Aberdeen

Aberdeen Travel Guide

• About Aberdeen

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, balancing 8,000 years of history with a modern-day role as an oil industry powerhouse. While Glasgow and Edinburgh might outrank it in size and style, a trip to Aberdeen today reveals somewhere with a modern pulse, strong heritage and a lively cultural scene. The country’s largest national park and an imposing coastline both sit nearby. Aberdeen has become a city worth exploring in its own right. Built on the banks of the rivers Dee and Don, Aberdeen is widely known as The Granite City – a reference to the hardy, silvery rock used in much of its iconic architecture. On sunny days, the city’s buildings sparkle. The heart of Old Aberdeen lies across the Brig O’Balgownie (one of the oldest bridges in Britain), and it’s here that you’ll find the 500-year-old King’s College and its famous dome-crowned tower. Elsewhere, prominent sights include the neo-gothic Town House in Union Street, the castellated Citadel on Castlegate, and the striking Marischal College on Broad Street. Aberdeen’s other face – that of the “Oil Capital of Europe” – comes thanks to the discovery of North Sea oil back in the 1970s, followed by gas. It helped transform the city from one of the poorest in the UK to one of the richest. As a result of local transport, accommodation, and businesses improving, the airport and port expanded. A cosmopolitan vibe, busy arts calendar and buzzing café culture began to accompany the city’s rise in fortunes. Annual festivals cover everything from jazz to science, while the dining scene now ranges from traditional tearooms to high-end restaurants. The region has welcomed other visitor developments too. Donald Trump controversially opened a £1 billion golf complex, (the ‘world’s greatest golf course’), in Aberdeenshire in 2012, with a championship links course, a luxury hotel, and a golf academy.

• Aberdeen History

One of the oldest cities in the UK, Aberdeen started life more than 8,000 years ago and was made up of two settlements: Old Aberdeen close to the mouth of the River Don and New Aberdeen, where a stream met the River Dee. Thanks to its waterside location, it swiftly became a key trading port, exporting wool, hides and other goods to England and beyond. England was a source of much strife in years to come, not least during the reign of Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots, whose armies ruled the city. Robert the Bruce laid siege to Aberdeen Castle in 1308 and retook the city. But by 1336, the English were back, and the city was burned by Edward III before being rebuilt and fortified. Despite the ravages of the Black Death, the subsequent centuries and union with England brought peace and the opportunity to trade. Much of its prosperity came from fishing and transporting goods but during the 18th and 19th centuries, agriculture, granite quarrying and manufacturing brought yet more wealth to fill the city’s coffers. The dawn of the 20th century found Aberdeen prospering, but like the rest of the UK, it would suffer grievously during WWI and the Great Depression that followed. During WWII, the city was heavily bombed with one Luftwaffe raid seeing no fewer than 129 bombs dropped on the centre. Post-war Aberdeen was heavily bomb-damaged, with a decline in manufacturing adding to the city’s malaise. But the discovery of oil in the North Sea was to change its fortunes once more, with Aberdeen now a hub of UK oil production. Today, aside from its architecture, the city is famed for its 45 parks and gardens and its plethora of flowers. Millions of roses, crocuses and daffodils have been planted across the city, helping Aberdeen to win the annual Scotland in Bloom competition no less than 20 times.

• Did you know?

Established in 1136, Aberdeen Harbour Board is Britain’s oldest business. The first photograph of a comet was taken in Aberdeen in 1882. The Thermopylae, the fastest sailing ship ever built, was made in the city in 1868.

• Weather in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has an oceanic climate marked by warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year with 20 to 24 rainy days a month, so pack a raincoat with you. Spring (March to May) is mild with an average high of 8°C (46°F) in March and 13°C (55°F) in May. Visitors will also adore the sweet vibes during the Aberdeen Jazz Festival in March. Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Aberdeen as the weather is warm and the city plays host to a string of festivals. Days are wonderfully long, reaching 18 hours during the summer solstice thanks to its northern latitude. In July, the average high is 18°C (64°F) while the average low is 10°C (50°F). Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures falling steadily and by November, the average high drops to 8°C (46°F) while the average low is 3°C (37°F). Winter (December to February) is wet and cold with visitors tend to be skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts visiting the nearby ski resorts (Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee and The Lecht). In January, the average high is 5°C (41°F) while the average low is 0°C (32°F).

