Aberdeen is the 3rd largest city in Scotland. Economically, it has diversified from its oil-based roots, focusing on renewable energy, technology, and life sciences. With its rich history, robust economy, and scenic beauty, Aberdeen remains a significant and dynamic part of Scotland. Aberdeen is considered a safe place to live and visit, with a relatively low crime rate. Good Housekeeping even rated Aberdeenshire as the number one place to visit in 2023. 

There are not many places that you can ski or surf in the same day! Aberdeenshire is renowned for its adventures from mountain biking, paddle boarding, skiing and hill walking.  Aberdeenshire is a favourite for the Royal Family to visit and it is easy to see why they fall in love with the gorgeous landscape and what is on offer.  

Shopping and Dining 

Aberdeen’s premier shopping and entertainment complex, Union Square, houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema. It’s the perfect place to spend a day shopping or dining out. There are lots of areas to shop within the shire.  

Grampians' restaurant and bar scene is diverse and dynamic, offering everything from fine dining seafood experiences to lively cocktail bars. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal or a place to enjoy a well-crafted drink, Grampian has plenty to offer to suit all tastes and preferences.   

Taste of Grampian is a must-visit event for food lovers and anyone interested in Scottish cuisine. It offers a comprehensive celebration of the region's food and drink, combining delicious tastings, engaging demonstrations, and fun activities for all ages.  Aberdeen Inspired also hosts a restaurant week with exclusive menus that are great value for money! Why not look up Award-winning local food journalist, Juliabryce92 on Instagram for some inspiration.  

What’s on in Aberdeen? 

One of the highlights is the Aberdeen Highland Games, annual event at Hazlehead Park. This traditional event features Highland dancing, caber tossing, tug o' war, and piping competitions, along with stalls and family-friendly activities.  Local Highland Games takes place all over Scotland during the summer months you can view the full calendar of events here. 

The Nuart Festival is set to takes place every summer. This international street art festival transforms the city's walls into vibrant canvases showcasing graffiti and murals by renowned artists, free guided walking tours can be booked. 

Music lovers can look forward to concerts at P&J Live, Aberdeen’s state-of-the-art venue. The lineup includes performances by well-known comedians, bands, and entertainers like Michael McIntyre and the Harlem Globetrotters​​. Additionally, the Aberdeen Comedy Festival, offers a diverse range of comedic talent from around the world, ensuring plenty of laughs across the city​. 

These events highlight the dynamic cultural scene in Aberdeen, ensuring there's something for everyone throughout the year. For more details and updates on upcoming events, you can visit:  

• What's On In Aberdeen 
• Visit Scotland 
• Aberdeen City Council 

Travel and Transport  

Travel and transport in the Grampian region, which includes Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray, are generally good, with a variety of options available to residents and visitors. Cycling and walking are encouraged with designated cycle paths and pedestrian friendly layouts within the city. The region is well-served by bus services, with operators such as Stagecoach Bluebird and First Aberdeen providing extensive coverage. Buses connect urban centres, rural areas, and neighbouring regions, offering reliable and frequent services. However, there are some parts of Aberdeenshire that require a car to get to.

There is also an excellent rail network and International Airport from Aberdeen. Aberdeen is conveniently only around a 2hr train or car journey to Edinburgh the capital of Scotland. 

Schools 

Grampian’s school system is robust and diverse, comprising a mix of public (state) schools and private (independent) institutions, catering to various educational needs and preferences. Grampian has a comprehensive public school system overseen by local councils, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. It includes numerous primary schools (catering to children aged 5-12) and secondary schools (for students aged 12-18). The curriculum follows the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, which focuses on developing a wide range of skills and knowledge across various subjects. 

Schools in Aberdeen and the Shire generally perform well, with many institutions achieving good ratings from Education Scotland, the body responsible for inspecting and reviewing schools. The areas schools emphasize academic achievement, personal development, and extracurricular activities. 

Private Schools 

• One of the most prominent private schools in Aberdeen, Robert Gordon's College offers a comprehensive education from nursery to secondary level. It is known for its strong academic results, extensive extracurricular activities, and modern facilities. 

• St. Margaret's School for Girls, an independent day school for girls provides education from nursery to sixth year (S6). St. Margaret's is renowned for its academic excellence, supportive environment, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. 

• Another well-regarded private institution, Albyn School offers co-educational learning from nursery through to senior school. It emphasizes small class sizes, personalized education, and a broad curriculum that includes strong arts and sports programs. 

• International School of Aberdeen (ISA), offers an international education to students from nursery through to high school. ISA is known for its diverse student body, exceptional modern facilitates and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for its students. 

Higher Education and Further Learning 

Aberdeen is home to two major universities: the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University. Robert Gordon University is ranked 2nd in the country for nursing education, and Aberdeen University is the highest rated for medicine in Scotland. Both institutions are highly regarded for their research output, teaching quality, and diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.  Additionally, North East Scotland College (NESCol) and Moray College provide further education and vocational training, offering courses that bridge the gap between secondary education and university or employment. 

Moray 

For detailed information on living and working in Moray please visit Wish you Worked Here. 

 

Published: 02/12/2024 15:03