Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen, now part of the city of Aberdeen, was originally a separate burgh, officially recognized as a burgh of barony in 1489. This historic area was merged with Aberdeen through an Act of Parliament in 1891, yet retains a unique identity as a community council area.

Known for its motto ''through harmony, small things increase," Old Aberdeen is a conservation area filled with historical charm. The central part of the town features buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and vernacular architecture from the 17th to early 19th centuries, built from the locally prevalent grey granite. One of the distinctive architectural features is the use of hand-made bricks for gables and garden walls, a rarity in Scotland before the late 19th century. Many of the streets still retain their original stone-sett paving, further adding to the area’s historical ambiance.

Serving as the main campus for the University of Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen blends academic life with its rich history. Aside from university facilities, the area contains residential and commercial properties, often linked to the university community. Key local landmarks include Saint Machar’s Cathedral, a medieval structure that predates the University’s establishment in 1495, and which, along with other ecclesiastical buildings, forms the heart of Old Aberdeen.

Major historical buildings include the 15th-century King’s College Chapel, noted for its rare open "crown" spire and its collection of medieval woodcarving, the early 18th-century Old Town House, and the 14th-century Brig o' Balgownie, now pedestrianized and considered one of Scotland's oldest surviving bridges.