It is always natural to feel slightly alienated or out-of-place when visiting a new city, but Aberdeen brings it up a notch when it comes to its unique and at times bizarre nature. Whilst a usual
Aberdeen city centre hotel will be in the crux of the tourist traps, the citys small size can often ensure that it retains a distinctly Scottish character.
Having some of the oldest University buildings in the whole of Europe, the local people of Aberdeen often have a real pride in their city. If you specifically visit the Bridge of Don suburb, one of the largest in Europe, you can really feel the traditionalism of a pure Scottish village. Whilst English is commonly spoken, you may encounter local dialects and Scottish accents which may often confuse you. The local dialect in the area is called Doric and it is very unique to the rest of the country. Its origins come from the farming communities that are nearby and whilst it isnt as popular as it used to be, it wont be strange to encounter it during your travels. A few common phrases are "Fit like?", meaning a greeting such as "How are you doing?, "Fit?" meaning "What?", and "Fa?" meaning "Who?".
In terms of safety, Aberdeen is usually trouble free, but like any city, you need to keep your wits about you, even with the low crime rate in the area. Some areas to avoid include Torry, the South Bank of River Dee, and Tillydrone, usually from the North of Bedford Road. History has shown a strong rivalry between the Rangers and Aberdeen football teams. Whilst police are often present, the area surrounding the football grounds should be avoided on match days. Finally, try and avoid driving around the beach area after 9pm which becomes popular for the boy racer group, or locally known as bullycruisers, which drive around in an intimidating way.
Either way, Aberdeen is a rare gem that stands out within Scotland. Booking a
Scotland country hotel will ensure that you experience the rarity and oddity of Aberdeen for yourself. Like everywhere however, safety and understanding should always be a priority.
