Malt Whisky
It was in Scotland, the traditions of distilling and maturing
Scotch whisky evolved through the centuries, using crafts passed
from generation to generation in a continual process of refinement.
Today, the fine Scotch Malt Whisky is produced in distilleries
located in the most picturesque of settings, close to the natural
ingredients on which their unique flavor depends.
Your visit to Aberdeen is not complete without taking part
in the Malt Whisky Trail, a celebration that has established
fixture on Scotland's tourism calendar. The seven distilleries
and cooperage is a must see, besides the Cashmere Visitor
Centre, craft centres, castles & gardens and Baxters of
Speyside.
You can play at the championship golf courses, go fishing,
sailing, and dolphin watching or simply walk the Speyside
Way footpath from the coast to the shadow of the Grampian
Highlands.
St Machar's Cathedral
The 12th century, St Machar's Cathedral, which lies next to
the River Don, was built to replace St Machar's original Celtic
church. The present appearance of the Cathedral is strangely
squat, which in a way is part of its appeal. The building
is open daily to visitors until 5.00pm.
Legend has it that St Machar, who was sent to convert the
Picts to Christianity by St Columba was told to build a church
where a river bent into a shepherd's crook before flowing
into the sea.
The Music Hall
Built in 1820, this beautiful hall demonstrates the foundation
stone, on the corner of Union Street and South Silver Street,
which has a commemorative plaque that reads "Aberdeen
Public Rooms. Built by subscription, founded with Masonic
honours by James Earl of Fife, Depute Grand Master of Scotland,
April 26, 1820. First Year of the reign of George the Fourth."
Just beneath the portico, the principal entrance conducts
into an outer vestibule connected to a flight of six steps
leading to the Grand Salon, which is 68 feet in length by
20 feet wide and is divided into three compartments by fluted
Ionic columns with ornamental capitals and corresponding pilasters.
The 32 feet high walls with the dome-finished ceiling made
of copper with Simpson's classical design in gray granite
makes the building look simply marvelous from outside.
Fyvie Castle
Open to public since 1986, this 13th century castle is the
grandest existing example of Scottish baronial architecture.
Originally built in a royal hunting forest, Fyvie means "deer
hill" in Gaelic.
The five towers each named after one of the five families
who have owned the castle, conserves five centuries of history.
The castle reflects the opulence of the Edward era, while
you can find some of the finest great wheel stair in Scotland,
and the arms, Armour and 17th Century tapestries and important
artworks by Raeburn, Gainsborough, and Romney. Besides, the
castle is rich in ghosts, curses, and legends.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum exhibits a unique collection
of ship models, paintings, artifacts, computer interaction,
showing the history of the North Sea. A major display on the
offshore oil industry features a model of the Murchison oil
platform.
The complex is on four floors, incorporating the 1593 Provost
Ross House linked by a modern glass structure to the granite
Trinity Church. Windows open onto panoramic views of the harbor.
Aberdeen's famous clipper ships are commemorated by displays
of historic ships portraits and models.
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