Mountains and plains meet in the Grampian's Aberdeen district. The flat-topped heights of the mountains, with snow-filled gullies and magnificent pinewood forests, fall eastwards to lush farmlands, where Aberdeen Angus cattle graze. Along the coastline are sandy beaches and lively fishing ports.

Aberdeen's recorded history dates from the 12th century, and Robert the Bruce, in the early 14th century, was the city's greatest benefactor.