The economic trend of recent months has corporate executives taking a sharp look at how to cut telecommunications costs.According to the 2008 Aberdeen Report, The State of the Market, a survey of 4,654 respondents found that the danger of a looming recession was among the top three challenges for the coming year. And, with telecom being among the top three corporate expenses, companies are searching for effective ways to reduce telecom costs, as doing so can have a significant positive impact on corporate profitability. Telecom expense management (TEM) software is designed to help achieve this.Particular attention is being paid to reducing the cost of wireless telecommunications. In a February 2008 Aberdeen benchmark report, Execute on Wireless Expense Management to Drive ROI, 75% of respondents stated that their corporate wireless costs had increased over the last two years. In addition, while traditional TEM systems concentrated mainly on the verification and payment of telecom vendors' invoices, current functionality includes such things as wireless expense management (WEM), centralized inventory control and procurement, business analytics and tools for negotiating more favorable contracts with telecom vendors.Aberdeen found that on average telecom costs amount to over 3% of revenues. Best-in-Class enterprises were 60% more likely to have reporting and analysis capabilities. Yet,
despite the importance of telecom expense management, a 2007 report by the same group found that the majority of companies surveyed did not have centralized inventory control and procurement, or other telecom expense reduction strategies in place.Aberdeen believes that corporate pressure to increase profitability will lead to a stronger move towards implementing telecom expense management strategies. These include increased monitoring of telecom expenses, centralized procurement of telecom services and equipment, centralized telecom inventory control, centralized verification and payment of telecom invoices and centralized contract negotiations and dispute resolution. In many cases, new policy will need to be issued and enforced to accomplish these strategies.Under the title, Slashing Telecom Expense Management in a Looming Recession, the Aberdeen Group is initiating a study as to how companies are going about implementing telecom expense management techniques and is inviting corporations to participate in the study, as detailed in their online Research Preview. (1)Telecom expense management is a proven technology for reducing telecom expenses and has provided dramatic costs savings and returns on investment (ROI) to corporations that have implemented TEM systems.Further information about telecom expense management may be obtained from the Telsoft Solutions website at www.telsoft-solutions.com.Reference: (1)http://www.aberdeen.com/summary/report/research_previews/5207-RP-slashing-expense-recession.asp
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
aberdeen map washington
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire is a region overflowing with art and culture. A dazzling range of art galleries, museums and theatres, many located in the imposing granite buildings which are enduring symbols of the city, certainly won’t disappoint.
At its heart is Union Terrace Gardens, nestling below the imposing backdrop of three of Aberdeen’s finest granite buildings. Together the Central Library, St Mark’s Church and His Majesty’s Theatre known locally as ‘Education, Salvation and Damnation’ provide the key to the evolution of the region’s cultural life.
With such a prosperous heritage, there are many splendid places that capture the colourful history of Aberdeen- - the impressive turreted Town House on Union Street; the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate and the striking grandeur of Marischal College. In old Aberdeen you can discover the past by visiting 500 year old University Kings College and St Machar’s Cathedral. Old Aberdeen, which surrounds the University, is like taking a step back in time, with its tranquil cobbled streets and narrow walkways.
Museums and Galleries
Art enthusiasts will love Aberdeen. The city’s Art Gallery, which was opened in 1885, houses a wonderful collection of Scottish and international works and contemporary exhibitions. It is the largest public gallery in the North of Scotland and one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. A beautiful granite building with a striking marble lined interior, it houses a varied collection of works of art, including outstanding examples of Modern Art, and work by the Impressionists and the Scottish Colourists. Visitors can also see contemporary craft, Aberdeen silver and a wide range of decorative art and there are regular changing displays and special exhibitions, events and activities.
There are also many smaller galleries worth seeking out within the city and Aberdeenshire, while local artists are often displays on the walls of the region’s restaurants.
Marischal Museum holds the principal collections of the University of Aberdeen, comprising some 80,000 items in the areas of fine art, Scottish history and archaeology, and European, Mediterranean and Near Eastern archaeology. The permanent displays and reference collections are augmented by regular temporary exhibitions. The museum is in the old building of Marischal College, on Broad Street, the second largest granite building in the world (after the Escorial, Madrid) which will soon also become the headquarters of Aberdeen City Council.
The 16th century Provost Skene’s House is now one of the city’s few remaining examples of medieval architecture. It contains an attractive series of period room settings, recalling the graceful furnishings of earlier times. The displays include a suite of 17th century rooms, a Regency Parlour and an Edwardian Nursery. Visitors can also see a unique series of religious paintings in the painted gallery, where scenes from the life of Christ can be found on the ceiling.
The Tolbooth on Castle Street was built between 1616 and 1629. Formerly known as the Wardhouse, it was a gaol for those awaiting either trial in the adjacent court or punishment. Now the home of Aberdeen’s Museum of Civic History it focuses on the history of crime and punishment within the city. Here you can visit the original cells where witches, debtors, criminals and felons spent their days. The Museum features an extensive programme of events for all ages with a variety of talks on aspects of local history and exhibitions featuring objects related to Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, crime and medieval instruments of punishment.
Situated on the historic Shiprow, the award-winning Aberdeen Maritime museum also incorporates Provost Ross’s house, which was built in 1593. The museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the sea, from the days of sail and clipper ships to the latest oil and gas exploration technology. This unique collection covers ship-building, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history and is the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil industry. It includes an 8.5m (28 feet) high model of the Murchison oil production platform and nineteenth century lenses from Rattray Head Lighthouse.
On the outskirts of the city The Gordon Highlanders Museum is home to the regimental treasures of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders and tells the exciting story of one of Scotland’s best-known regiments, while in the countryside near Maryculter, Blairs Museum of Scotland’s catholic heritage displays an interesting collections of paintings, church textiles, silver and Jacobite memorabilia, including a full length memorial portrait of Mary Queen of Scots dressed as she was on the day of her execution.
The Japanese Connection
One of the most influential of the region’s historical figures is Thomas Blake Glover, (1838-1911), the founder of Japan’s mighty Mitsubishi empire. His family home, Glover House, can be visited at Bridge of Don on the outskirts of
the city. Thomas Blake Glover is today revered in Japan as being one of the founders of modern Japan. He had a crucial role in the industrialisation of Japan and in the introduction of Western developments in manufacturing, while helping to overthrow the Shogun and restoring the rightful heir to the Imperial Throne of Japan. His personal life may also have provided the basis for the Madam Butterfly story, immortalised in the opera by Puccini.
The house has been recreated as Glover would have known it in the 1860s. A guided tour will help explore Glover's story, and visitors will see an authentic Victorian Parlour, Dining Room, Bedroom and Victorian Kitchen, as well as admiring Samurai armour and other Japanese memorabilia.
Music and Theatre
The Music Hall has been the heart of entertainment in the city for over 180 years. Formerly the city’s Assembly Rooms, it was designed by the celebrated architect Archibald Simpson. It now features more than 200 performances a year from pop to country and classical to contemporary and regularly plays host to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the BBC Scottish Symphony orchestra, as well as a variety of pop/rock concerts and the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival.
