Description

Our tour today takes around the city of Aberdeen. We will explore Scotland's 3rd largest city.

Situated between the rivers Don and Dee and right on the edge of the North Sea, there have been humans here for over 8000 years. Today the 'Granite City' is a vibrant, multicultural place, home to the UK oil industry, but also many time winner of the Britain in Bloom contest.

We start by driving along Union Street - the mile long, planned, grand entrance to our city. Dating from the late 1700s, this is a proud display of the skill of the masons who cut through the unforgiving stone to produce these spendid buildings. The most spectacular of these is Marshal College, the 2nd largest granite building in the world. Now housing the city council, this neo gothic building sparkles in the sun and never fails to impress.

Our tour now heads to the birthplace of the University of Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen. Founded in 1495 the university is the 3rd oldest in Scotland. The spire of Kings College, consecrated in 1508, dominates the sky. Here we will have a 2 to 3 hour walking tour.

This is a UNESCO world heritage site and the High Street, although bustling with our students, still has a medieval feel to it. We drive along the High Street and arrive at the Cathedral of St Machar. Here we go inside to marvel at the heraldic ceiling dating from 1430.

We continue to the beach area of our city, Aberdeen being one of the few beach cities in Europe. This is a much loved area and very much a leisure and pleasure beach. We will go for a short walk at the furthest point to the conservation village of Footdee, pronounced "Fittie". Built as planned housing for workers in the early 1800s, this picturesque area is now a much sought after place to stay - and it is easy to see why!

We head along the harbour side. Recorded as the oldest business in the UK, this is one of the busiest ports in Europe thanks to the oil industry. There is always a variety of supply ships, some with helidecks, and never a quiet moment here.

As we head across the river Dee, we enter the old burgh of Torry. Once a separate burgh but now part of the city, this is home to the world renowned school for coastguards.

We pass the 44 acres of Duthie Park and realise why this city has had such success in the Britain in Bloom competition before returning to our starting point.

Aberdeen Private City Tour

Photo Attributes: 1. plaetzchen, 2. stusmith_uk, 3 I am Bruce