Aberdeen is the main city of Aberdeen City on the north‑east coast of Scotland, sitting where the River Dee meets the North Sea. Nicknamed the "Granite City", much of its centre is built from pale grey granite that can gleam silver in wet weather; remnants of medieval Old Aberdeen, the imposing Marischal College façade and St Machar's Cathedral give it a strong historic character beside the harbour.
Economically it grew into an international energy hub after the North Sea oil boom, with continuing work in oil, gas, renewables and marine engineering alongside education and health, notably the University of Aberdeen. The city also has a lively cultural and social scene - museums such as the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, green spaces like Duthie Park and distinct neighbourhoods such as the harbour village of Footdee - and a diverse population shaped by students and an international workforce.