| The development of the shipbuilding and fishing | | | | Mile and in adjacent streets. It is the main focus in |
| industries in the 19th century, increased the | | | | a city which has over 800 shops, seven |
| economic importance of Aberdeen and led to the | | | | department stores and six indoor malls. The city |
| habours today the Victoria Dock, the South | | | | centre has the highest car parking provision |
| Breakwater and the extension to the North Pier. | | | | among Scotlands cities and the most extensive |
| It is known as the Granite City and it stands on a | | | | park and ride scheme in Scotland. Disabled drivers |
| magnificent site between the rivers Dee and Don | | | | are very well catered for. |
| facing out over the sea. | | | | Three times a year Aberdeen also boasts a |
| With the discovery of significant oil in the North | | | | superb weekend International Street Market on |
| Sea during the late 20th Century, Aberdeen | | | | Union Street and the surrounding streets, with |
| became the centre of Europes petroleum | | | | over 60 stalls featuring crafts and quality food |
| industry. It has the second largest heliport in the | | | | from all over Europe. |
| world and an important service ship harbour port | | | | Aberdeen has a wonderful nightlife scene and |
| serving oil rigs off shore. Aberdeen is often called | | | | most of the best nightclubs are all pretty close |
| the Oil Capital of Europe. | | | | together, which means you have a varied choice |
| One of the many buildings built with Rubislaw | | | | and you can save money on taxi fares. |
| granite is The Clock Tower. The most striking | | | | Aberdeen Maritime Museum is award winning |
| thing about this is its architecture and its | | | | museum of the North Sea including exhibitions, |
| ubiquitous use of granite. For centuries this was | | | | computer displays clipper ships and models on the |
| the material from which the city was constructed | | | | offshore oil industry, fishing and ship building. Is |
| buildings of all types, styles and periods, and even | | | | also includes Provost Rosss house built in 1593. |
| the roads and pavements, were built using it and | | | | Crathes castle the 3.75 acre walled garden |
| a remarkable cohesiveness resulted. | | | | incorporates herbaceous borders and many |
| Union Street, in the heart of cosmopolitan | | | | unusual plants, and provides a wonderful display at |
| Aberdeen, and the main boulevard and the | | | | all times of the year. The great yew hedge, |
| gateway to shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, | | | | fascinating examples of the art of topiary, date |
| and cultural and leisure facilities along its Granite | | | | from as early as 1702. |