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Things to see in Aberdeen

Attractions

• Duthie Park

Bordering the River Dee, Duthie Park is 18 hectares (44 acres) of verdant public space, which was donated to Aberdeen in 1880 by Miss Elizabeth Duthie. Today it features boating ponds, playgrounds, and plenty of wildlife. Don’t miss out on the David Welch Winter Gardens, a vast indoor space containing tropical, Japanese, and arid conservatories including the most extensive collection of cacti in Britain. Address: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 585310 Opening times: Open 24 hours. Website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Union Street and Kirk of St Nicholas

Union Street is the thriving heart of the city. Many of Aberdeen’s main attractions are surrounded by it, including the accomplished Union Street Bridge built in the 19th century. While the Aberdeen Art Gallery is undergoing refurbishment with expectations to reopen in late 2018 or early 2019, seek out nearby Kirk of St Nicholas instead with its 12th-century clerestory windows, ornate relics, and kirkyard. Address: New Vestry, Back Wynd, Aberdeen. Telephone:+44 1224 643494 Opening times: Wed-Thu 10:00-13:00. Website: www.urc.org.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Marischal College

The grandiose Marischal College on Broad Street is the second-largest granite structure in the world. A two-year renovation project of the former university structure has rejuvenated the stunning exterior, while the vast interiors now mostly contain Aberdeen City Council offices and university events space. It’s must-see architecture worth viewing from many angles. Address: Broad Street, Aberdeen. Telephone:: +44 300 0200292 Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00. Website: www.abdn.ac.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Maritime Museum

No visit to Aberdeen is complete without a visit to the historic harbour area. The excellent Maritime Museum is located on a site with Provost Ross’s House, which is reputed to be the oldest building in the city. Multimedia displays tell the exciting history of Aberdeen’s intimate connection with the ocean. Address: Shiprow, Aberdeen. Telephone:  +44 300 0200293 Opening times: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-15:00. Website: www.aagm.co.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Old Aberdeen and King’s College

The centrepiece of old Aberdeen is the King’s College (now united with Marischal College to form the University of Aberdeen) with its imposing buildings and quadrangle. Its chapel houses 15th-century artefacts, while the King’s Museum displays exhibitions encompassing history, science and art. Nearby, the 15th-century St Machar’s Cathedral overlooks Seaton Park and the River Don. Address: Kings Quad, High St, Aberdeen. Telephone:  +44 1224 272000 Opening times: Open 24 hours. Website: www.abdn.ac.uk Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Aberdeen Science Centre

Close to the Esplanade, the informative Aberdeen Science Centre (also known as Satrosphere Science Centre) is a hands-on museum that provides visitors with an interactive way of learning more about science. Featuring debates, shows, workshops, and over 50 exhibitions, this centre also includes live science demonstrations and planetarium shows that are ideal for the entire family. Address: 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 640340 Opening times: Daily 10:00-16:30. Website: www.aberdeensciencecentre.org  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Peacock Visual Arts

North East Scotland’s leading contemporary visual arts centre organises various local and international art exhibitions. A second smaller gallery displays and sells original prints, many of which are produced at Peacock’s in-house printmaking facilities. For those without a clue about printing and etching, Peacock also runs classes. Address: 21 Castle St, Aberdeen. Telephone:  +44 1224 639539 Opening times: Tue-Sat 09:30-17:30. Website: www.peacockvisualarts.com  Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Codona’s Amusement Park and The Boardwalk

For something different, head to Codona’s Amusement Park. This seafront complex has a live music and entertainment stage, a 4D motion ride theatre and an amusement park with rollercoasters, log flume, waltzers and other gut-churning rides. Nearby is The House of Fun, a family centre with trampolines, 10-pin bowling alleys, pool halls, bingo competitions, bar and restaurant. Address: Beach Blvd, Aberdeen. Telephone:  +44 1224 595910 Opening times: Daily 10:00-23:00. Website: www.codonas.com  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Cruickshank Botanic Garden

Address: St Machar Dr, Aberdeen. Telephone:  +44 1224 272704 Opening times: Daily 08:30-20:30. Website: www.abdn.ac.uk Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Aberdeen Information Centre

Address: 23 Union St, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 269180 Opening times: Tue-Sat 09:30-17:00. Website: www.visitscotland.com Situated close to the city centre’s bus and train stations. The staff are very knowledgeable and can help with planning excursions and booking accommodation. There’s also public Internet access, as well as a selection of tourist literature and guides (some of them free).

