demm42's North East Scotland Tour

Aberdeens history dates back to the middle ages with fishing playing a major role in it's development. However, other industries including textiles, whaling, and of course oil have all helped to make Aberdeen the place it is today.

With road, rail, sea and air links to most areas of the UK, Aberdeen is easily accessible to everyone.

Aberdeen Beach Between the rivers Don and Dee is the main beach at Aberdeen, which, unusually for a nice beach was completely deserted (maybe the locals know something we don't). Okay, there was a slightly unpleasant smell, but that didn't put us off and there certainly was some of the usual rock pool wildlife on the beach.

Heading southwards along the coast toward the centre of Aberdeen, you'll find Queens Links leisure park, nightclubs and Scotlands largest static fun fair (for those wanting a meal and something a bit more entertaining than walks and wildlife).

Just a little further down just before the Dee estuary and Aberdeen port, the historic area of Footdee (or Fittie) can be found where the fishermen used to live. This small area of Aberdeen is unique (in my opinion), and well worth a wander around. Basically, all the houses have there entrances inward with lovely decorated gardens on the opposite side of the path. It's hard to describe, and I didn't really get a good picture showing it, so you'll have to take a walk down there to see what I mean.

Union St (Aberdeen) The centre of Aberdeen is like all city centres, with its own character and usual mix of business men/women mingled in with the shoppers. The main shopping street seemed to be Union Street West which appears to run for about three-quarters of a mile. A couple of shopping centres can also be found just off the street for those who are looking for some retail therapy.

If you want a bit of lunch from of a nice (and popular) sandwich shop in Aberdeen, then demm42 can recommended one he found on Brook St near the station. Also, as it's just across Union Street from the Terrace Gardens overlooking the railway and Denburn Rd, you've also got a nice green/tree'd area to eat the food (if the weather is with you).

If it's raining, there are numerous cafes, fast food outlets, and restaurants to eat in warmer drier surroundings.

One other visitor attraction we did visit was the Maritime Museum. We thought we'd just pop in it for half an hour before the train back to Inverurie. However, we did wish we'd had more time in the end. With exhibits over 4 floors, we simply didn't have the time for more than a quick glance at everything.

In fact, we did miss out on numerous visitor attractions in Aberdeen. Others I'd like to have visited include Stratosphere Science Centre and Duthie Park (with the David Welch winter gardens), although there are also other musuems and art galleries around the city.

Northlink ferry to Shetland The final thing we saw at Aberdeen was the Northlink ferry to the Shetland Isles. We first saw it leaving for the Isles earlier during the week. But it was from the top floor of the Maritime Museum that we got a good view of it in the port.

For the first time the demm42 clan felt they had touched the Shetlands. Some day we will get there.

This was the first time the demm42 clan had visited this area of Scotland. While it wasn't quite the quiet highlands or islands we have grown so fond of, this area still had an appeal and was a lovely are to visit. I certainly hope we'll be able to visit the area again some day, and see some of the things we missed. I hope you've enjoyed reading about this are of Scotland as much I've enjoyed writing about it. Please check back soon for my next tour.

Demm42 (and clan) are currently looking into upping sticks and moving to Scotland. We want a better life for ourselves and more importantly our daughter. Is the grass greener up there? We are looking for feedback from people who've made the same move or who currently live up there. Where did you move to? Did you find a job easily? Were you accepted by the locals? Are you scottish? How do you feel about people from the dreaded land moving to your area (in preference to just buying a holiday home up there)? Please e-mail me with your experiences and/or comments.

Also, if you're looking for a VB programmer whose looking to move to Scotland, anywhere from the central belt northwards (the further north or west, the better), please get in touch as I may be that person.

All the pictures on this page were taken by myself.. Larger versions of the photos are available if you wish to use them for a project or web page yourselves. You are free to do this, but please mention this web page as the source for the photos. Thanks for your cooperation..

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