Welcome to Aberdeen

Aberdeen is located on the north-east coast of Scotland, at the mouth of the Rivers Dee and Don, approximately 535 miles north of London and 143 miles north-east of Glasgow.

The city has a population of around 212,000. Administratively it is the seat of the unitary council region of City of Aberdeen which covers an area of approximately 71.22 sq miles (184.47 sq kms).

Known as the Granite City because of the distinctive grey locally quarried stone used in many of its buildings, it is a thriving port and support base for the North Sea oil rigs and a leading commercial centre for the region. It has a long heritage and there are numerous buildings of historical interest. As one expects from a major city it has excellent shopping, leisure and entertainment, and visitor facilities.

The town received its first charter from King William the Lion around 1179 which confirmed the corporate rights granted by David I. Other royal charters followed. 

Historically the town's economy was based upon fishing. Traditional industries such as fishing and farming still flourish but Aberdeen's buoyant modern economy - reflected in unemployment rates consistently under 2% - is fueled by the oil industry, earning the city a new epithet as 'Oil Capital of Europe'.

Known to the Romans as Devana, the name Aberdeen derives from the Pictish-Gaelic words 'aber' and 'devana', meaning 'meeting of the waters'. It perfectly describes the city's location where the Dee and Don enter the North Sea.

The city's motto is 'Bon Accord' which appears, supported by two leopards, on its coat of arms. The motto is said to be the cry which initiated the massacre of the English garrison at Aberdeen Castle during Scotland's fight for independence.