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