Discover Aberdeen

Autumn getaway

Aberdeen and the Royal Deeside.

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05 01 Autumn colours in Braemar, a small town we passed through on our drive through the Royal Deeside.

02 At Finzean Estate, the Farquharsons have farmed for the last 400 years. Here you’ll find a well-stocked farm shop and a tea room.

03 Ardoe House has been an hotel since 1947 but was built in 1878 by Alexander “Soapy” Ogston.

04 Foot Dee, or Fittie as the locals call it, is an old fishing village at the east end of Aberdeen’s harbour which received conservation status in 1968.

05 With pink floral teacups, baby blue gold-rimmed saucers and sprinkles, Cup is a cosy café famed for its amazing cakes and all-day breakfasts.

TEXT: Eirny Sigurdardottir PHOTOS: Aslaug Snorradottir

Aberdeen – known as the Granite or Silver City because of its grey granite houses – shimmered in the autumn sun as my friend and I drove into town in mid-October. The beautiful historical and architecturally distinct buildings were surrounded by lush green trees, adorned with autumnal colours of orange and russet.

With five shopping centres, the Granite Mile shopping street, quirky boutiques, restaurants and cosy cafés, we were spoilt for choice. On our first evening we had an inspirational meal in Musa, housed in a former Catholic apostolic chapel in the old Merchant Quarter. This “slow food” restaurant serves locally sourced produce, using both traditional and new food preparation techniques. Peat-smoked mussel skink, homemade Bannocks, and wood pigeon galette with bramble and blueberry sauce are just some of the delicious offerings. Musa is also a Scottish Malt Whisky Association partner bar with a range of over 100 malt whiskies to sample.

The weather was mild and beautiful as we headed out of Aberdeen the following day. Ardoe House has been a hotel since 1947 but was built in 1878 by Alexander “Soapy” Ogston, who made his fortune by manufacturing and exporting soap across the British empire. He built the house incorporating many design features inspired by the Queen’s country retreat, Balmoral Castle. On our arrival we realised that a wedding party was in full swing. The atmosphere was charged with joy and laughter, bringing the grand building to life. We were swept up by the occasion and welcomed into the celebrations, making our time here forever memorable.

On our last day we visited the Royal Deeside where Balmoral Castle is located. It’s a picturesque part of the country with probably more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Scotland. The Victorian village of Ballater has gained a reputation for quality because many of its shops supply the Royal Family. We had a fabulous lunch at the Clachan Grill that included a delicious game terrine and Loch Duart salmon.

I have heard it said that people come to Aberdeen and tend to never leave, and as we drove into town after our day trip in the countryside I could appreciate why. Stunning landscape, castles and beaches – only a stone’s throw away from the city – is everything you need for the perfect weekend getaway.

DID YOU KNOW...

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