Aberdeen
Aberdeen has always been known as the granite city - probably the look of anger in Aberdonian faces when they realise they are going to live there all their lives. Once a fishing town facing the North Sea which is pretty bleak. In the 1970s everything changed and oil was discovered and the rest is history. Aberdeen is now the oil town and it may not be exactly gold rush with Versace on every corner, but there is in a dour aberdonian way a lot of money around as sex starved oil workers hit the town. (Actually I am making that up, I think).
Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland. Aberdeen is essentially a seafaring city, which traces its origin to 1124. Located around the mouths of River Dee and River Don, it is well connected by air and sea with Aberdeen Heliport being one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world; and the seaport the largest in the north-east of . It is the educational hub of North East Scotland and is home to the prestigious Universities of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon. The main economic stay of this city is papermaking and shipping industry along with its flag ship industry of oil. It is popularly known as the energy capital of Europe for its rich oil reserves in North Sea.
Aberdeen undeniably has one of the most stellar townscapes in , where you can enjoy the glitter of silver granite in all its columns and spires, which sparkle like diamonds in the sun! Aberdeen offers a heady cocktail of the cosmopolitan aura tagged to its oil economy and the timeless charm of the rural Aberdeenshire, well represented by the many hole- in the -wall shops where you can shop for anything under the sun! The indoor shopping malls of St. Nicholas and Bon-Accord ensure a high end shopping experience for those who want to make their life a big celebration. Aberdeen’s Pubs and restaurants dish out an enticing variety of culinary delights, from traditional Scottish to eastern and exotic.
The city offers the slice of its cultural life in many of its venues like the Lemon Tree where piping hot concerts hit the stage and the His Majesty’s Theatre, one of the finest Edwardian theatres in . The local pubs belt out some of the best folk music while you can savor some of the latest Scottish Rock at the City’s music hall.Aberdeen is well known for its well kept Rose gardens and parks, which paint the town in vibrant hues and shades. The Winter Gardens in Duthie Park houses one of the largest covered displays in Europe. From fun beach to bars, cafes, night clubs and golf clubs, this city promises a red carpet welcome to its guests. The Linx Ice Arena and Codona’s Amusement Park, the biggest permanent fun fair in the whole of are particularly popular among families. The football fans should not miss out Pittodrie Stadium- the venue of the Scottish premier League football.
The culture vultures could scoop down on the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which has an impressive chronological collection from the 18th century to the 20th century while the Maritime Museum takes you to the wonders of the unfathomable blue bottoms of the ocean through multi media displays and exciting exhibitions on fishing and offshore oil industry among others. Walk the memory lane at the Marischal Museum, which parades some of the best archeological collections from Scottish, Greek and Egyptian history while you can experience the essence of the opulent architectural styles at Provost Skene’s House – a 16th century town house, embellished with period furnishings. The fine assortment of classy restaurants and a lively nightlife coupled with a crammed festival calendar and shops galore makes this third largest Scottish city, well worth a visit. Last but not least this capital city of Grampian Highlands offer the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail, where you can rummage through as many as eight distilleries in this city.
Expect a cold wind to blow through the streets in the winter. Aberdeen faces the full fury of the North Sea. The locals are not blushing at your jokes. They are simply flushed with cold air! |
