THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ABERDEENSHIRE

Footdee Fittie

Footdee (pronounced “Fittie”) is a historic fishing village located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was designed by John Smith, the architect responsible for Balmoral Castle.

It is situated at the mouth of the River Dee and is known for its picturesque architecture and unique cultural heritage.

Footdee was originally built in the 19th century to house local fishermen and their families. The village is arranged in a grid pattern, with small cottages built around narrow alleys and courtyards. The houses are built close together and often have distinctive painted doors and window frames.

Today, Footdee is a popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its historic architecture and quaint atmosphere. The village has also become a hub for local artists and craftspeople, with a number of studios and galleries showcasing their work.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Footdee is also known for its seafood, particularly its fresh fish and chips. The village has a number of traditional fishmongers and seafood restaurants that serve up local delicacies.

Overall, Footdee Fittie is a unique and charming destination that offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich maritime heritage and culture.

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a historic fortress located on a rocky headland on the northeastern coast of Scotland, about 3 km south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The castle sits atop a sheer cliff overlooking the North Sea, providing a stunning view of the surrounding coastline.

The origins of the castle date back to the Early Middle Ages, and it played a significant role in Scottish history. In the 12th century, the castle was the residence of the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland at the time. During the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the castle was besieged by the English on several occasions, and it was here that a small garrison of Scottish soldiers held out against a much larger English force in 1297.

In the 16th century, Dunnottar Castle became a strategic location for Scottish royalty, and Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed here in 1562. During the Civil War in the mid-17th century, the castle was held by the Covenanters, a Scottish Presbyterian movement, and was used as a prison for over 1000 Royalist soldiers.

Today, Dunnottar Castle is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of people each year. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, including the gatehouse, the barracks, the palace, and the chapel. The castle also has a museum that houses a collection of artefacts and displays that tell the story of its long and fascinating history.

Union Square Shopping Centre

Union Square Shopping Centre is a large indoor shopping mall located in Aberdeen, Scotland. The mall is situated adjacent to Aberdeen’s main railway station, making it easily accessible by public transport.

The shopping centre boasts over 60 stores, including popular fashion retailers such as H&M, Topshop, and Zara, as well as a range of other shops selling electronics, cosmetics, homeware, and more. The mall also features a cinema, a variety of restaurants and cafes, and a hotel.

Union Square Shopping Centre is known for its modern and stylish design, with a glass ceiling allowing natural light to flood the space. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike and is often busy during weekends and holiday periods.

In addition to its shopping and dining options, the mall hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal markets, food festivals, and live performances. It is also involved in local community initiatives, such as supporting local charities and environmental projects.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery is a popular art museum located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was founded in 1884 and has been housed in its current location since 1885. The gallery is situated in a Victorian-era building that underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2019, which has greatly enhanced the visitor experience.

The museum’s collection is wide-ranging, with works of art from the 15th century to the present day. It is particularly renowned for its collection of 19th and 20th-century Scottish art, which includes paintings by major Scottish artists such as John Duncan, Samuel Peploe, and Joan Eardley. The gallery also has an impressive collection of decorative art, including ceramics, glass, and silver.

One of the most iconic pieces in the gallery’s collection is the “Harvest Moon” painting by the Scottish artist J.D. Fergusson. This painting depicts a group of women dancing in a circle beneath a full moon, and it has become a symbol of Scottish modernism.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Aberdeen Art Gallery hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a wide range of topics and feature works of art from around the world.

Overall, the Aberdeen Art Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone interested in art and culture in Scotland. Its impressive collection and stunning building make it a highlight of the Scottish art scene.

Duthie Park

Duthie Park is a public park located in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It is situated on the banks of the River Dee and covers an area of approximately 44 acres. The park was opened in 1883 and was a gift to the city from Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie in memory of her uncle and brother.

Duthie Park is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike. It features a wide range of amenities, including a boating pond, a bandstand, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a children’s play area. The park also has a cafe, a small train ride, and a large pond with ducks and swans.

One of the most striking features of Duthie Park is the David Welch Winter Gardens, which opened in 1970. These gardens cover an area of around 11,000 square feet and contain a range of exotic plants from around the world, including cacti, orchids, and ferns. The Winter Gardens are housed in a large, modern glasshouse designed by architect Sir Ian Wood.

Duthie Park is also home to several statues and monuments, including a statue of Queen Victoria and a memorial to the victims of the Piper Alpha disaster. The park is used for a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, fairs, and fireworks displays.

Overall, Duthie Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon in Aberdeen, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Slains Castle

Slains Castle is a historic ruined castle located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is situated on the eastern coast of Scotland, about 21 miles north of Aberdeen and 3 miles south of the village of Cruden Bay.

The castle was built in the 16th century, but was partially destroyed by the forces of King James VI in 1594 during the Protestant Reformation. The castle was then rebuilt in the early 17th century by the 9th Earl of Erroll, and was used as a residence until the 19th century.

The castle was abandoned in the early 20th century and fell into disrepair. Today, only the ruins of the castle remain, including the main tower, parts of the walls, and the remains of the gatehouse. The castle ruins are situated on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Despite its ruined state, Slains Castle is a popular tourist destination and is said

Slains Castle is said to have been an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”. Bram Stoker was a frequent visitor to Cruden Bay and is known to have stayed in the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel in the village, which overlooks the castle. It is said that the castle’s eerie atmosphere and dramatic location overlooking the sea provided inspiration for the setting of Count Dracula’s castle in Stoker’s novel.

It is also believed that Stoker may have taken inspiration from the castle’s history and legends, including stories of the vampire-like “Dracul” family in Romania, who were said to have been the inspiration for the character of Count Dracula.

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