Aberdeen

For other uses, see Aberdeen (disambiguation).

Aberdeen is a city on the north east coast of Scotland where the rivers Dee and Don flow into the North Sea. It was the capital of the Grampian region of Scotland, but it is now one of Scotland's unitary authorities. Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland. Its population is nearly 200,000. It is the coldest city in the UK. The city's motto is Bon Accord.

Union Street, Aberdeen, on International Market Day

Flag

coat of arms

History

In the 8th AD, Aberdeen was founded as a settlement for fishing. It grew into a town in the early 12th century. By 1264, Aberdeen already had a castle.

Places

Aberdeen is famous for its buildings made from granite. Because of grey colour of the stone, Aberdeen is called the "Silver City by the Golden Sands". Aberdeen has two universities, the University of Aberdeen which was founded on 10 February 1495 by Bishop William Elphinstone and Robert Gordon University which was founded in 1992 but has a history dating back to the 1800s.

Dialect

The local people sometimes speak in a dialect called Doric. They are called Aberdonians.

Sports

Aberdeen has its own football team, Aberdeen F.C.. The team plays in the Scottish Premier League.

Festival

Each year in August, Aberdeen hosts the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. This is one of the most important annual events in Scotland. Hundred of groups of young performing artists come to Aberdeen each year for the festival.

Gallery

Aberdeen shares its name with Aberdeen, Idaho and Aberdeen, Washington in this Gallery.

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  The granite buildings of Aberdeen
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  The old Market Cross in Aberdeen's main square.
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  Aberdeen Beach
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  Aberdeen on a spring day, showing modern housing around the old town.
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  Marischal College, University of Aberdeen
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  The statue of William Wallace
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  Crocuses blooming in Victoria Park
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  Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre