1840s-1900

Before 1900 central and local government played very little part in people’s lives. In terms of health Aberchirder and the surrounding area were well served by doctors and pharmacists and, just at the end of the century, was provided with its own hospital, the Rose Innes. Around the same time Aberchirder set up a Town Council, which made one of its priorities the improvement of public health. And the temperance movement was strongly promoted by local churches.

During this period there were times when many people suffered from unemployment and had to depend on poor relief. And for those on very low incomes there were a number of organisations, including savings banks and friendly societies, while unskilled workers could join the Oddfellows.