For larger ‘stadium’ style events, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference centre is the North’s premier facility for major rock and pop concerts, sporting events, public shows and exhibitions.
Aberdeen’s music scene includes a variety of live music venues including pubs, clubs and church choirs. The bars of Belmont Street are particularly known for featuring live music. Ceilidhs are also sometimes held in the city’s halls.
His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, which first opened its doors in 1906, continues to attract an eclectic range of top quality theatre productions from West End musicals to opera, ballet, contemporary dance, drama and much more. Acclaimed performances of Grease, Chicago, Miss Saigon and Equus have all been enthusiastically received by sell-out audiences.
For art house cinema and independent productions, head for The Belmont Picturehouse on Belmont Cinema, and don’t forget to take a look at Aberdeen Arts Centre, the venue for the region’s many excellent drama groups which reliably stage first class musical theatre and drama.
Events and festivals
Aberdeen is home to a host of events and festivals including the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (the world’s largest arts festival for young performers), Aberdeen Jazz festival, Rootin Aboot (folk and roots music event) Triptych (Scottish music) and the University of Aberdeen’s literature festival, Word.
Inspired by over half a century of rich musical tradition under the direction of Lady Aberdeen, the Summer Music Festival at Haddo House has also become a firm fixture in the Aberdeen City and Shire cultural calendar,
Cultural influences within the region may have been many and varied and all warmly welcomed, but the Aberdeen character remains firmly grounded in the traditions of the past. The local dialect Doric is often celebrated in poetry readings and literature, there are many highland games throughout the region which keep alive the traditional ‘heavy’ sports such as caber tossing, while highland dancing and bagpipe or fiddle playing are still popular choices with youngsters taking up music and dance.
If you are lucky enough to be visiting for Hogmanay, the Stonehaven Fireball Festival is a unique event not to be missed. To welcome in the New Year, a procession swinging huge fireballs over their heads walks through the town before flinging their fireballs into the sea. Street entertainment and a firework display add to the atmosphere.
Literary Connections
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island while staying in Braemar in the summer of 1881 and Lord Byron lived in Aberdeen in his early life, attending Aberdeen Grammar School. Named George Gordon Byron after his grandfather, George Gordon of Gight, an Aberdeenshire laird, Byron bore Royal blood, descended through his mother from King James 1. In his epic poem, Dark Lochnagar, he described the ‘steep frowning glories’ of one of Deeside’s most famous mountains.
South of Aberdeen you’ll find the Lewis Grassic Gibbon visitors centre, which celebrates the life and times of the region’s most noteworthy literary figure. Grassic Gibbon grew up in the village of Arbuthnott in the early 20th century. His most famous work, A Scots Quair, and in particular Sunset Song, document his life there and have become a Scottish classic.
The Word Festival, one of Scotland’s most popular literary events takes place each spring. With readings, discussions, music, art and film it has played host to many celebrated authors such as Irvine Walsh, Lionel Shriver, Deborah Moggach, Iain Banks, Ian Rankin, Lynda La Plante, William McIllvanney, Richard E. Grant to name just a few.
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
At its heart is Union Terrace Gardens, nestling below the imposing backdrop of three of Aberdeen’s finest granite buildings. Together the Central Library, St Mark’s Church and His Majesty’s Theatre known locally as ‘Education, Salvation and Damnation’ provide the key to the evolution of the region’s cultural life.
With such a prosperous heritage, there are many splendid places that capture the colourful history of Aberdeen- - the impressive turreted Town House on Union Street; the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate and the striking grandeur of Marischal College. In old Aberdeen you can discover the past by visiting 500 year old University Kings College and St Machar’s Cathedral. Old Aberdeen, which surrounds the University, is like taking a step back in time, with its tranquil cobbled streets and narrow walkways.
Museums and Galleries
Art enthusiasts will love Aberdeen. The city’s Art Gallery, which was opened in 1885, houses a wonderful collection of Scottish and international works and contemporary exhibitions. It is the largest public gallery in the North of Scotland and one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. A beautiful granite building with a striking marble lined interior, it houses a varied collection of works of art, including outstanding examples of Modern Art, and work by the Impressionists and the Scottish Colourists. Visitors can also see contemporary craft, Aberdeen silver and a wide range of decorative art and there are regular changing displays and special exhibitions, events and activities.
There are also many smaller galleries worth seeking out within the city and Aberdeenshire, while local artists are often displays on the walls of the region’s restaurants.
Marischal Museum holds the principal collections of the University of Aberdeen, comprising some 80,000 items in the areas of fine art, Scottish history and archaeology, and European, Mediterranean and Near Eastern archaeology. The permanent displays and reference collections are augmented by regular temporary exhibitions. The museum is in the old building of Marischal College, on Broad Street, the second largest granite building in the world (after the Escorial, Madrid) which will soon also become the headquarters of Aberdeen City Council.
The 16th century Provost Skene’s House is now one of the city’s few remaining examples of medieval architecture. It contains an attractive series of period room settings, recalling the graceful furnishings of earlier times. The displays include a suite of 17th century rooms, a Regency Parlour and an Edwardian Nursery. Visitors can also see a unique series of religious paintings in the painted gallery, where scenes from the life of Christ can be found on the ceiling.
The Tolbooth on Castle Street was built between 1616 and 1629. Formerly known as the Wardhouse, it was a gaol for those awaiting either trial in the adjacent court or punishment. Now the home of Aberdeen’s Museum of Civic History it focuses on the history of crime and punishment within the city. Here you can visit the original cells where witches, debtors, criminals and felons spent their days. The Museum features an extensive programme of events for all ages with a variety of talks on aspects of local history and exhibitions featuring objects related to Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, crime and medieval instruments of punishment.
Situated on the historic Shiprow, the award-winning Aberdeen Maritime museum also incorporates Provost Ross’s house, which was built in 1593. The museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the sea, from the days of sail and clipper ships to the latest oil and gas exploration technology. This unique collection covers ship-building, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history and is the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil industry. It includes an 8.5m (28 feet) high model of the Murchison oil production platform and nineteenth century lenses from Rattray Head Lighthouse.
On the outskirts of the city The Gordon Highlanders Museum is home to the regimental treasures of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders and tells the exciting story of one of Scotland’s best-known regiments, while in the countryside near Maryculter, Blairs Museum of Scotland’s catholic heritage displays an interesting collections of paintings, church textiles, silver and Jacobite memorabilia, including a full length memorial portrait of Mary Queen of Scots dressed as she was on the day of her execution.
The Japanese Connection
One of the most influential of the region’s historical figures is Thomas Blake Glover, (1838-1911), the founder of Japan’s mighty Mitsubishi empire. His family home, Glover House, can be visited at Bridge of Don on the outskirts of
the city. Thomas Blake Glover is today revered in Japan as being one of the founders of modern Japan. He had a crucial role in the industrialisation of Japan and in the introduction of Western developments in manufacturing, while helping to overthrow the Shogun and restoring the rightful heir to the Imperial Throne of Japan. His personal life may also have provided the basis for the Madam Butterfly story, immortalised in the opera by Puccini.
