The settlement of Old Deer is located on the south side of the Forest of Deer, 10 miles (15 km) west of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire. St Columba is said to have founded the Abbey of Deer where the famous Book of Deer was produced between the 9th and 12th centuries. This volume contains some of the earliest known writing in Gaelic. In 1218 the new Abbey of St. Mary was established for Cistercian monks by the Earl of Buchan. noted for its cattle fairs, the village was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. Although smaller than New Deer, Old Deer is regarded as the 'capital' of the area. Situated on the Formartine and Buchan Way, Old Deer has camping and caravan facilities and an Agricultural Heritage centre.
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