Things to do in Aberdeen

• Dust off your chef’s whites at a cookery school

Scottish food has been enjoying a renaissance recently and TV chef Nick Nairn can teach you how to whip up the best of it at

Nick Nairn Cook School

Offering a number of themed classes, chefs-in-waiting can choose courses that cover everything from beef wellingtons to full introductions to Scottish cookery.

Telephone: +44 1877 389900 Website: www.nicknairncookschool.com

• Learn to surf along the Balmedie beaches

Scotland might not have Maui’s reputation for huge tubes, but just seven miles from Aberdeen are the sandy beaches of Balmedie, which boast good surfing – remember to bring a wetsuit. Aberdeen Beach has plenty of decent wave areas. If you’re just starting out, former Scottish ladies surf champion Dee can get you standing on your own two feet at Suds Surf School Telephone: +44 7793 063849 Website: www.surfschoolscotland.co.uk

• Ski until your legs burn at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre

One of the best ski and snowboard facilities in the country Aberdeen Snowsports Centre Is where city slickers turn into downhill skiers. Telephone: +44 1224 810215 Website: www.aberdeensnowsports.com There are three main dry ski slopes to choose from as well as a nursery slope for beginners. If you don’t rate your skills, you can grab a rubber ring and tube down instead.

• Tackle one of Scotland’s best golf courses

Carnoustie May be known for Jean Van Der Velde’s infamous 18th hole collapse at The Open Championship in 1999, but not all rounds at this classy course end in the water. But if it’s still too daunting, Telephone: +44 1241 802270 Website: www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk Hazelhead Golf Club Has three courses to pick from, including nine holes for the enthusiastic beginner. Telephone: +44 1224 310711 Website: www.hazelheadgolfclub.co.uk

• Take the plunge with a day of coasteering

You won’t want to do it during the wintery months, but coasteering in the warmer seasons is a first-degree blast. Adventure First Can run you through this high-octane sport, which involves scaling the coastlines, scrambling over rocks, and plunging into the North Sea. Telephone: +44 1224 938583 Website: www.adventurefirst.co.uk

Aberdeen tours and excursions

Aberdeen tours

• Walking tours

For a city with such a rich history, a guide can bring Aberdeen to life. Bespoke tours, including walking tours, can be arranged through the tourist office. Dr Fiona Jane-Brown of Hidden Aberdeen runs a host of exciting walking tours including a murder history tour, Burkers and Body-Snatchers, and Aberdeen’s blitz experience. Telephone:  +44 1414 740746 Website: www.walkingtoursin.com

Aberdeen excursions

• Balmoral Castle

The most famous of the region’s 350 castles is Balmoral Castle at Ballater, the summer residence of the Royal Family situated 80km (50 miles) west of Aberdeen. It was first rented by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1948 and it’s been a favourite royal residence ever since. Visitors can tour parts of the castle including the Grand Ballroom and enjoy guided walks through the extensive grounds amid Highland scenery. Telephone: +44 1339 742534 Website: www.balmoralcastle.com

• Glenfiddich Distillery

Over half of Scotland’s fine malt whiskies are produced in the Aberdeenshire and Speyside region, so no trip is complete without tasting a wee dram of Scotland’s finest. Most distilleries offer guided tours, and some have visitor centres and gift shops. Amongst the best is the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, 84km (52 miles) from Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1340 820373 Website: www.glenfiddich.com

Shopping in Aberdeen

When it comes to shopping in Aberdeen there’s certainly something for everyone. Union Square, the most significant shopping and leisure location in the city, has over 50 well-known international stores and over 30 restaurants. Most shopping stores shut at 2000 hours.

