Scotland's whisky and castle capital has the benefit of outstanding coastal scenery and the awesome backdrop of the Grampian mountains. The claim to be Whisky Capital is well earned as Speyside is home to more than half of Scotland's distilleries.
Aberdeenshire claim to it's second title, as The Castle County of Scotland, is also well deserved with over 1000 castles or sites of castles within it's' boundaries.
The Granite City - Aberdeen - is the centre of the area and is a bustling modern city centre with plenty to entertain.
It naturally has close links with the sea, as an important port, but it's also the capital of the oil industry.
Here is where many people who work in the industry are based.
The area is a favourite with the Royal Family and they are guaranteed to be seen at one of the area's major annual events - the Braemar Gathering, a Highland Games of caber tossing and HIghland dancing which dates back 1,000 years.
For those with an active lifestyle this area provides excellent opportunity to take part in a wide variety of sports, from fishing to skiing.
