ellon, you will not only find 95% of the retail shops but also banks, solicitors' offices, estate agents, accountants, insurance brokers, architects, a 'bookies', hairdressers, churches and hotels.

Within the same radius, there are four large public car parks, as well as numerous parking areas attached to business premises. Ellon does have its share of yellow lines, but parking problems have eased since the opening of the bypass and the lessening of heavy traffic through the town.

Ellon is the city dweller's dream - inexpensive parking with only a short walk to all the shops and amenities.

Whilst you won't find any department or chain stores or any huge, impersonal and uninviting retail warehouses in Ellon, you will find, however, just about everything you could expect to get from a department store, chain store or retail warehouse in one or other of the wealth of shops in Ellon. You will also find something which is difficult to find in a large city store - fantastic service.

The shopkeepers of Ellon are justly proud of the service which they and their staff provide. None of the cold indifference, apathy or sheer unfriendliness of the city shops and large stores - staff of Ellon shops are warm, friendly and helpful. If you want to browse leisurely through the shop, no one will interfere; if you want help to make your selection from the huge choice available, a friendly assistant will guide you.

Service, of course, extends beyond the front shop. Deliveries, installations, fitting and after-sales are all carried out by people with a similar disposition to the sales assistants, friendly and helpful.

Labour charges are even better news with Ellon's rates for tradesmen and skilled workers slightly less than Aberdeen prices.

Over the last two decades, shopping in Ellon has changed dramatically. There are far more shops, they are much bigger, they are much much better and they are competitive both in price and selection.

This trend is continuing, with more shops coming into the town centre and with present shops expanding. Selection and service, already excellent, will continue to improve.

Ellon Business and Traders' Association was formed in 1989 in order to further the interests of business people and traders in the Ellon area and to provide a forum for the same business people to decide on ways of helping and serving the Ellon Community. Click HERE to read more about Ellon Business and Traders' Association.