Aberdeen

There’s something about the scale of this place between the mountains and the sea. You can roam for miles across great estates, expanses of moorland, ancient Caledonian forests, rolling farmland, vast dunes, wide sandy beaches and expansive coastlines. History is writ large here too. Ancient sites and symbols mark this as a heartland of the ancient Picts. In the millennia that followed, no fewer than 263 castles were planted here. And of course this majestic place has long been loved by monarchs … and by the salmon that return each year to power upstream in the fastflowing snow-fed waters of the Dee and the Don. You could call this True Majesty.

It’s a place of big skies and wide horizons, loved for its fresh clear air and the quality of its light. In summer, days are near endless, sunsets stretch out, darkness is brief. In winter, nights are deep and long and starry – and on occasion spectacularly lit by the Northern Lights. Here, mainland Scotland sees its first light of each new day. Trillions of tiny crystals glint in granite walls. And ninety-nine stone circles are aligned to the standstill moon. You could call this True North.

Sample world-famous quality local food and drink across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

In Cullen you’ll find the full-flavoured, hearty and comforting Cullen Skink which packs a powerful punch. Our world famous Aberdeen Angus beef is much-prized. Dean’s rich traditional shortbread is made in Huntly. And Ellon, just north of Aberdeen, is home to craft beer revolutionaries, Brewdog.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are known for the quality and scale of the arable land and rich pastures. We’re known for our fresh seafood including the affectionally named silver darlings that are landed every day in harbours and seaports along the 165 miles of coastline.