Scotland

Although the city of Aberdeen is now closely associated with the oil industry the city has an interesting and rather long history. Evidence shows that people have inhabited the area for some 8,000 years or more. Known as the “Granite City”, and also as the “Silver City” or the “Silver City with the Golden Sands” Aberdeen is the third largest city in the nation of Scotland.

Aberdeen has a fascinating selection of museums and art galleries and other cultural tourist attractions but most people visit the city to indulge in the lively vibrant nightlife. For those looking for such entertainment Aberdeen has various classy restaurants and bistros, wild nightclubs, numerous cafes and bars and a varied selection of festivals. For the younger visitor there is the incredibly popular 2 mile beach with the usual selection of fairground rides and other seaside attractions.

Of special note is the House of Fun which is situated along the Beach Esplanade. The House of Fun has a whole host of various fun areas over two floors including popular driving games and other video games, simulators, the foam factory, the family amusement arcade and much, much more.

Obviously the House of Fun is great for kids but there is also much to keep the adults entertained. For those who like to gamble there is a cash arcade and bingo. There are also places to buy gifts and souvenirs but if you want your entertainment a little more adult then there are also various places to eat with such features as large screen tv and even live music.

Aberdeen has plenty to keep the keen shopper entertained with a number of malls and markets. The main shopping area can be found at Union Street but, if you enjoy shopping, you really need to visit the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre which has a large number of shops on two levels. Other noteworthy shopping areas are The Academy and The Mall shopping centres.

Aberdeen’s history includes many stories of sporting excellence.

Aberdeen, like many other places in Scotland, has a long association with the game of golf. Way back in 1780 the world’s sixth oldest golf club was founded, the “Society of Golfers at Aberdeen”. In 1903 the club was awarded Royal status and was renamed the “Royal Aberdeen Golf Club” (having changed it’s name to Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815) and the club has two golf courses, the Silverburn Course and the Championship Links at Balgownie. There are six public golf courses in Aberdeen; Hazlehead (3 courses, 2 x 18-hole, 1 x 9-hole Pitch and Putt), Balnagask Golf Course (2 courses 1 x 18-hole, 1 x 6-hole) and Auchmill Golf Course.

Aberdeen has some excellent sports facilities for various sports but soccer has for more than the last 100 years been one of the most popular. In 1903 the city’s main soccer team, Aberdeen FC, was formed which has had some noteworthy successes, especially while Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson CBE was the manager.