Aberdeen

Overview

Situated on the north east coast of Scotland, overlooking the North Sea, Aberdeen lies between the Rivers Dee and Don. It enjoys a spectacular coastline with the long, slopping beach reaching into the high sand dunes north of the Don as far as Fraserburgh and southwards of the Dee past steep rocky cliff faces and deep river inlets.

The third largest city in Scotland, with a population of over 215,000 people and two universities, Aberdeen boasts a thriving, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a diverse range of culture, history and leisure activities. Famed for its dramatic granite buildings (including the iconic Marischal College, Elphinstone Hall and the turreted Provost Skene's House) which are said to glint in the sunshine, Aberdeen is one of Scotland's most striking cities. In mid to late June the sun rises at about 04:00 and sets after 22:00 and it is reported that golf is still played by many up until 23:00.

The area around Aberdeen has been settled for over 8,000 years when small villages were established at the mouths of the Dee and Don. The city's first charter was granted by William the Lion in 1179. In 1319, the Great Charter of Robert the Bruce transformed Aberdeen into a property-owning, financially independent community and formed the basis for the city's Common Good Fund which still benefits Aberdonians today.

Traditionally, the Granite City was home to fishing, textile mills, shipbuilding and paper making. Although these industries have now largely been replaced their impact is still apparent. In more recent times, Aberdeen has driven the region to the very top of the UK's economic growth tables with high-tech advances in the electronics design and development industry, food, life sciences and, above all, the oil & gas industry, powering an economic boom. Uniting the old and the new is Aberdeen Harbour which is both one of the oldest companies in the UK and busiest harbours.

Aberdeen offers something for everyone: ancient cathedrals and college buildings, wonderful museums and art galleries, Whisky and Castle trails, beautiful parks and gardens, fabulous walking and nature, dolphins and porpoises, a range of outdoor pursuits catering for even the most adventurous, thirty golf courses within 30 minutes of the city, excellent shopping opportunities, boutique hotels, fabulous restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

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	50 Things you may not know about Aberdeen	120 Kb
	VisitAberdeen Brochure	4876 Kb

Last update: 31 July 2014