The house has been recreated as Glover would have known it in the 1860s. A guided tour will help explore Glover's story, and visitors will see an authentic Victorian Parlour, Dining Room, Bedroom and Victorian Kitchen, as well as admiring Samurai armour and other Japanese memorabilia.
Music and Theatre
The Music Hall has been the heart of entertainment in the city for over 180 years. Formerly the city’s Assembly Rooms, it was designed by the celebrated architect Archibald Simpson. It now features more than 200 performances a year from pop to country and classical to contemporary and regularly plays host to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the BBC Scottish Symphony orchestra, as well as a variety of pop/rock concerts and the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival.
For larger ‘stadium’ style events, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference centre is the North’s premier facility for major rock and pop concerts, sporting events, public shows and exhibitions.
Aberdeen’s music scene includes a variety of live music venues including pubs, clubs and church choirs. The bars of Belmont Street are particularly known for featuring live music. Ceilidhs are also sometimes held in the city’s halls.
His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, which first opened its doors in 1906, continues to attract an eclectic range of top quality theatre productions from West End musicals to opera, ballet, contemporary dance, drama and much more. Acclaimed performances of Grease, Chicago, Miss Saigon and Equus have all been enthusiastically received by sell-out audiences.
For art house cinema and independent productions, head for The Belmont Picturehouse on Belmont Cinema, and don’t forget to take a look at Aberdeen Arts Centre, the venue for the region’s many excellent drama groups which reliably stage first class musical theatre and drama.
Events and festivals
Aberdeen is home to a host of events and festivals including the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (the world’s largest arts festival for young performers), Aberdeen Jazz festival, Rootin Aboot (folk and roots music event) Triptych (Scottish music) and the University of Aberdeen’s literature festival, Word.
Inspired by over half a century of rich musical tradition under the direction of Lady Aberdeen, the Summer Music Festival at Haddo House has also become a firm fixture in the Aberdeen City and Shire cultural calendar,
Cultural influences within the region may have been many and varied and all warmly welcomed, but the Aberdeen character remains firmly grounded in the traditions of the past. The local dialect Doric is often celebrated in poetry readings and literature, there are many highland games throughout the region which keep alive the traditional ‘heavy’ sports such as caber tossing, while highland dancing and bagpipe or fiddle playing are still popular choices with youngsters taking up music and dance.
If you are lucky enough to be visiting for Hogmanay, the Stonehaven Fireball Festival is a unique event not to be missed. To welcome in the New Year, a procession swinging huge fireballs over their heads walks through the town before flinging their fireballs into the sea. Street entertainment and a firework display add to the atmosphere.
Literary Connections
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island while staying in Braemar in the summer of 1881 and Lord Byron lived in Aberdeen in his early life, attending Aberdeen Grammar School. Named George Gordon Byron after his grandfather, George Gordon of Gight, an Aberdeenshire laird, Byron bore Royal blood, descended through his mother from King James 1. In his epic poem, Dark Lochnagar, he described the ‘steep frowning glories’ of one of Deeside’s most famous mountains.
South of Aberdeen you’ll find the Lewis Grassic Gibbon visitors centre, which celebrates the life and times of the region’s most noteworthy literary figure. Grassic Gibbon grew up in the village of Arbuthnott in the early 20th century. His most famous work, A Scots Quair, and in particular Sunset Song, document his life there and have become a Scottish classic.
The Word Festival, one of Scotland’s most popular literary events takes place each spring. With readings, discussions, music, art and film it has played host to many celebrated authors such as Irvine Walsh, Lionel Shriver, Deborah Moggach, Iain Banks, Ian Rankin, Lynda La Plante, William McIllvanney, Richard E. Grant to name just a few.
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
aberdeen chamber commerce washington
The perfect work/life balance is the holy grail of modern times – that measure of personal fulfillment that is the seal of success.
Many families feel they need to look no further than Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. The lifestyle is the factor cited most often by people who decide to move here, with many choosing to stay following a corporate move from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.
Aberdeen is a truly cosmopolitan city that offers a great range of cultural activities, festivals and events in addition to the superb array of shopping, restaurants, bars and night life one would expect from Europe’s energy capital.
Stately architecture and sparkling granite buildings, the legacy of a rich heritage and tradition, combine with contemporary structures, and plenty of green open spaces to create a city that people feel happy to walk around.
However, it is Aberdeen’s proximity to some of the most awe-inspiring countryside and coast-line that sets it apart from other international cities, and it is one of the few major cities with a beach.
A whole range of outdoor sports are available on the doorstep. You could bag a few Munroes, go mountain-biking, kayaking or sailing, while adrenaline junkies have snow sports in winter, climbing, surfing, wind-surfing and even kite surfing too. In fact, the Aberdeenshire coastline also has some of the best surf in the UK and has become something of a Mecca amongst the surfing community.
Indoors there are a range of leading edge indoor sport centres to cater for everything from swimming, gym and racquet sports to climbing walls and an award-winning extreme sports centre.
And there is world class golf, with no fewer than 50 courses throughout the region. Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf course in the world and further along the coast is Cruden Bay, another spectacular golfing gem opened in the 19th century. However time has not stood still, as there are a number of new high-profile golf courses in the pipe line, including Paul Lawrie’s course at Blairs on Deeside, Jack Nicklaus at the Ury Estate in Stonehaven and a possible two courses at Donald Trump’s proposed £billion resort at Balmedie.
For a slower pace of life, gently stroll along the banks of the rivers Dee or Don, or simply explore the many picturesque coastal villages which shelter amongst stunning rocky cliffs. History and culture are never far away and the area is home to 70 castles, the highest concentration in Europe. Deeside is of course, the Royal family’s home in Scotland, and it is easy to see why it has had the Royal seal of approval over several generations.
It’s not surprising then that Aberdeen was recently voted the UK’s happiest city, with Aberdeenshire named as the best place to live in Scotland. The Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey measured UK living standards using government statistics on employment, earnings, health, housing, crime and even the weather. Aberdeenshire topped the poll, with a high employment rate of 81.4%, above average earnings, a low crime rate and one of Scotland’s highest life expectancies.
ACHIEVE
It is not just the cultural and outdoor life that has made Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire such an attractive choice for many. The vibrant business community means that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and flourishing, as is demonstrated by the large number of successful businesses that have grown within the region.
A new regional identity campaign is aiming to capture this message. One of its themes is that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are the homes of ‘natural pioneers’. The ‘can-do’ attitude and culture has meant that the region is a powerhouse of expertise and knowledge, generating numerous innovators and entrepreneurs, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The many small family businesses that have grown to become international operations are testament to this and the breadth of businesses headquartered in the region range from engineering to software development; oil drilling to renewable energy technologies; rich arable and cattle farming to nutrition and food sciences; and life sciences to the water of life, whisky.
