Portsoy Library

A small-town library in Portsoy might not sound like a holiday draw, but this one's worth a quick visit if you're staying at any of the caravan parks within spitting distance - Portsoy Links is essentially on the doorstep. It's the kind of place where locals actually hang about, which tells you something.

You'll find the usual suspects: books, computers, a reading area that catches decent light. It's well-maintained and genuinely useful if you've forgotten a novel or need to check something online when the weather turns. The staff are helpful without being intrusive, and there's proper parking nearby. The real charm, though, is that it anchors Portsoy itself - a fishing village with actual character, unlike some of the more sanitised coastal towns along this stretch.

Realistic expectations: don't arrive expecting grand architecture or rare manuscripts. This is functional, community-focused, and honest about what it is. Kids won't find it thrilling for more than thirty minutes, but it's handy if you need to kill time during a rain shower. Adults with books will find peace and quiet.

It's free, obviously. Opening hours and exact facilities deserve a call ahead to Live Life Aberdeenshire - the library's operating details aren't entirely clear online. If you're based at Sandend Holidays or Whitehills further along, it's a pleasant short drive to Banff proper, where you'll find more substantial attractions. But as a backup on a Scottish afternoon? It works.