The Mannie - War Memorial

Standing in Buckie, you'll spot The Mannie - a war memorial that's become something of a local institution. It's a striking bronze figure, and unlike many war memorials that feel austere or distant, this one has genuine warmth to it. Locals have a real affection for the thing, which tells you something about how it's carved into the community's identity.

The memorial itself is straightforward to visit - it's in the town centre, so you can pay your respects without any faffing about with transport or opening hours. There's no entrance fee. Most people spend ten minutes here, though if you're interested in local history or the stories behind Aberdeenshire's service men and women, you could easily spend longer reading the inscriptions and taking in the detail of the sculpture.

It works best as part of a broader walk around Buckie itself, rather than as a destination in its own right. The town has coastal appeal - you're right on the Moray Firth - so combine it with a proper explore of the harbour and seafront. If you're staying at Greencraig Pods just down the road (under four miles away), or Sandend Holidays a bit further on, The Mannie is a natural stop without requiring any real detour. It's the kind of place that adds texture to a holiday - a genuine local landmark rather than something built for tourists. Worth fifteen minutes of your time, frankly.