With a worldwide reputation and great economic wealth from the success of the oil and gas industry, Aberdeen has the greatest concentration of subsea engineering and operational experience in the world. And many companies are applying their existing oil and gas expertise to diversify into renewable energy, spearheading the UK’s international drive to secure business in the new energy future.
LEARN
As one of the most ancient centres of learning in the country, Aberdeen has long been respected for excellence in education. Aberdeen Grammar School was founded in 1263 and is one of the oldest schools in Britain. The University of Aberdeen dates back to 1495 and is one of Scotland’s oldest universities. By 1858, with the founding of The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen boasted the same number of universities as the whole of England.
Today, the region’s reputation for excellence is as stronger than ever, and from the vast research base in the universities and institutes, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is continuing to build on its worldwide status.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Throughout its influential history, the University has produced three Nobel prize-winners and shared a fourth, so it is not surprtising that it is regarded as the top research university in Scotland.
A quarter of a century ago, Aberdeen scientists developed the MRI scanner. Since then enormous advances have been made with this lifesaving technology that is now used routinely throughout the world.
The University of Aberdeen is at the forefront of teaching and research in medicine, the humanities and science, while the Robert Gordon University is a leading academic institution with a global reputation in the energy sector. It is rated as the top university in the UK in terms of graduate employment. Among its schools is Gray’s, one of the oldest art schools in the UK, and now at the forefront of new media, with digital design and product design courses.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have also earned the reputation as centre of
excellence in food research through its universities and institutes.
The Rowett Research Institute is an internationally renowned centre for nutrition research, working to improve food quality and prevent disease, making a significant contribution to the food industry worldwide. This institute has produced no less than three Nobel laureates in its time. The Macaulay Institute, founded in 1930, is a global centre for research and consultancy on the environment and on the social consequences of rural land uses, while on the outskirts of Aberdeen the Scottish Agricultural College Campus at Craibstone runs courses in land based industries from sports and recreation to horticulture and agriculture.
With such a thriving student population, the area is vibrant and energetic, producing students who are open to developing new ideas. The high quality of life, with its vast range of recreational and sports facilities, has meant that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been voted by students as one of the best places to study in the United Kingdom.
It’s not just the student and research bodies that are bringing success, however.The quality and choice of schooling on offer in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is very high. The state and private school sectors all perform consistently highly in the league tables throughout Scotland, with both state and private schools appearing in the Top 10, ranked according to examination achivements.
The region is also one of the best educated in the country. Almost a quarter of people living in Aberdeen have a dregree, well above the Scottish average, while a further 17 percent of the population are educated to Higher level.
EXPLORE
From the time when Queen Victoria decided that Deeside would be her holiday home in Scotland, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has been a magnet for visiitors.
And it’s easy to see why. From the mountains to the sea, Aberdeen City and Shire provides spectacular scenery and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with a wide variety of pursuits to suit the most energetic or those who want to take life at a gentler pace. With architecture, history, culture, art and sport on the agenda, the region has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter where their interests lie.
From international festivals to colourful highland games, there is much to see and do, such as taking a trip along the Whisky Trail to sample a dram or two of ‘the water of life’, one of the iconic emblems of Scottish heritage.
From the majestic peaks of the Cairngorms to grand glens, this is a walker’s paradise. For those with a passion for rod and reel, the region boasts some of the finest salmon fishing in the country, and in addition to being a heaven for golf enthusiasts, the region provides the ultimate challenge for lovers of extreme sports.
The prosperity of the region has generated considerable growth in business and leisure tourism and the rise in prestigious hotel brand establishing themselves in the city reflects confidence in the area and its economic future.
Around £30 million could be spent on two new hotels near the city’s airport. The international Hilton chain proposes a 175-room Hilton Garden Inn at Dyce, and the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Scotland is also planned.
A number of new hotel developments are in the pipeline for the city centre, including a 107 bedroom hotel which will also be the centrepiece of the £30 million City Wharf development near Union Street. And in the West end, £7 million is being spent refurbishing a hotel into a cutting-edge Malmaison.
Aberdeen is also a city of culture where arts and music play an important role. The music hall plays host to a wide range of concerts and the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference centre is the North’s premier facility for major rock and pop concerts, sporting events, public shows and exhibitions.
His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, which first opened its doors in 1906, continues to attract a wide range of top quality theatre productions from West End musicals to opera, ballet, contemporary dance, drama and much more.
A stone’s throw away is Aberdeen Art Gallery a beautiful granite building which first opened in 1885 especially striking with its marble lined interior. Today it houses a varied collection of Modern Art. The region’s record on producing many accomplished architects and engineers has meant that there are many fine buildings to visits and admire.
With 100 miles of coastline, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has a rich affinity with the sea and the award winning Maritime Museum, the Macduff Marine aquarium and Kinnaird Head at Fraserburgh, the first lighthouse to be built in Scotland in 1787, all celebrate the rich maritime tradition in this area. And in the best of British seaside traditions, Aberdeen’s sandy beach boasts a sea front with traditional ice cream parlors, cafés, fun fair and leisure complex.
For the history buff there is much to discover. The history of this area goes back many thousands of years with Iron Age Forts, Pictish standing stones, Neolithic stone circles and Bronze Age sites. Archaeolink, a multi award winning living history park and visitor attraction, provides a hands-on insight into life from Mesolithic times to a Roman Marching Camp.
The region also boasts the greatest concentration of castles in the whole of the Europe, from the dramatic stronghold of Dunnottar Castle – and views that will take your breath away - to the impressive ruins of Slains castle at Cruden Bay, the mystical fortress that inspired Bram Stoker to pen the blood curdling tale of Dracula. Further inland Craigievar is believed to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy tale castles.
Crathes Castle is also renowned for the horticultural displays in its spectacular gardens and grounds and, as a regular winner of the Britain in Bloom awards, Aberdeen is home to parks and gardens that can be enjoyed both summer and winter.
All of this and first class education, an excellent health service, a safe environment and a quality of life second to none …. Aberdeen City and Shire, a truly exceptional place to live.
Click on the link to visit the Aberdeen City and Shire website
Many families feel they need to look no further than Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. The lifestyle is the factor cited most often by people who decide to move here, with many choosing to stay following a corporate move from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.
Aberdeen is a truly cosmopolitan city that offers a great range of cultural activities, festivals and events in addition to the superb array of shopping, restaurants, bars and night life one would expect from Europe’s energy capital.
Stately architecture and sparkling granite buildings, the legacy of a rich heritage and tradition, combine with contemporary structures, and plenty of green open spaces to create a city that people feel happy to walk around.
However, it is Aberdeen’s proximity to some of the most awe-inspiring countryside and coast-line that sets it apart from other international cities, and it is one of the few major cities with a beach.
A whole range of outdoor sports are available on the doorstep. You could bag a few Munroes, go mountain-biking, kayaking or sailing, while adrenaline junkies have snow sports in winter, climbing, surfing, wind-surfing and even kite surfing too. In fact, the Aberdeenshire coastline also has some of the best surf in the UK and has become something of a Mecca amongst the surfing community.
