Aberdeen’s Stunning Coastline

Set on the River Dee and Don, the city of Aberdeen is situated in the North East of Scotland.  Aberdeen offers spectacular coastal scenery and is home to an abundance of castles, golf courses, parklands and striking granite architecture, proving a great choice for a city break with this cosmopolitan centre appealing to all.

Historic Aberdeen
Scotland’s third largest city was formed from the burghs of Old and New Aberdeen, but was home to ancient settlers in prehistoric times over 8,000 years ago.  Following a period of great prosperity having received charters in 1179 and 1319, the city was targeted by Edward III and devastated by fire in 1336 during the long running Wars of Scottish Independence.  The city eventually recovered having been rebuilt and further extended.

Aberdeen boasted many early thriving industries included shipbuilding, fishing and textiles and in the 18th century construction of the harbour took place prompting further economic growth for the city.  Aberdeen also became renowned for its granite, a local resource that featured in the construction of many of the buildings found within the city.

Following the more recent discovery of oil in the North Sea Aberdeen is now recognised as the “Oil Capital of Europe”, and it has the largest seaport in the North East.  Aberdeen has developed into a significant commercial hub in addition to being key site for education with both the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University located within its vicinity.

With 45 parks and gardens to be found in the city of Aberdeen it has long been recognised for its stunning green spaces and has been the recipient of RHS Britain in Bloom Best City some 10 times. Duthie Park is a particular city highlight with its rose hill, vast gardens, bandstand and boating pond and the David Welch Winter Gardens – the second largest of its kind in Europe.

Popular Culture
Aberdeen is an historic and cultural city, and has also been a focus in popular culture.

Films & TV
Hamlet (1990) was directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starred Mel Gibson, Glenn Close together with Helena Bonham Carter and Ian Holm and was shot on location in Aberdeenshire.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), this comedy fantasy adventure starred the pythons as King Arthur accompanied by his trusty knights embarked on a search for the elusive grail.  Filmed on location throughout Scotland, local landmark Arnhall Castle also featured in this film production.

The Queen (2006) Helen Mirren famously starred in this biographical drama depicting Queen Elizabeth II during the difficult period that followed the tragic death of Princess Diana.  Filmed throughout the UK Castle Fraser also featured in this Oscar winning production.

Books
Stuart McBride set his gripping series of crime thrillers in Aberdeen with the Detective Sergeant Logan McRae novels featuring the granite city and titles Dying Light, Dark Blood, Close to the Bone and Cold Granite part of the highly popular 9 novel set.

Touching Distance by Rebecca Abrams is set in Aberdeen in 1790 when a mysterious and deadly epidemic costs the lives of countless women.  Political corruption and medical discovery featured in this Abrams debut novel.

Social Media
Additional information on Aberdeen can be found on its official website Visit Aberdeen as well as its Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest accounts.

Famous Faces
Thomas Blake Glover was born in Aberdeenshire on 6 June 1838 and was a Scottish merchant who is credited with being a key figure in the establishment of foundations for Mitsubishi in Japan.  Glover received the Order of the Rising Sun for his extensive achievements throughout his lifetime.

Bertie Charles Forbes was the founder of Forbes Magazine which began in 1917 and worked as its Editor-in-Chief until 1954.  Forbes was born in Aberdeenshire on the 14 May 1880.

Annie Lennox is another famous Aberdonian, with the political activist and philanthropist born on 25 December 1954.  Lennox achieved international fame in the 1980’s as part of the Eurythmics with Dave Stewart, and has also enjoyed an extensive solo career receiving countless awards including 4 Grammys, a Golden Globe, an Academy Award and 8 Brit awards throughout her successful career.

Landmarks
The Tolbooth
Dating back to the 17th century, the Tolbooth is one of the oldest buildings to be found in the city of Aberdeen and was used as the city’s gaol.  More can be learned about the historic landmark in Castle Street with the Tolbooth Museum now home to a number of exhibits and interactive displays which focus on Aberdeen’s historic crimes and past punishments.

Kings College

Kings College
Founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone the Bishop of Aberdeen, Kings College was the first university to be established in Aberdeen and consisted of a number of beautifully constructed buildings including the Chapel with its distinctive imperial crown design. Today the historic site forms part of the renowned University of Aberdeen.

William Wallace
Aberdeen is home to a number of statues including Robert Burns, Sir James McGrigor and Queen Victoria, and overlooking Union Terrace Gardens is the magnificent bronze statue of Sir William Wallace a leading force in the Wars of Scottish Independence. The distinctive statue was designed and sculpted by fellow Scotsman William Grant Stevenson.

Image Credit:
http://bit.ly/1pGpxrF
http://bit.ly/UBRs3J