And that means that already-popular towns like Ellon, with easy access to the new route, are likely to be even more attractive for buyers looking, for example, for a shorter commute to work.
So here we take a look at the town — 16 miles north of Aberdeen — and what it has to offer, plus we finish up with some property inspiration.
First up, from craft beer and brewery tours, to speciality coffees and teas, as well as its own chocolate bar, great food and drink’s always on the menu in Ellon. Plus, there’s a farmers market on the fourthSaturday of each month in Neil Ross Square.
There are plenty of local shops selling a range of goods, as well as a large supermarket on the edge of town for the weekly grocery shop. For the family, there are three primary schools, and one secondary: Ellon Academy. In August 2015, this school moved to its new purpose-built campus.
For sports and recreation lovers, the town has swimming pool and community centre. Plus, the Meadows Sports Centre, which is home to football, rugby, hockey, squash and athletics clubs, has a fully furnished gym and sports hall, as well as regular fitness classes.
And as for nearby attractions, in December, you can visit the Ythanbank reindeer with the kids, and throughout the year, you can step back in time with a visit to Haddo House, an elegant Victorian mansion with gardens, Tolquhon Castle, or the National Trust for Scotland’s Pitmedden Garden.
At the mouth of the River Ythan you can explore the Forvie Sands National Nature Reserve, and you can spot seals at Newburgh beach. And if you’re a fan of golf, you’re spoilt for choice for courses to play, including the McDonald and Newburgh On Ythan clubs.
Ledingham Chalmers litigation secretary Carol Fraser has lived in and around Ellon since 2012. She said: “Ellon has a lovely friendly atmosphere: when I go running you pass loads of other people out running, walking, walking their dogs, and everyone says hello.
“For travel, the new A90 bypass has made journeys south much easier, and commuting to Aberdeen is fab now we have dual carriageway all the way.
“Ellon itself is great for families: it has the Gordon Park, which is a bit of a community hub; as well as the McDonald Park and woods. And it’s good for singles and couples too with the BrewDog DogTap bar, golf courses, sports facilities and good public transport to the city.”
Community’s a big part of life in the town with the local round table organising events like the Ellon Gala.
Carol adds: “The New Inn, Station, and Buchan hotels are all really good for food and are family friendly. Plus, the Victoria Hall next to Gordon Park has a cinema event one Sunday a month with a film for kids in the afternoon, and another for adults later on.
“And of course, who can forget the annual Ellon Pedal Car Race in August. A fantastic event where local businesses build their own cars and race round the streets. It’s great fun to watch, especially as the teams can get pretty competitive!”
To give you a little inspiration, here are just some of the properties for sale around Ellon. And if you don’t see anything you fancy, check out the other homes available on our residential property page.
Westgate House, Udny, Ellon, AB41 6SD — offers over £470,000
With five bedrooms, six public rooms, and three acres of grounds, you’ll never be short of space with this home.
Plot 2 at Braeside Farm, Tarves, AB41 7NN — offers over £100,000
If you’re a keen self-builder, this plot set in beautiful countryside has bags of potential.
Haddo, Saddlers View, Pitmedden, AB41 7AE — fixed price £385,000
This new-build in Pitmedden has the added bonus that buyers canchoose the finish of their German kitchen.
1 Ythan Gardens, Newburgh, Ellon, AB41 6BR —fixed price £339,750
With better weather on the way — fingers crossed — this new build home has patio doors opening out into the rear garden: perfect for al fresco dining.