Indoors there are a range of leading edge indoor sport centres to cater for everything from swimming, gym and racquet sports to climbing walls and an award-winning extreme sports centre.
And there is world class golf, with no fewer than 50 courses throughout the region. Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf course in the world and further along the coast is Cruden Bay, another spectacular golfing gem opened in the 19th century. However time has not stood still, as there are a number of new high-profile golf courses in the pipe line, including Paul Lawrie’s course at Blairs on Deeside, Jack Nicklaus at the Ury Estate in Stonehaven and a possible two courses at Donald Trump’s proposed £billion resort at Balmedie.
For a slower pace of life, gently stroll along the banks of the rivers Dee or Don, or simply explore the many picturesque coastal villages which shelter amongst stunning rocky cliffs. History and culture are never far away and the area is home to 70 castles, the highest concentration in Europe. Deeside is of course, the Royal family’s home in Scotland, and it is easy to see why it has had the Royal seal of approval over several generations.
It’s not surprising then that Aberdeen was recently voted the UK’s happiest city, with Aberdeenshire named as the best place to live in Scotland. The Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey measured UK living standards using government statistics on employment, earnings, health, housing, crime and even the weather. Aberdeenshire topped the poll, with a high employment rate of 81.4%, above average earnings, a low crime rate and one of Scotland’s highest life expectancies.
ACHIEVE
It is not just the cultural and outdoor life that has made Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire such an attractive choice for many. The vibrant business community means that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and flourishing, as is demonstrated by the large number of successful businesses that have grown within the region.
A new regional identity campaign is aiming to capture this message. One of its themes is that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are the homes of ‘natural pioneers’. The ‘can-do’ attitude and culture has meant that the region is a powerhouse of expertise and knowledge, generating numerous innovators and entrepreneurs, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The many small family businesses that have grown to become international operations are testament to this and the breadth of businesses headquartered in the region range from engineering to software development; oil drilling to renewable energy technologies; rich arable and cattle farming to nutrition and food sciences; and life sciences to the water of life, whisky.
With a worldwide reputation and great economic wealth from the success of the oil and gas industry, Aberdeen has the greatest concentration of subsea engineering and operational experience in the world. And many companies are applying their existing oil and gas expertise to diversify into renewable energy, spearheading the UK’s international drive to secure business in the new energy future.
LEARN
As one of the most ancient centres of learning in the country, Aberdeen has long been respected for excellence in education. Aberdeen Grammar School was founded in 1263 and is one of the oldest schools in Britain. The University of Aberdeen dates back to 1495 and is one of Scotland’s oldest universities. By 1858, with the founding of The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen boasted the same number of universities as the whole of England.
Today, the region’s reputation for excellence is as stronger than ever, and from the vast research base in the universities and institutes, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is continuing to build on its worldwide status.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Throughout its influential history, the University has produced three Nobel prize-winners and shared a fourth, so it is not surprtising that it is regarded as the top research university in Scotland.
A quarter of a century ago, Aberdeen scientists developed the MRI scanner. Since then enormous advances have been made with this lifesaving technology that is now used routinely throughout the world.
The University of Aberdeen is at the forefront of teaching and research in medicine, the humanities and science, while the Robert Gordon University is a leading academic institution with a global reputation in the energy sector. It is rated as the top university in the UK in terms of graduate employment. Among its schools is Gray’s, one of the oldest art schools in the UK, and now at the forefront of new media, with digital design and product design courses.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have also earned the reputation as centre of
excellence in food research through its universities and institutes.
The Rowett Research Institute is an internationally renowned centre for nutrition research, working to improve food quality and prevent disease, making a significant contribution to the food industry worldwide. This institute has produced no less than three Nobel laureates in its time. The Macaulay Institute, founded in 1930, is a global centre for research and consultancy on the environment and on the social consequences of rural land uses, while on the outskirts of Aberdeen the Scottish Agricultural College Campus at Craibstone runs courses in land based industries from sports and recreation to horticulture and agriculture.
With such a thriving student population, the area is vibrant and energetic, producing students who are open to developing new ideas. The high quality of life, with its vast range of recreational and sports facilities, has meant that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been voted by students as one of the best places to study in the United Kingdom.
It’s not just the student and research bodies that are bringing success, however.The quality and choice of schooling on offer in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is very high. The state and private school sectors all perform consistently highly in the league tables throughout Scotland, with both state and private schools appearing in the Top 10, ranked according to examination achivements.
The region is also one of the best educated in the country. Almost a quarter of people living in Aberdeen have a dregree, well above the Scottish average, while a further 17 percent of the population are educated to Higher level.
EXPLORE
From the time when Queen Victoria decided that Deeside would be her holiday home in Scotland, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has been a magnet for visiitors.
And it’s easy to see why. From the mountains to the sea, Aberdeen City and Shire provides spectacular scenery and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with a wide variety of pursuits to suit the most energetic or those who want to take life at a gentler pace. With architecture, history, culture, art and sport on the agenda, the region has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter where their interests lie.
From international festivals to colourful highland games, there is much to see and do, such as taking a trip along the Whisky Trail to sample a dram or two of ‘the water of life’, one of the iconic emblems of Scottish heritage.
From the majestic peaks of the Cairngorms to grand glens, this is a walker’s paradise. For those with a passion for rod and reel, the region boasts some of the finest salmon fishing in the country, and in addition to being a heaven for golf enthusiasts, the region provides the ultimate challenge for lovers of extreme sports.
The prosperity of the region has generated considerable growth in business and leisure tourism and the rise in prestigious hotel brand establishing themselves in the city reflects confidence in the area and its economic future.
Around £30 million could be spent on two new hotels near the city’s airport. The international Hilton chain proposes a 175-room Hilton Garden Inn at Dyce, and the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Scotland is also planned.
A number of new hotel developments are in the pipeline for the city centre, including a 107 bedroom hotel which will also be the centrepiece of the £30 million City Wharf development near Union Street. And in the West end, £7 million is being spent refurbishing a hotel into a cutting-edge Malmaison.
Aberdeen is also a city of culture where arts and music play an important role. The music hall plays host to a wide range of concerts and the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference centre is the North’s premier facility for major rock and pop concerts, sporting events, public shows and exhibitions.
His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, which first opened its doors in 1906, continues to attract a wide range of top quality theatre productions from West End musicals to opera, ballet, contemporary dance, drama and much more.
A stone’s throw away is Aberdeen Art Gallery a beautiful granite building which first opened in 1885 especially striking with its marble lined interior. Today it houses a varied collection of Modern Art. The region’s record on producing many accomplished architects and engineers has meant that there are many fine buildings to visits and admire.
With 100 miles of coastline, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has a rich affinity with the sea and the award winning Maritime Museum, the Macduff Marine aquarium and Kinnaird Head at Fraserburgh, the first lighthouse to be built in Scotland in 1787, all celebrate the rich maritime tradition in this area. And in the best of British seaside traditions, Aberdeen’s sandy beach boasts a sea front with traditional ice cream parlors, cafés, fun fair and leisure complex.
