King William the Lion granted Aberdeen Royal Burgh charters in the 12th century. These were turbulent times. and the burgh centre moved from the harbour settlement to the Castlegate. In the 14th century, Aberdonians supported King Robert the Bruce in taking the Castle from the English. and used the password 'Bon Accord' . In gratitude, the King gifted land - still known as the Freedom Lands - to the city. See the plaques commemorating the King in Hazlehead Park. The words Bon Accord are now part of the city Coat of Arms, and are linked to the toast "Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again".

From about 1800, the Granite City emerged. Union Street. named after the 1801 Union of Scotland, England and Ireland, was a tremendous feat of engineering with the street built on arches and bridging the Denburn and the old road to the Castlegate. Many fine granite buildings were designed by talented architects Archibald Simpson. and John and William Smith. Transport improved too. with the introduction of the railway from London and Edinburgh and the Deeside Line built from Aberdeen to Ballater. Follow the line, now a lovely footpath, through the city outskirts. And follow the development of Aberdeen from the time of William the Lion in Provost Skene's House Museum.

It was in Old Aberdeen that Bishop Elphinstone established Aberdeen's first University. King's College. Founded in 1495 and named after King James IV, the University became a respected centre of learning. In 1593 Scotland's Earl Marischal founded Aberdeen's second university - at a time when there were only two in the whole of England. The two colleges united in the 19th century to form the present day University of Aberdeen. Trace the University's history in King's Visitor Centre, marvel at the world's second largest granite building, Marischal College. Or take a walking tour (summer and Eastertime) with a qualified Scottish Tourist Guide and discover Old Aberdeen with its beautifully restored houses and cottages, St Machar's Cathedral and Old Aberdeen Town House.

Aberdeen today is a delightful combination of well-preserved history, stately granite architecture, street markets. modern shopping centres, up-to-the-minute nightclubs, and flower filled streets and parks. Right by the clean sandy beach is Scotland's largest permanent Amusement Park. Not too far away is the unique Storybook Glen and the parks are filled with fun for everyone. There's a modern harbour where the Fishmarket can be visited early in the morning, and the airport and heliport are busy all day long. Satrosphere will help you discover how things work, while Jonah's Journey brings Biblical times to life. There's a choice of sports facilities, cafes, restaurants, pubs and accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.