Aberdeen: The Granite Fair City

Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has a long and illustrious history and, because of its situation on the east coast of Scotland, has more recently become closely associated with the North Sea oil and gas industries.

This historic city gained its nickname due to the number of buildings constructed using locally quarried grey granite. Because of the granite effect it is also known as the Silver City, due to the mica and quartz deposits ingrained in the stone that gives off a silver sparkling effect in sunlight. When the skies are overcast and the mica fails to sparkle, it earns its third nickname of the Grey City.

Long before oil was discovered in the North Sea, Aberdeen was an important hub for the fishing and shipbuilding industries. But, during the last 30 years, more modern industries including electronics and oil have taken over leading to a new era of affluence for the city, which is Scotland’s third largest in terms of population. With more than 200,000 residents there is much to do in the city in terms of leisure, culture and entertainment and Aberdeen is fast becoming a tourist hot-spot as more visitors expand their horizons beyond Scotland’s big draws of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Getting there by road from the south involves taking the scenic A90 from Edinburgh (via the M90), which by-passes the city forming the main route to the north and the cities of Peterhead and Fraserburgh; access to the glorious Cairngorms is via the A93 to the west. Once in the city there is lots to do including some glorious shopping, fabulous sightseeing and, if the weather permits, a stroll along the sandy beach.

As you can see, although it is the UK’s second most northerly large city, some 100 miles north of Edinburgh, it is relatively easy to get there. The city boasts prominent rail-links with Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, as well as flights to Aberdeen, which arrive at Dyce International Airport.

Much of the city was built from the 18th century onwards, with glorious Georgian avenues such as Castlegate and Union Street still prominent thoroughfares. The latter is near to the medieval townhouse of the Provost Skene’s House and close by in cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen is found the impressive 15th century St Machar’s Cathedral featuring its tall twin towers.

Whether visiting for culture, history or the marvellous designer stores at the Academy Shopping Centre, you will find Aberdeen a warm, friendly and welcoming city, regardless of the granite!

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Author:-ANDREW REGAN