Links 4 with The Broad Hill in the background.

Location of two council maintained wickets (known as Links 4 & 5), the Links is widely regarded as, on one hand, a good wicket to play on, and on the other, a cold windy shite hole of a place. There are no toilet facilities available other than the nearby shrubbery and the changing area is confined to an open to the elements (and sundry vagrants) pavillion, descriptively (and accurately) known as "The Pishy Pavillion".

Of the two squares available, Links 4 is the senior wicket, that is the one provided for the highest grade fixture involved on any given day. It is currently home to G1 side Bon Accord alternating with G2 side Mannofield. The other wicket, Links 5, has one very short boundary and is as a result used infrequently, although with other city wickets under threat, it is certain to be more extensively used in the future.

The venue is flanked by the Broad Hill on one side and the Beach Promenade on the other. These features serve as a channel for a constant southerly wind (often hurricane force) which although problematic for those bowling into it, greatly aids in keeping the playing areas dry. Combined with the ground's sandy foundations, the Links is one of the quickest drying grounds in the region.

History

There were once, 5 squares available. Only two remain, their designations (Links 4 & 5) were retained.

The most recent wicket to be lost, Links 3, is now the car park for the Aberdeen Leisure Centre.

Playing conditions

Links 4 is regarded as a high scoring wicket, due to it's neutral nature and generally fast outfield. It looks awful at times but even at it's scruffiest, plays well. Mannofield, however, have on occasion, refused to play on it, based solely on it's appearance.

Links 5 is often as good although it does hold more water than 4 and the outfield undulates (and may even shift with the tides).

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