Aberdeen Area

Drum Castle

Ellon

Aberdeen Harbour

Area Main Page

Aberdeen is Scotland's third city, and usually known as the Granite City after its main building material. It has been an important centre since at least the 1100s when King David I established a port at the mouth of the River Dee.

The sea has been vital to Aberdeen throughout its history, and it remains so. In 1970 oil was discovered in the North Sea and Aberdeen became the major service centre for the many oilfields: as well as the location for the headquarters of many of the oil companies. This has made its airport one of the busiest in the UK, and transformed the fortunes of the city and the surrounding area.

For the visitor, Aberdeen offers a wide range of accommodation and all the shopping, restaurants, bars and other services you might want. It also has a fine city centre focused on the grand, mile long, Union Street. And for those looking for a slightly more peaceful environment Aberdeen also has an attractive two mile long sandy beach stretching between the mouths of the River Don to the north and the River Dee to the south. But before you think of unpacking the swimming costume, remember that Aberdeen is further north than Moscow.

Many visitors will find Aberdeen's most attractive nooks and crannies in the area between Union Street and the harbour: though the large and busy harbour itself reflects the city's continuing and very active role supporting the oil industry. Overlooking the harbour is the excellent Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Meanwhile Old Aberdeen continues to convey much of historical interest, as well as being home to St Machar's Cathedral. An unexpected treasure lies in the reception of the headquarters of Aberdeenshire Council, on the edge of the city, where you find the Rhynie Man, a remarkable carved Pictish figure.

All roads in Aberdeenshire seem to lead to, or from, Aberdeen, so we will look at the remainder of the area with this in mind. Heading west from Aberdeen takes you along the River Dee through Peterculter. The A93 through Deeside towards Banchory passes two superb castles, Drum Castle and Crathes Castle. A little to their north is the village of Echt. The surrounding area is especially rich in prehistoric remains, including the Cullerlie, Sunhoney and Midmar Kirk Stone Circles.

The route north west from Aberdeen is the A96, which leads past Dyce, Kintore and Inverurie en route to Moray. Dyce is home to Aberdeen Airport and, less well known, to the Dyce Symbol Stones. Kintore is a historic town, with origins that date back to the Romans, who built a large fort here. West of Kintore is the magnificent Castle Fraser, while a little further west is the attractive village of Monymusk, with the nearby Cluny Kirkyard.

Inverurie has a great deal to offer the visitor. As well as the town itself, you can find the remains of a motte and bailey castle, the Bass, just to the south, near the historic Kinkell Church. To the north of the town is a Pictish stone in the middle of a housing estate, the Brandesbutt Stone, and the site of the Battle of Harlaw. The Easter Aquhorthies stone circle lies a few miles west of Inverurie, while the Maiden Stone, one of the most magnificent of all Pictish stones, can be found a few miles north west of it.

Following the A947 from Aberdeen brings you to Oldmeldrum, which is five miles north east of Inverurie. Carrying on up the A947 takes you close to Fyvie Castle. Not far west of Oldmeldrum is the Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle. Travelling east from Oldmeldrum brings you to the village of Pitmedden, home to the superb Pitmedden Garden. North of here you pass the access to Tolquhon Castle en route to the attractive village of Tarves, home to the Tolquhon Tomb. Nearby is Haddo House.

Travelling north from Aberdeen along the A90 takes you to Ellon, the ancient gateway to Buchan. Along the coast are a series of villages including Newburgh, Collieston and Cruden Bay, while near the latter is brooding ruin of Slains Castle: a candidate for the title of Scotland's oddest and perhaps spookiest ruin.