• Key areas

There is a profusion of smaller independent shops dotted around the city. For traditional kilts (available for purchase or hire) and a good grade of Scottish souvenirs and gifts, try Alex Scott & Co Address: 16 Queen’s Rd, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 627170 For traditional country and leisurewear, try Country Ways (115 Holburn Street). For seriously stylish Scottish homeware and gifts, ranging from Harris tweed clocks to tartan greetings cards, pop into Teasel & Tweed (85 Rosemount Viaduct). The West End is also useful for unique designer boutiques.

• Markets

The award-winning International Street Market visits the city quarterly and features over 70 stalls piled high with food, flowers, and crafts from across Europe. Aberdeen Country Fair, on Little Belmont Street, sells mainly food and crafts from the northeast of Scotland. This market opens on the last Saturday of every month between 0900-1700 hours, with extra dates in December.

• Shopping centres

Aberdeen’s snazziest mall is Union Square on Guild Street and Market Street. It is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, plus a multi-screen cinema. Also crammed with high-street stores is the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre on George Street. You can also stock up on your favourite designer brands at The Academy on Belmont Street before sipping cocktails in the open courtyard.

• Opening hours

Most of the big retailers are open seven days a week while smaller shops may close on Sundays. Shops typically close at around 1730/1800 hours, although Union Square remains open until 2000 hours on weekdays.

• Souvenirs

Kilts, jewellery, shortbread, whisky and woollen jumpers are just some of the many memories that you can pick up in Aberdeen.

• Tax information

A VAT of 20% is added in the United Kingdom. If you live outside the EU, however, you can sometimes claim back VAT (value-added tax). Website: www.gov.uk

Restaurants in Aberdeen

There is a wide range of choice when it comes to dining out in Aberdeen, from quality fish and chips and homey cafés to smart restaurants serving the finest Scots seafood, beef and game. Avowed gastronomes should check out the city’s old market area around The Green to sample Aberdeen’s emerging culinary talent. The Aberdeen restaurants below have been handpicked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over £40) Moderate (£25 to £40) Cheap (up to £25) These Aberdeen restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent,tax, and service. A service charge of 12.5% will be added to your bill in most restaurants. If service is not included, 10% tipping is customary.

Expensive

• Blairs Restaurant

Cuisine: Scottish, British Set in the grand Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, a 19th-century mansion house in the peaceful Aberdeenshire countryside, this restaurant serves up modern European and Scottish dishes using fine local ingredients. Address: South Deeside Road, Ardoe, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 860600 Website: www.ardoehousehotel.co.uk 

• Silver Darling

Cuisine: French, British, and seafood Large windows overlook Aberdeen harbour at this excellent restaurant set in a former customs house. It specialises in seafood with a French twist, courtesy of its Gallic owner Didier Dejean. Oysters, scallops, langoustines and sea bass are just some of the fruits that may appear on the ever-changing menu. Address: Porca Quay, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 576229 Website: www.thesilverdarling.co.uk

• The Conservatory Restaurant at the Marcliffe

Cuisine: Modern British Located at the venerable Marcliffe Hotel, the high-end and relaxed Conservatory is arguably Aberdeen’s premier pick for a special occasion or romantic meal. Expect extra-friendly service, a changing seasonal menu, the best in Scottish produce, and an extensive wine list of 400 labels, not to mention the bread and ice-cream made on the premises. Address: Middleton of Pitfodels, N Deeside Rd, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 861000 Website: www.marcliffe.com

Moderate

• Café 52

Cuisine: Modern British This well-established and pioneering eatery in the old market square serves imaginative food in a contemporary art-filled warehouse space. There is a variety of changing, seasonal menus to choose from, including an excellent tapas menu, a sharing antipasto platter, and an outstanding (and reasonably priced) selection for lunch. Booking recommended. Address: 52 The Green, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 590094 Website: www.cafe52onthegreen.co.uk 

• The Ashvale

Cuisine: British and seafood Among the best fish and chippies in northeast Scotland. Dine in the 200-seat restaurant or take away. Lightly battered haddock and cod are what lure most diners, but poached and grilled fish dishes also make a good choice. Tackle an entire Ashvale Whale (1b cod fillet) to win a certificate, free dessert, or another whale. Address: 42-48 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 575842 Website: www.menu.theashvale.co.uk

