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It was criticised as the “poor relation of the Scottish cities”(Image: Jose Miguel Sanchez / Getty Images)
Scotland’s cities are great places to head for a weekend break. With exciting attractions, historic museums, and countless charming pubs and restaurants, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
However, each of the country’s cities also have their detractors. One was even previously named the “most dismal” place in Scotland, receiving the controversial Plook on the Plinth award from Urban Realm magazine.
As reported by the Daily Record, the Plook on the Plinth was axed earlier this year following backlash. However, before the infamous award was scrapped, many popular destinations across Scotland were named the “most dismal” in the country.
One of the places that received the award was Aberdeen. The ‘granite city’ was given the prize in 2015, beating off “stiff competition” from Cumbernauld, East Kilbride, and Leven according to Urban Realm.
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At the time, Urban Realm editor John Glenday commented: “Aberdeen is a great city but despite its enviable financial clout and rich heritage legacy it has become the poor relation of the Scottish cities. It has been left behind by the likes of Dundee, which has made huge strides to transform its waterfront.
“The time to turn things around is now, in a few years’ time it may well be too late.”
Despite once being named the “most dismal” place in Scotland, Aberdeen is one of the most exciting destinations in the country. While it can’t compete with the size of Glasgow or Edinburgh, there is no shortage of things to get up to around the city.
Aberdeen is famous for its architecture(Image: Liz Leyden / Getty Images)
Aberdeen is perhaps best known for its incredible granite architecture, which is what gave the city its nickname of the ‘granite city’. There are many breathtaking buildings around Aberdeen, but standouts include Marischal College and the historic Provost Skene’s House.
Meanwhile, the city is also known for its maritime heritage. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is dedicated to Aberdeen’s fascinating relationship with the sea, featuring an incredible collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, and more.
Aberdeen’s cultural scene is renowned as well, with many galleries and music venues to visit. Among the highlights are the Aberdeen Art Gallery, Peacock Visual Arts, P&J Live, and The Music Hall.
There are also lots of gems in Aberdeen when it comes to food. The city features a large variety of restaurants, cafés, pubs, and more.
Top restaurants in Aberdeen include seafood specialists The Silver Darling and barbecue eatery Maggie’s Grill. Other standouts are Italian restaurant Mi Amore and Brazilian bar and grill Estabulo Rodizio.
In terms of places to stay in Aberdeen, the Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel can currently be booked at a 34 per cent discount through Wowcher. A one-night stay for two at the Victorian hotel, which overlooks Union Terrace Gardens in the city centre, is available for £79.99.
Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel (Image: Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel / Wowcher)
The Wowcher deal includes a stay in a deluxe double or twin room, with coffee and tea making facilities and a flatscreen TV. Also included is free Wi-Fi, a full breakfast in the morning, and a late checkout.
Other popular hotels in Aberdeen include Malmaison Aberdeen and the Marcliffe. The former is a luxury hotel with 79 rooms and a spa, while the Marcliffe is a five-star hotel that offers dining and full range of spa treatments.
More information about Aberdeen winning the Plook on the Plinth prize can be found on the Urban Realm website.