Fordoun developed around the railway station, and was originally called Fordoun Station to differentiate it from the Kirkton of Fordoun at Auchenblae. It lay on the A90 but now stands a respectful distance from the dual carriageway. The station closed fifty years ago, but passengers can make use of Laurencekirk railway station 3 miles to the south.
It no longer has a village shop but the local public house, The Redhall Arms Hotel, and the village hall provide the community with plenty of opportunities for socialising.
Fordoun has its own primary school which stands to the east of the A90 and can be accessed by a pedestrian underpass. New housing developments in recent years have significantly added to the community.
The former “smiddy” run by Alastair Symon has expanded over the years to a significant engineering company filling contracts for the oil industry, and fits neatly between the village and surrounding farming land. The old military aerodrome to the north has developed into an industrial park with a variety of businesses located there.
Also to the north of the village is the Castleton Farm Shop and Restaurant, which has developed into a popular stop for both locals and travellers from the A90.