For the history buff there is much to discover. The history of this area goes back many thousands of years with Iron Age Forts, Pictish standing stones, Neolithic stone circles and Bronze Age sites. Archaeolink, a multi award winning living history park and visitor attraction, provides a hands-on insight into life from Mesolithic times to a Roman Marching Camp.
The region also boasts the greatest concentration of castles in the whole of the Europe, from the dramatic stronghold of Dunnottar Castle – and views that will take your breath away - to the impressive ruins of Slains castle at Cruden Bay, the mystical fortress that inspired Bram Stoker to pen the blood curdling tale of Dracula. Further inland Craigievar is believed to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy tale castles.
Crathes Castle is also renowned for the horticultural displays in its spectacular gardens and grounds and, as a regular winner of the Britain in Bloom awards, Aberdeen is home to parks and gardens that can be enjoyed both summer and winter.
All of this and first class education, an excellent health service, a safe environment and a quality of life second to none …. Aberdeen City and Shire, a truly exceptional place to live.
Click on the link to visit the Aberdeen City and Shire website
Friday, October 15, 2010
aberdeen washington home sale
Food and Drink has always been a passionate subject in Aberdeen City and Shire. As the main producer for food and drink in Scotland, its rich arable land and North Sea coastline provides a wealth of fabulous raw materials and fresh, natural produce that is world renowned. It’s the home of the three superfoods – oats, berries and omega 3 – as well as quality beef, dairy, vegetables and grains in abundance. It’s not surprising then that Aberdeen City and Shire is known as Scotland's food larder. Whether it’s Scottish salmon, freshly-caught fish from the North Sea, succulent locally-reared Aberdeen Angus, or juicy raspberries and berries, then you’ll find it on the menu of many of the region’s eating establishments, which are proud to use locally sourced produce. Naturally, it means that Aberdeen City and Shire boasts many excellent quality restaurants and cafes, so whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner a deux, casual lunch with friends, or simply to relax and enjoy the café culture while taking a break from sight-seeing or shopping, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.
Aberdeen enjoys a lively nightlife. Union Street, the main thoroughfare, and the streets leading off it, such as Belmont Street, are teeming with restaurants, cafes and bars. However, probably one of the most exciting locations in Aberdeen at the moment is the historic Green area, emerging as the centre for savvy diners. The Green is undergoing something of regeneration and the previously run-down area has been transformed into a trendy entertainment and retail district.
Restaurants opening to acclaim include the revamped Carmelite Hotel, and Musa, housed in an old banana warehouse, in addition to the well-established and highly praised Café 52 and Bistro Verde, both on The Green itself. Musa Art and Music Cafe, in nearby Exchange Street is, as its name suggests, a vibrant cafe during the morning and afternoon and a relaxed restaurant at lunchtimes and evenings. A frequently changing menu uses fresh seasonal ingredients, and the chefs create imaginative menus to complement the season. With quality food and drink and a great atmospheric setting, Musa also provides the venue for some of the best art and live music to be seen and heard in Aberdeen, covering everything from acoustic, to jazz, blues folk and country. The walls of the restaurant display contemporary art and design from local and Scottish-wide artists with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions.
The Carmelite, a boutique hotel in Stirling Street, opened 18 months ago and features striking open-plan lounges, a bar, restaurant and private dining room. The hotel dates back to the 1820s and the stunning redevelopment has captured the hotel’s former style and elegance and combined it with a contemporary twist. Enter through an antique revolving door into lounges with ceiling to floor windows and featuring huge comfy sofas, with formal and informal food served every evening in the restaurant and lounges. Aberdeen's only Gold Plate restaurant (Awarded by Hotel Review Scotland 2007) the menu is uncomplicated but stylish. The bar serves champagne by the glass - a particular favourite which can be served along with mezze style appetisers in the lounge or bar. Sharing plates are available for starters and desserts, the top choice for those who simply can't decide which to order....
Tucked away down a lane in the city centre, is le Cafe Boheme, bringing a touch of Parisian sophistication to Aberdeen. A small, intimate restaurant with an authentic French Cafe decor, Cafe Boheme fuses traditional and modern French cuisine - perfect for that romantic dinner.
If you’re in town for a visit to His Majesty’s Theatre, or to catch a concert at the Music Hall, then the Golden Square area of town is the ideal choice. With its elegant and imposing buildings that tell the story of the city's prosperous past, try The Square, or Jerome Jerome, both located in Golden Square itself.
The Stage Door, in adjoining North Silver Street, is described as ‘ the best hidden gem in the granite city’ by actor Steven Tompkinson, star of ITV’s Wild at Heart and BBC’ s Ballykissangel. The Stage Door restaurant has a great atmosphere and, being just over the road from His Majesty’s Theatre, is also ideal for pre-theatre diners – and maybe a little star-spotting.
Or try the new restaurant which has opened in His Majesty’s Theatre itself. Operated by Aberdeen Foyer, a local charitable organisation working to prevent youth homelessness and unemployment, the Foyer at HMT is open for lunch and dinner, offering a la carte and pre-theatre menus with a strong focus on fresh and simple classic dishes. A unique initiative in the city, all the profits generated are used to support Aberdeen Foyer; as are those from the original Foyer restaurant and Gallery located on Crown Street, and acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen. A haven of light, taste and style, the professional team at the Foyer Restaurant consistently deliver high quality food with a modern, confident take on classic cooking, while the uncluttered, relaxed setting features exhibitions in the gallery space by contemporary artists.
Of course, with Aberdeen City and Shire’s rich maritime heritage, the freshest of seafood is a feature on many a menu and there are several restaurants which have made seafood their speciality. The Silver Darling Seafood Restaurant is strikingly located in Aberdeen's former customs house, with the roof-top conservatory restaurant offering terrific views of Aberdeen's beach, the coastline and harbour. Specialising in seafood with a French flavour, the Silver Darling is, among its many accolades, listed by the Times as one of the top seafood restaurants in the UK and a "truly memorable place to eat', (The Times, The Big Eat Top 10 UK Fish Restaurants, April 2007.
Other fabulous choices for seafood are the Atlantis Restaurant at the Mariners Hotel on Great Western Road, and the Tolbooth in Stonehaven, just a 25 minute drive south of the city. Also worth visiting is the Creel Inn in the historic fishing village of Catterline. Perched on cliffs overlooking the
bay and harbour, it specialises in seafood prepared to the highest standard from the freshest local produce (the lobster and crab are caught in Catterline Bay), there is also a full range of dishes for those who desire something other than the "catch of the day". The menu is changed in-keeping with the seasons, while the specials board changes daily depending on what fruits the sea provides. Artists, poets and musicians have over the years drawn inspiration from the dramatic seascape and The Creel Inn reflects this, featuring local artists, past and present on its walls.
