September 2011
 What else should people visit whilst in Aberdeen for the OE 2011 conference
 Bill Howatson, Provost of Aberdeenshire
While visiting Aberdeen, do you know that you have spectacular scenery and miles of golden beaches right on your doorstep?
Aberdeenshire is blessed with one of the most beautiful areas and the best lifestyles in the country, from the Cairngorm mountains to golden beaches all around the coast, from scenic and tranquil country parks, to bustling rural towns.
Take your pick from country parks and nature reserves around Aberdeenshire to get away from the hustle and bustle, or choose to do something more extreme. That’s part of the beauty of living here and we’d love to share it with you.
Although snowsports are finished for the season, you can still go mountain biking, hillwalking, climbing, fishing and access lots of other exciting activities – the limit’s your imagination.
Also worth a mention are the number of excellent museums and attractions throughout the area. We are also known as Scotland’s larder and have many excellent places to eat to suit your tastes.
Please visit our website in the first instance and good luck exploring!
www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland
Aberdeenshire is filled with some of the National Trust for Scotland’s finest properties and some of Scotland’s heritage treasures.
No visit to the area is complete without a trip to as many castles as possible. We’ve got plenty in the area. Drum Castle - at 700 years old, it’s one of Scotland’s oldest surviving buildings, with beautiful grounds and an important and fascinating library; Craigievar Castle – sugary pink, it’s said to have inspired the famous Disney castle; Castle Fraser with its fine art collection; and finally Fyvie Castle which is celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2011.
You should really take in a garden or two. Crathes Castle is a fine example with its topiary, or an autumnal visit to Pitmedden Garden near Ellon coincides with the abundant apple harvest. Complete the Trust tour with the elegant Haddo House and Leith Hall garden.
 Laura voor de Poorte, Associations Manager at Aberdeen Convention Bureau
We actively promote Aberdeen City and Shire to attract new conferences to the area, and as well as the huge amount of expertise that is prevalent locally – from energy to life sciences – our culture, history and landscape is a major pull for delegates.
For me, a ‘must see’ is Footdee, known locally as Fittie, a historic fishing community within the hustle and bustle of the city. Not only does this transport the delegates back in time but gives them the opportunity to catch sight of the urban dolphins which frequent Aberdeen city harbour and beach!
Delegates should also not miss the chance to visit historic Old Aberdeen, particularly King’s College campus and ancient chapel, and take some time to walk around this beautiful area, with its old cobbled streets and sandstone buildings.
 Lord Provost Peter Stephen of Aberdeen
There are so many wonderful things to do and interesting places to visit in Aberdeen.
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Aberdeen Art Gallery, which houses one of the UK’s finest art collections. Its diverse decorative arts collection and exciting exhibitions ensure there is always something new to see throughout the year.
A favourite museum of mine and my wife is the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Its colourful displays and interesting exhibitions are preserving the legacy of the world-famous regiment for future generations.
His Majesty Theatre is also a wonderful venue, offering a fantastic variety of first-class productions from musicals to drama and pantomime.
The city has many delightful parks including the Duthie Park, home to the David Welch Winter Gardens, boasting a year-round floral paradise of rare plants from across the world.
With Royal Deeside and magnificent countryside on our doorstep I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. |
