Guided tours of Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, boasting a mile long sandy beach, a thriving harbour not to mention a few playful dolphins.
Internationally renowned for its oil, gas and offshore industries, Aberdeen is growing as a major cultural destination, offering the award winning Aberdeen Art Gallery, its street art trails as well as a flourishing foodie scene.
Old Aberdeen
Enjoy a tour of Old Aberdeen, one of the three original burghs of the city, strolling through the paths and lanes around one of Scotland’s ancient universities. Visit the site of the Snow Kirk where worshippers met in secret then marvel at, just a short walk away, the stunning modern architecture of the university’s main library. Learn about the generous university benefactor who was one of the first 3 female members of the Royal Geological Society and hear tales of the Town House at the head of the cobbled High Street. We will then head along the Chanonry where the Bishop and the canons of the Diocese lived in splendour, passing a former almshouse and hospital before arriving at the ecclesiastical site from which this royal burgh grew.
St Machar Cathedral
From 6th Century church to 12th Century Cathedral dedicated to St Machar, why is this location so significant? Why did subsequent bishops demolish, rebuild and extend the Cathedral and what happened to the bells.Take time to admire the interior of this magnificent now parish church, particularly its heraldic ceiling depicting the shields of the kings of Europe, the Pope and clerics and Scotland and the King of Scots with his nobles. This is just one of the significant historical works within the kirk.
THE GRANITE CITY
ABERDEEN CITY
Aberdeen is situated between the two rivers, the Dee and Don, which historically gave it easy access to trading routes with northern Europe. From its focus on fishing, shipping and trading, the city evolved to become the oil capital of Europe. In between times it was a popular destination for foreign visitors, the Vikings, who didn’t always come in peace to Apardian.
Aberdeen lays claim to several nicknames – the Silver City by the Sea, Silver City by the Golden Sands, but is probably best known as the Granite City. We’ll describe how the Granite Men quarried for the stone, which sparkles in the sunlight, in a quarry right in the heart of what is now a residential area. The stone comes in several colours ranging from light grey, to blues, reds and pinks and has been used to build both the smallest and the grandest buildings in the city. But what happened to the quarry?
Discover the fascinating history of the men and women who made their mark on the city. Find out about Lady Drum’s hospital. Why is Correction Wynd so called? What part did Aberdeen play in the Jacobite cause?
En route we will be pointing out some iconic architectural landmarks, including Marischal College, the second largest granite building in the world after El Escorial, the historical Madrid residence of the King of Spain. We will stop to admire the monument of King Robert the Bruce, clutching a charter issued in the early 14th century and we’ll explain why three remarkable buildings became known as Education, Salvation and Damnation, buildings that contrast rather starkly to those controversial tower blocks. Curious? We will also have the opportunity to admire a mixture of sculptures and curios to get you thinking!
Furryboots?
Aberdeen is also, jokingly, known as Furryboots City, but nothing to do with cold weather and residents’ footwear. Aberdonians and those from the surrounding areas are famous for engaging in polite conversation, often asking you ‘far aboots ye fae’ which roughly translates from the Doric – the North East dialect – into ‘whereabouts are you from?. Whilst in Aberdeen we will be delighted to teach you some Doric.
All of our walking tours can be tailored to what you want to see and experience.
If you’re unsure, then let us help you. We can devise a tour of Aberdeen that takes in your interests and favoured sights. Leave it to us and we’ll slot in a few secret places too.