Like any cosmopolitan city, Aberdeen has a great array of Italian restaurants and Pizzeria and La Rustica and Ciao Napoli are two of the most well established and well-regarded. Casa Gabriele on the corner of Bridge Street and Union Street is one of the most striking Italian restaurants in the city. Its owner, Gabriele Gabbriellini, born in Tuscany, has a passion for food and love of art which is apparent throughout the restaurant. Gabriele is a sculptor and you will find a number of his unique creations adorning the restaurant.
If its Indian food that you fancy, again you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Jewel in the Crown, Crown Street is a long established family business in the very capable hands of Farooq and his sons. It is all in the preparation, and Farooq is a master in the art of blending the traditional spices into a unique combination of tastes.
Or try Cinnamon at the top end of Union Street - an award –winning restaurant which serves traditional curries with a modern twist,
Naturally, as Europe's oil capital, the region is well used to catering for a discerning cosmopolitan clientele, and this is reflected in the many excellent restaurants attached to the region’s hotels. The Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen’s only 5-star hotel, boasts President Gorbachev, Tony Blair and Rod Stewart on its visitors’ list, amongst others. Set in extensive wooded grounds on the outskirts of the city, the Marcliffe's popular conservatory restaurant oozes charm and sophistication.
For more casual dining, try The Olive Tree in the city's West End on Queens Road. Located in a former Toll House, The Olive Tree offers perfectly delivered dishes with a Mediterranean bias and the occasional contemporary twist. Or further along Queens Road, the highly popular Simpson restaurant which again has a Mediterranean theme.
Great restaurants aren't confined to the city centre by any means and wherever you find yourself in Aberdeenshire you'll be able to find a fine dining experience that will make your visit a memorable one.
The Milton at Crathes, for example, is one of the country's top restaurants. Situated on the outskirts of Banchory at the gateway to Royal Deeside, it offers exquisite food in picturesque surroundings. The awards speak for themselves – In 2007 The Milton won the Taste of Grampian Restaurant of the Year, Grampian Chef of the Year and Grampian Young Chef of the Year. With a firm policy of supporting local businesses and suppliers, The Milton’s menu is staunchly rooted in the flavours and of the North-east of Scotland and it’s a great venue for a special dinner or celebratory lunch. During the day you can also browse around the craft shops and art galleries that share the Milton of Crathes site.
The Green Inn at Ballater - known as the ‘Royal’ village, due to its proximity to the Queen’s Scottish home, Balmoral – has built an impressive reputation. Chef Chris O'Halloran has held several senior positions over the last seventeen years, gaining experience and a reputation for fine food. Prior to becoming Head Chef at the Inn he spent time training at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc's renowned Hotel near Oxford, which has influenced the style of cuisine whilst utilising the very best of local produce. Not surprisingly, The Green Inn has been recognized by several awards and mentions in top food guides and awarded 4 stars by Visit Scotland and 4 gold stars (highly commended) by the AA.
The Carron Restaurant in Stonehaven, 15 miles south of Aberdeen, offers diners contemporary cuisine in a stylish restaurant that exudes 1930’s sophistication. One of the UK’s finest examples of Art Deco design, The Carron’s light and airy atmosphere provides a stunning venue to enjoy a wide-ranging menu that will suit all tastes. On warm days or evenings, guests can relax and dine on the unique Art Deco terrace overlooking the tranquil sunken garden, described in the Sunday Herald as “one of the UK’s finest al fresco dining venues”.
Further inland is the Lairhillock, a 200-year-old former Coaching Inn, which now houses the Lounge and Conservatory, The "Crynoch" Restaurant, as well as the original Snug bar. With Real Ales and real fires, the Lairhillock prides itself on quality and is recommended in no less than 12 good food guides.
Eat on the Green, at Udny is also located in a 200-year old coaching inn, but 20 miles north of Aberdeen. The award winning chef and proprietor uses innovative dining skills to create a range of classic and contemporary dishes. Currently holding an Eat Scotland silver award, it also won the Scottish Chefs award for Gastro Pub of the year 2007 – and has won many accolades in the three years since it opened including Visit Scotland’s Northern Lights Food and Drink Award 2007
If you’re looking for a traditional pub, then the Cock and Bull, on the coast close to Balmedie beach, is everything a country inn should be. With its cozy nooks and low beamed ceilings, the Cock & Bull is an atmospheric and intimate Inn and features in the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide.
Scottish country house cooking is the order of the day at the Pittodrie House Hotel, near Inverurie. The menu is different every day, planned to incorporate the freshest of seasonal ingredients, including those from the hotel's own Victorian walled garden.
All these and more .....the best quality ingredients and a tantalising selection of restaurants to choose from. Enjoy!
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Aberdeen enjoys a lively nightlife. Union Street, the main thoroughfare, and the streets leading off it, such as Belmont Street, are teeming with restaurants, cafes and bars. However, probably one of the most exciting locations in Aberdeen at the moment is the historic Green area, emerging as the centre for savvy diners. The Green is undergoing something of regeneration and the previously run-down area has been transformed into a trendy entertainment and retail district.
Restaurants opening to acclaim include the revamped Carmelite Hotel, and Musa, housed in an old banana warehouse, in addition to the well-established and highly praised Café 52 and Bistro Verde, both on The Green itself. Musa Art and Music Cafe, in nearby Exchange Street is, as its name suggests, a vibrant cafe during the morning and afternoon and a relaxed restaurant at lunchtimes and evenings. A frequently changing menu uses fresh seasonal ingredients, and the chefs create imaginative menus to complement the season. With quality food and drink and a great atmospheric setting, Musa also provides the venue for some of the best art and live music to be seen and heard in Aberdeen, covering everything from acoustic, to jazz, blues folk and country. The walls of the restaurant display contemporary art and design from local and Scottish-wide artists with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions.
The Carmelite, a boutique hotel in Stirling Street, opened 18 months ago and features striking open-plan lounges, a bar, restaurant and private dining room. The hotel dates back to the 1820s and the stunning redevelopment has captured the hotel’s former style and elegance and combined it with a contemporary twist. Enter through an antique revolving door into lounges with ceiling to floor windows and featuring huge comfy sofas, with formal and informal food served every evening in the restaurant and lounges. Aberdeen's only Gold Plate restaurant (Awarded by Hotel Review Scotland 2007) the menu is uncomplicated but stylish. The bar serves champagne by the glass - a particular favourite which can be served along with mezze style appetisers in the lounge or bar. Sharing plates are available for starters and desserts, the top choice for those who simply can't decide which to order....
Tucked away down a lane in the city centre, is le Cafe Boheme, bringing a touch of Parisian sophistication to Aberdeen. A small, intimate restaurant with an authentic French Cafe decor, Cafe Boheme fuses traditional and modern French cuisine - perfect for that romantic dinner.
If you’re in town for a visit to His Majesty’s Theatre, or to catch a concert at the Music Hall, then the Golden Square area of town is the ideal choice. With its elegant and imposing buildings that tell the story of the city's prosperous past, try The Square, or Jerome Jerome, both located in Golden Square itself.