Cheap

• Goulash

Cuisine: Hungarian Goulash is a unique place to experience hospitality and friendliness in the only home of authentic Hungarian cuisine, wines and spirits in Scotland. It is a miniature restaurant, well undersized to cater for all: Vegetarians, Children, the Cosmopolitan public and to those discernible customers having an open mind and versatile palate to savour something different. Our A la Carte menu is structured on fixed price & multiple choice. We can also prepare favourite dishes from the past if requested by our regulars with prior notice given. Address: 17 Adelphi, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 210530 Website: www.goulashrestaurant.co.uk

• Chilli Flames Aberdeen

Cuisine: Fast food At Chilli Flames we are all about flavour! We have worked hard to create a secret range of marinades and sauces that cover all of our chicken. Our chicken is always fresh and never frozen. Address: 25 Bridge St, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 582083 Website: www.chilliflamesaberdeen.com

Aberdeen Nightlife

Catering for its student population and transient workforce attracted by the oil industry, Aberdeen has a cosmopolitan mix of bars and nightclubs with something for all tastes and preferences. Much of the best nightlife is around Union Street. Whether you want to see the latest pop group, listen to classical music or sample the city’s growing craft beer scene, you’ll be able to do it all in Aberdeen. For comprehensive listings of what’s on Website: www.list.co.uk Buy tickets direct from the venue or through Ticketmaster  Website: www.ticketmaster.co.uk TicketWeb Website: www.ticketweb.co.uk

Bars in Aberdeen

• BrewDog Aberdeen

Native to Aberdeenshire, and a pioneer of the city’s craft beer renaissance, BrewDog’s flagship bar is set in a funky, warehouse-like space. Expect a cavernous deconstructed interior with wooden stools, bare walls, and enthusiastic staff serving 100 different brews with strong and feisty flavours, including guest beers. Address: 17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 631223 Website: www.brewdog.com

• Prince of Wales

Dating from 1850, the Prince of Wales is renowned for its handsome Victorian bar, carved wooden features, finely etched mirrors, and partition seating. Expect a decent selection of real ales and pub grub, too. Each Sunday from 2030 hours there’s a free-for-all acoustic music jam. Address: 7 St Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 640597 Website: www.belhaven.co.uk

• Slain’s Castle

Drawing inspiration from the ruins of Slains Castle, which were said to have influenced the setting of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this pub has a gothic core and also offers food and cocktails. Set in an old church, it attracts a young and student crowd who lap up the horror-themed cocktails and drinks promotions. Events range from open mics and live music gigs to pub quizzes and game nights. Address: 14-18 Belmont Street, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 631877 Website: www.eerie-pubs.co.uk

Clubs in Aberdeen

• Babylon

Housed in a former monastery, this gothic inspired venue is one of the city’s premier nightspots for the smart set. Expect dark, decadent interiors, glam waitresses, and fabulous cocktails. Situated just below the glitzy venue is the more laid-back College Bar, which is one of the best sports bars in town. Address: 9 Alford Place, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 595001

• Espionage Arcadia

With four bars and two dance floors across three stories, Espionage is a gargantuan space that plays chart music, pop, cheesy tunes, and mainstream dance music. Open every day of the week, it’s a popular and populist affair that brings in punters through its cheap drink deals. Address: 120 Union Street, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 561006 Website: www.arcadiabarandgames.com

• The Tippling House

A new addition to Aberdeen’s nightlife scene, The Tippling House is a subterranean joint that changes from a casual evening hangout for quality food and drink to a sophisticated late night underground drinking den, with a members club feel. Expect an innovative cocktail menu, tasting events, and excellent seafood. Address: 4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen. Website: www.thetipplinghouse.com 

Live music in Aberdeen

• Noose & Monkey

In the heart of the beguiling Rosemount area, this pub and cellar venue is a top spot for live gigs. It’s a good place to start a night out before heading next door to Cellar 35, an intimate 80 capacity venue. Events span the gamut from guitar music to eclectic DJ sets. Address: 31-35 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 640483 Website: www.thenooseandmonkey.com

• Music Hall

Currently undergoing a £7m refurbishment is the city’s premier concert space. It hosts a wide variety of shows, performances, and events with everyone from violinist Nicola Benedetti and BBC Scottish Symphony to the National Jazz Orchestra. Completed in 1822, the Music Hall opened to the public in 1859, it features stunning murals dating back to 1899. Address: Union Street, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 641122 Website: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

