ABERDEEN BEACH

BRIG O

COTTOWN OF BALGOWNIE

UNION TERRACE GARDENS

With a proud and fascinating history, the City of Aberdeen presents a modern cosmopolitan image to visitors who are often surprised by the many diverse attractions which the regional capital of Grampian Highlands offers. The motto of the city is 'Bon-accord'

The city has long been famous for its outstanding parks, gardens and floral displays which greet the visitor - with around 2 million roses, 11 million daffodils and 3 million crocuses, it is not difficult to see why Aberdeen is known as the "Flower of Scotland". Indeed, the city's top attraction is the wonderful Winter Gardens at the Duthie Park which currently have free entry, and is also home to the stunning Rose Mountain. One can sense that there is a true feeling of civic pride here and in order to discover more about the city and its people it is worth visiting some of the city museums and galleries.

Aberdeen is fortunate in having excellent museums and galleries in its compact city centre which are all within easy walking distance of each other: Provost Skene's House is the oldest surviving "town house" and can be considered an architectural gem in the heart of the city while close by, the Marischal Museum located in the magnificent granite edifice of Marischal College founded by the Earl Marischal from Peterhead paints a picture of North East life. Aberdeen's fortunes have long been associated with the sea and a visit to the re-developed Aberdeen Maritime Museum with its state of the art, hands-on exhibits is a must. This museum focuses on fishing, shipbuilding and the oil industry and is an ideal point to view the activities of one of Britain's busiest harbours, just a few yards from Union Street.

Aberdeen has a flourishing cultural scene with excellent collections of Scottish and impressionist works and contemporary exhibitions at the Art Gallery on Schoolhill, and there are smaller galleries worth seeking out.

As befits a cosmopolitan centre such as Aberdeen there is a packed program of arts performances and entertainment throughout the year. Pick up a copy of "What's On" to find out who is appearing at His Majesty's Theatre, which concert is on at the Music Hall or which acts are at the Lemon Tree. To the north, at Bridge of Don, the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre is the venue for major events and top name concerts.

This is very much a "festival" city with events throughout the calendar ensuring a real buzz of activity. "Rootin' Aboot" is the spring celebration of roots and folk music, the International Youth Festival brings young performers from all over the world while the Alternative Festival in October is an eclectic mix of music, comedy and artistic performances. The Winter Festival is growing in stature and encompasses seasonal events and activities, bringing light and laughter to the darker months.

North of the city centre, Old Aberdeen provides an oasis of tranquillity in contrast to the bustle of city life. Once quite a separate entity from the city that grew up close to the River Dee, Old Aberdeen is chiefly associated with the University of Aberdeen whose King's College, with its distinctive crown tower, is a central feature. The King's College Visitor Centre tells the story of the 500 year old University. The quarter is an outstanding conservation area and other attractions in this area include the University's Cruickshank Botanic Garden, St Machar's Cathedral (one of Aberdeen's three cathedrals) and Seaton Park with its walks which lead to the Brig O'Balgownie across the River Don. It's not hard to imagine why Robert the Bruce had this narrow bridge built in the 14th century so he and others could head north to the Earldom of Buchan to one of the towns such as Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Macduff, Turriff or Banff.

It is difficult to imagine a similar sized city which caters so well for all the family. Satrosphere is a science and technology discovery centre where the emphasis is very much hands on the exhibits and then there are the attractions of Aberdeen Beach.

The city's two miles of sands ensured status as a coastal resort but modern attractions have meant that the area has kept pace with modern tastes with Codona's Amusement Park boasting indoor and outdoor funfair attractions. There are bars, cafes, restaurants, a golf complex on the King's Links, Pittodrie Stadium - the home of Aberdeen Football Club, the Beach Leisure Centre with its pool and the Linx Ice Arena. Nearby a modern cinema complex and "Aberdeen Fun Beach", with its year-round facilities, form one of Scotland's premier leisure and entertainment districts. At the end of the Esplanade and at the entrance to the harbour is the community of Footdee, known locally as "Fittie". This community was a planned fishing village in the city and provides a vantage point for harbour activity, as well as a fascinating insight into what life was like before oil changed the face of Aberdeen immeasurably.

There are of course many interesting places to visit on the outskirts of the city. Doonies Farm at Nigg is a working farm where every animal is a rare breed. Hazelhead Park is a popular family location with its aviary, pets corner, maze, riding centre and gardens. The Gordon Highlanders Museum has recently been refurbished and extended and highlights the proud heritage of Grampian's famous regiment and nearby Johnston Gardens is an exquisite little park.

Just outside the city, Storybook Glen's fairytale figures will enchant smaller children and there are many walks and trails on the city's western side including the Old Deeside Line and the trails in Countesswells and Tyrebagger Forests, the latter with its unique sculpture trail.

With its host of big name stores, speciality shops, indoor shopping centres and markets, Aberdeen is a Mecca for "shopaholics" and with Thursday late opening and Sunday shopping too, the visitor is spoiled for choice.

This elegant granite city welcomes visitors whatever the time of year and the warmth of this welcome is reflected in the toast associated with the words "Bon Accord" on the city Coat of Arms - "Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again"...