Aberdeenshire

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is a vast and beautiful area of mountains, forests, and moorland, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing. It's also home to a wide range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and otters.

The Whisky Trail

Aberdeenshire is also known for its whisky production, and the Whisky Trail takes visitors on a tour of some of the area's top distilleries. The trail includes the Glenlivet Distillery, the Macallan Distillery, and the Strathisla Distillery, among others.

WELCOME TO aberdeenshire

Province Overview

Main city

aberDEEN

AREA

6,313 km²

POPULATION

261,800

Main language

English

Popular

Geography and Tourist Attractions

Information about the province's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle is a large estate located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It has been the Scottish home of the British royal family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by her husband Prince Albert in 1852. The estate covers approximately 50,000 acres of land and includes a castle, gardens, and various other buildings. The current Balmoral Castle was built in 1856 and has been expanded and renovated over the years. It is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public during certain times of the year. The estate is also known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and hunting.

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle dates back to the early Middle Ages, and it played a significant role in the history of Scotland, serving as a strategic stronghold and a royal residence for several centuries. The castle is situated on a rocky promontory that juts out into the North Sea, providing an ideal natural defense against attackers. Its strategic location made it an important stronghold, and it was fought over by various clans and armies throughout its history.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a museum located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was opened in 1984 and is housed in a converted 16th-century merchant's house in the historic Shiprow area of the city. The museum tells the story of Aberdeen's long relationship with the sea, from the days of sail and clipper ships to the modern offshore oil industry. The galleries feature displays on shipbuilding, fishing, and the city's role in the North Sea oil industry.

Political

Economy and Government

Aberdeenshire is a county located in the northeast of Scotland. The local economy is diverse and includes various sectors such as agriculture, fishing, tourism, and energy. The local government of Aberdeenshire is responsible for managing the public services and infrastructure in the region.

Agriculture plays a significant role in Aberdeenshire's economy, with livestock farming being the most common type of agricultural activity. The region is also known for its production of crops such as barley, potatoes, and oilseed rape.

Fishing is another important industry in Aberdeenshire, with the region being home to several fishing ports such as Peterhead and Fraserburgh. The fishing industry in Aberdeenshire mainly focuses on the catching and processing of whitefish and shellfish.

Tourism is also a major contributor to the local economy, with Aberdeenshire's stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and historic sites attracting visitors from all over the world. The region is home to several famous tourist destinations such as Balmoral Castle, Dunnottar Castle, and the Whisky Trail.

Energy is another important sector in Aberdeenshire's economy, with the region being a hub for the offshore oil and gas industry. The region also has significant potential for renewable energy, with several wind farms and hydroelectric projects already in operation.

Aberdeenshire Council is the local government authority responsible for managing the public services and infrastructure in the region. The council is composed of 70 elected councillors who represent the different areas of Aberdeenshire.

The council's responsibilities include managing education, social services, housing, roads, and waste management. The council also works with local communities and businesses to promote economic growth and development in the region.

The council is led by a Provost, who is the civic head of Aberdeenshire, and a council leader, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the council. The council also has several committees, each responsible for specific areas such as finance, planning, and infrastructure.

History

History and Culture

Aberdeenshire is a historic county located in the northeast of Scotland. It covers a large area and is home to many notable historical and cultural sites.

The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Stone Age. The Picts, an ancient Celtic people, also left their mark on the area with several standing stones and stone circles still visible today. In the Middle Ages, Aberdeenshire was a major center of power for the Scottish monarchy, and many castles and fortifications were built during this time. The county played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the Battle of Barra in 1308 being a particularly important event. During the Industrial Revolution, Aberdeenshire became a major center for textile production, and many of the area's historic buildings date from this time.

Aberdeenshire is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in the areas of music and literature. Traditional Scottish music is very popular in the area, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. The Doric dialect, a distinct form of Scots, is also spoken in Aberdeenshire and is often used in literature and poetry. The county is also famous for its food and drink, with Aberdeen Angus beef and whiskey being particularly well-known products. The area is home to many museums and galleries, showcasing the history and art of the region. Additionally, the Scottish traditional dance of ceilidh is also popular in the area and often a feature at weddings and other social events.

Overall, Aberdeenshire is a region steeped in history and culture, with many fascinating sites and traditions to explore.

HOTELS

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

Located in Pitfodels, Aberdeen, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a spa. It is situated in a tranquil setting with landscaped gardens and is just a short drive from the city center.

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel

Located on the south side of Aberdeen, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and excellent amenities including a gym, pool, and restaurant. It is also a popular venue for conferences and events.

The Fife Arms Hotel

Located in Braemar, this hotel is a historic landmark and has recently undergone extensive renovations to restore it to its former glory. It offers elegant accommodations, fine dining, and a range of outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside.

RESTAURANTS

The Rothesay Rooms

located in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, this restaurant offers contemporary Scottish cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently to showcase seasonal produce and their dishes are beautifully presented.

Moonfish Café

situated in Aberdeen, this seafood restaurant serves up some of the freshest seafood in Aberdeenshire. The menu is inventive and features a variety of seafood dishes, including scallops, lobster, and oysters.

The Silver Darling

located in Aberdeen, this restaurant has stunning views of the harbour and serves up modern Scottish cuisine. The restaurant's focus is on using sustainable ingredients and their menu features dishes like venison, haggis, and seafood chowder.

aberdeenshire