• The Lemon Tree

Cutting edge performances are the hallmark of The Lemon Tree. It’s a buzzy venue focusing on alternative entertainment and experimental music as well as emergent talent in theatre, dance, and comedy. It also features a first floor Studio for intimate performances showcasing theatre and dance productions, as well as two relaxing bars. Address: 5 West North Street, Aberdeen. Telephone: +44 1224 641122 Website: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

Aberdeen Food And Drink

Food In Aberdeen

• Aberdeen Rowie

A buttery, also known as a rowie or Aberdeen roll, is a savoury Scottish bread roll. The rowie, which has the buttery richness of a croissant, but with extra heartiness, was traditionally eaten for breakfast by workers and fishermen.

• Cullen Skink

Cullen skink is a thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. An authentic Cullen skink will use finnan haddie, but it may be prepared with any other undyed smoked haddock. This soup is a local speciality from the town of Cullen in Moray on the northeast coast of Scotland.

• Ice cream Scotland

Ice cream is a frozen dessert typically made from milk or cream that has been flavoured with a sweetener, either sugar or an alternative, and a spice, such as cocoa or vanilla, or with fruit, such as strawberries or peaches. Food colouring is sometimes added in addition to stabilizers.

• Stovies

Stovies is a Scottish dish that’s mainly made from potatoes, fat and onions with some meat thrown in for good measure. Some people also put vegetables into their stovies but it varies from recipe to recipe.

• Lorne Sausage

It is thought that the sausage is named after the region of Lorne in Argyll; advertisements for ‘Lorne Sausage’ have been found in newspapers as early as 1892. This was long before comedian Tommy Lorne, after whom the sausage has been said to be named, became well-known.

• Scotch Pie

A Scotch pie is a small, double-crust meat pie, traditionally filled with minced mutton (whereby also called a mutton pie) but now generally beef, sometimes lamb.

• Bridie

A bridie or Forfar bridie is a Scottish type of meat pastry or pie, originally from the town of Forfar, reminiscent of a Cornish pasty, but made without potato.

• Haggis

Haggis is the national dish of Scotland, a type of pudding composed of the liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep (or other animal), minced and mixed with beef or mutton suet and oatmeal and seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper, and other spices.

• Neeps and Tatties

It is always served with mashed potatoes (called “tatties”) and mashed turnips (called “neeps”). Keep in mind that depending on where you are located, neeps may mean something different. In England, neeps are considered turnips. However, in Scotland, neeps are considered rutabaga.

Drink In Aberdeen

• Scottish whiskey

Aberdeen Is Home To A Record Number of Whiskey Distilleries. Scottish whiskey is famous all over the world for its quality and history, and distilleries all over the country have been perfecting their craft for literally hundreds of years.

Aberdeen Hotels

Built grandly and largely from grey granite, Aberdeen blends spectacularly with its surroundings, glittering against the North Sea skies. Merchant money built this city and oil money continues to fuel it. The city has hotels, restaurants and clubs on a par with Edinburgh and London and many of the best places to stay in Aberdeen would certainly claim to rival those, but luckily there are plenty of attractions not priced for oil barons. Aberdeen has always been a powerhouse of a city. Built on the North Sea estuary of the Rivers Dee and Don, Aberdeen began as a great port. Much of Aberdeen’s appeal is in its grand granite city, also known for its green parks and communal spaces, but some of its appeal is in its surrounds too and the best places to stay in Aberdeen give you acess to all this. To the lovely beaches all along the coastline; the dramatic Cairngorms to the west, and whisky country in the interior. Aberdeen makes a fantastic city break destination, and some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Aberdeen are perfect for a flying visit — conveniently located for all the highlights. Like the Brig O’Balgownie — which is one of the oldest bridges in Britain. Other highlights include many of Aberdeen’s oldest buildings: the Citadel, 500 year old Kings College, Gothic triumph Marischal College, and Union Street, the main shopping street, lined with impressively solid Victorian buildings. Other sights worth a look are the Maritime Museum, with its replica North Sea oil platform; The Old Town House Museum, at the north end of High St, where you can find out more about the city; the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which features work by Francis Bacon and Damien Hirst; and one of other of the myriad of whisky tours on offer.