Founded by David of Huntingdon, Earl of Garioch and great-great-grandfather of Robert the Bruce, it is locally known as the Capital of the Garioch.
Ruins of the medieval Kinkell Church can be found to the south of the town and five miles to the west is the probable site of Mons Grampius where the Romans defeated the Picts in 84 AD - the first ever battle on Scottish oil. At Easter Aquhorthies, two miles west of Inverurie, visitors can admire the excellent recumbent stone circle, and a remarkable Pictish symbol stone, the Brandesbutt Stone, can be visited near the northern edge of the town.
Thainstone Mart, located to the south of the town, is one of Europe's biggest livestock sales.
