Aberdeen
The third largest city in Scotland, Aberdeen is located in the north east of Scotland, between the mouths of the rivers Dee and Don (collectively known as the tweedles, from the Scots word "tweed" which means river).
The city's motto is Bon Accord which, roughly translated from the French, means Good Agreement.
Aberdeen is the major logistical center of the North Sea oil industry and is also famous as a fishing port and a center of educational excellence. From late Medieval times until the late 19th century, Aberdeen was home to as many universities as the whole of England.
Aberdeen is known as the Granite City (sometimes also The Silver City with the Golden Sands) from the stone used in the construction of its many fine public buildings. A person from Aberdeen is called an Aberdonian. Aberdonians have a reputation for stinginess and, it is alleged, copper wire was invented by two Aberdonians fighting over a penny. Aberdeen is the least religious city in Scotland. [1] As a result of its involvement in the oil industry Aberdeen is home to many foreign nationals. There are large communities of Americans, French, Dutch, Saudi Arabians, Kuwaitis, Poles, Chileans, Venezuelans, Outer Mongolians, Nepalese and Filipinos. The richest of these live in the salubrious suburb of Torry, which lies south of the River Dee; the 'millionaire's row' on the waterfront boasts extensive views of the riverscape and city centre. Other suburban districts of note include Sandilands, Mastrick, Kincorth, Ferryhill, Altens and Bridge of Don.
Bridge of Don, known locally as Brig o'Don, a traditional riverside settlement with medieval bridge and pantiled millers' and fishers' cottages, is believed to be the inspiration for the musical Brigadoon. Claims are made for Briodge of Doon in SW Scotland, but Brigadoon composer Alan Jay Lerner spent time in Aberdeen in the late 1930s and is known to have had relations living in the area.
Sport
Aberdeen FC (nickname: the Dons) is the city's only senior football club. Home matches are played at Pittodrie whose name derives from the Pictish for dung heap. The current manager is Jimmy Calderwood.
Famous Aberdonians
- Robbie Shepherd
- Buff Hardie
- John Laurie
- Denis Law
- Willie Pullar
There are also cities called Aberdeen in Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, California, New Mexico, and Alabama in the United States, and Northern Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania in Australia.
