This is essentially a small collection of family papers, relating to the Fordyce family of Brucklay Castle and Aberdeen. It comprises records relating to the Formartine and Buchan Railway, 1854 - 1858, and the Denburn Valley Railway, 1864 - 1865, with household and family accounts of the Fordyce family home in Aberdeen, 1844 - 1863.
Records relating to the Formartine and Buchan Railway include letters, reports and other papers received by Captain Dingwall Fordyce, MP, of Brucklay Castle, concerning the development (in particular, the proposed route) of the line, 1854 - 1856, with a printed copy of the Formartine and Buchan Railway Act, 1858. Many of the letters are annotated by him and there are drafts of his replies. Correspondents include Sir John Forbes, Charles Jopp, civil engineer, and other landowners with property affected by the proposed development. Papers relating to the Denburn Valley Railway comprise just 4 letters concerning the development of the line, 1864 - 1865 and Mrs Mathieson as proprietor. The household and family accounts number approximately 450, and cover the period 1844 - 1863. They relate to the Fordyce family house in Aberdeen, and cover a wide range of tradesmen, including dressmakers and some very lengthy accounts for building work. Those for 1861 and 1862 refer mostly to the Continent.