Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populated city with an official estimate of 228,990 inhabitants. The city and the surrounding area has had settlements for at least 8,000 years. It is often nicknamed the Silver City because the granite buildings sparkle after the rain. This is due to the high mica content in the local granite.
Aberdeen started as two separate districts. There was Old Aberdeen at the mouth of the River Don, and New Aberdeen which was a fishing and trading settlement. The two areas of the city joined together in 1891. Old Aberdeen still holds its ancient charter from 1179 but is not formally independent any more.
The city has won the Britain in Bloom competition a record 11 times. It also presents the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, which is a major event where young performing arts companies come to show their talents.
In 2012, the consulting firm Mercer listed Aberdeen as the 56th most liveable city in the world and the fourth most liveable city in the United Kingdom.
If you live in Aberdeen and you need a new boiler, it's important that you compare quotes from a minimum of three trusted tradespeople.