Aberdeen

Aberdeen and the Grampian region, located in the northeast of Scotland, offer a unique blend of coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and rugged natural landscapes. Aberdeen, Scotland’s third-largest city, is often called the “Granite City” due to its many grey-stone buildings.  These sparkle in the sunlight thanks to the high mica content in the granite. It is also known as the “Oil Capital of Europe” because of its key role in the North Sea oil industry.

The city boasts a striking contrast between its urban centre and surrounding natural beauty. The city’s architecture is characterised by grand Victorian and Edwardian structures. Marischal College is one of the largest granite buildings in the world. The harbour area is still a vibrant working port, offering scenic views and a chance to witness the offshore oil industry in action.

Culturally, Aberdeen offers a variety of galleries, museums, and theatres, such as the Aberdeen Art Gallery and His Majesty’s Theatre. The city is also home to Aberdeen University.  This is one of the oldest universities in the UK, founded in 1495. Old Aberdeen is a charming historic district featuring cobbled streets, the medieval St. Machar’s Cathedral, and King’s College.

The regions combine the energy of a modern, economically important city with the tranquillity and natural beauty of rural Scotland.  This makes it a destination rich in both culture and adventure.

Grampian

The Grampian region, which surrounds Aberdeen, encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from the North Sea coastline to the towering peaks of the Cairngorms National Park. The area is famous for its castles, such as Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British royal family, and Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea. The Castle Trail leads visitors to over a dozen historical castles, each with its own story.

Grampian is also a key part of Scotland’s whisky-producing heartland, known as Speyside. It is home to many of Scotland’s most famous distilleries, including Glenfiddich and The Macallan. Whisky enthusiasts can explore the Malt Whisky Trail.  This scenic route takes visitors to some of the finest distilleries in the world.

Nature lovers are drawn to the Grampian Highlands, where they can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK.  It offers breathtaking mountain scenery, lochs, forests, and a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and Scottish wildcats.