The Stage Door, in adjoining North Silver Street, is described as ‘ the best hidden gem in the granite city’ by actor Steven Tompkinson, star of ITV’s Wild at Heart and BBC’ s Ballykissangel. The Stage Door restaurant has a great atmosphere and, being just over the road from His Majesty’s Theatre, is also ideal for pre-theatre diners – and maybe a little star-spotting.
Or try the new restaurant which has opened in His Majesty’s Theatre itself. Operated by Aberdeen Foyer, a local charitable organisation working to prevent youth homelessness and unemployment, the Foyer at HMT is open for lunch and dinner, offering a la carte and pre-theatre menus with a strong focus on fresh and simple classic dishes. A unique initiative in the city, all the profits generated are used to support Aberdeen Foyer; as are those from the original Foyer restaurant and Gallery located on Crown Street, and acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen. A haven of light, taste and style, the professional team at the Foyer Restaurant consistently deliver high quality food with a modern, confident take on classic cooking, while the uncluttered, relaxed setting features exhibitions in the gallery space by contemporary artists.
Of course, with Aberdeen City and Shire’s rich maritime heritage, the freshest of seafood is a feature on many a menu and there are several restaurants which have made seafood their speciality. The Silver Darling Seafood Restaurant is strikingly located in Aberdeen's former customs house, with the roof-top conservatory restaurant offering terrific views of Aberdeen's beach, the coastline and harbour. Specialising in seafood with a French flavour, the Silver Darling is, among its many accolades, listed by the Times as one of the top seafood restaurants in the UK and a "truly memorable place to eat', (The Times, The Big Eat Top 10 UK Fish Restaurants, April 2007.
Other fabulous choices for seafood are the Atlantis Restaurant at the Mariners Hotel on Great Western Road, and the Tolbooth in Stonehaven, just a 25 minute drive south of the city. Also worth visiting is the Creel Inn in the historic fishing village of Catterline. Perched on cliffs overlooking the
bay and harbour, it specialises in seafood prepared to the highest standard from the freshest local produce (the lobster and crab are caught in Catterline Bay), there is also a full range of dishes for those who desire something other than the "catch of the day". The menu is changed in-keeping with the seasons, while the specials board changes daily depending on what fruits the sea provides. Artists, poets and musicians have over the years drawn inspiration from the dramatic seascape and The Creel Inn reflects this, featuring local artists, past and present on its walls.
Like any cosmopolitan city, Aberdeen has a great array of Italian restaurants and Pizzeria and La Rustica and Ciao Napoli are two of the most well established and well-regarded. Casa Gabriele on the corner of Bridge Street and Union Street is one of the most striking Italian restaurants in the city. Its owner, Gabriele Gabbriellini, born in Tuscany, has a passion for food and love of art which is apparent throughout the restaurant. Gabriele is a sculptor and you will find a number of his unique creations adorning the restaurant.
If its Indian food that you fancy, again you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Jewel in the Crown, Crown Street is a long established family business in the very capable hands of Farooq and his sons. It is all in the preparation, and Farooq is a master in the art of blending the traditional spices into a unique combination of tastes.
Or try Cinnamon at the top end of Union Street - an award –winning restaurant which serves traditional curries with a modern twist,
Naturally, as Europe's oil capital, the region is well used to catering for a discerning cosmopolitan clientele, and this is reflected in the many excellent restaurants attached to the region’s hotels. The Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen’s only 5-star hotel, boasts President Gorbachev, Tony Blair and Rod Stewart on its visitors’ list, amongst others. Set in extensive wooded grounds on the outskirts of the city, the Marcliffe's popular conservatory restaurant oozes charm and sophistication.
For more casual dining, try The Olive Tree in the city's West End on Queens Road. Located in a former Toll House, The Olive Tree offers perfectly delivered dishes with a Mediterranean bias and the occasional contemporary twist. Or further along Queens Road, the highly popular Simpson restaurant which again has a Mediterranean theme.
Great restaurants aren't confined to the city centre by any means and wherever you find yourself in Aberdeenshire you'll be able to find a fine dining experience that will make your visit a memorable one.
The Milton at Crathes, for example, is one of the country's top restaurants. Situated on the outskirts of Banchory at the gateway to Royal Deeside, it offers exquisite food in picturesque surroundings. The awards speak for themselves – In 2007 The Milton won the Taste of Grampian Restaurant of the Year, Grampian Chef of the Year and Grampian Young Chef of the Year. With a firm policy of supporting local businesses and suppliers, The Milton’s menu is staunchly rooted in the flavours and of the North-east of Scotland and it’s a great venue for a special dinner or celebratory lunch. During the day you can also browse around the craft shops and art galleries that share the Milton of Crathes site.
The Green Inn at Ballater - known as the ‘Royal’ village, due to its proximity to the Queen’s Scottish home, Balmoral – has built an impressive reputation. Chef Chris O'Halloran has held several senior positions over the last seventeen years, gaining experience and a reputation for fine food. Prior to becoming Head Chef at the Inn he spent time training at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc's renowned Hotel near Oxford, which has influenced the style of cuisine whilst utilising the very best of local produce. Not surprisingly, The Green Inn has been recognized by several awards and mentions in top food guides and awarded 4 stars by Visit Scotland and 4 gold stars (highly commended) by the AA.
The Carron Restaurant in Stonehaven, 15 miles south of Aberdeen, offers diners contemporary cuisine in a stylish restaurant that exudes 1930’s sophistication. One of the UK’s finest examples of Art Deco design, The Carron’s light and airy atmosphere provides a stunning venue to enjoy a wide-ranging menu that will suit all tastes. On warm days or evenings, guests can relax and dine on the unique Art Deco terrace overlooking the tranquil sunken garden, described in the Sunday Herald as “one of the UK’s finest al fresco dining venues”.
Further inland is the Lairhillock, a 200-year-old former Coaching Inn, which now houses the Lounge and Conservatory, The "Crynoch" Restaurant, as well as the original Snug bar. With Real Ales and real fires, the Lairhillock prides itself on quality and is recommended in no less than 12 good food guides.
Eat on the Green, at Udny is also located in a 200-year old coaching inn, but 20 miles north of Aberdeen. The award winning chef and proprietor uses innovative dining skills to create a range of classic and contemporary dishes. Currently holding an Eat Scotland silver award, it also won the Scottish Chefs award for Gastro Pub of the year 2007 – and has won many accolades in the three years since it opened including Visit Scotland’s Northern Lights Food and Drink Award 2007
If you’re looking for a traditional pub, then the Cock and Bull, on the coast close to Balmedie beach, is everything a country inn should be. With its cozy nooks and low beamed ceilings, the Cock & Bull is an atmospheric and intimate Inn and features in the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide.
Scottish country house cooking is the order of the day at the Pittodrie House Hotel, near Inverurie. The menu is different every day, planned to incorporate the freshest of seasonal ingredients, including those from the hotel's own Victorian walled garden.
All these and more .....the best quality ingredients and a tantalising selection of restaurants to choose from. Enjoy!
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
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