Life in the Granite City
A modern, international city in the scenic North-east of Scotland
Where urban meets natural beauty
We are proud to be based in Aberdeen, home to a long sandy beach where dolphins play; a vibrant mix of history, art and festivals; yet historic castles, ancient stone circles and rolling countryside on our doorstep.
Voted one of the top ten cities in the UK to raise a family, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a high quality of life, particularly appealing to young and growing families due to the balance of urban living with natural beauty – rivers, lochs and coastal areas, as well as world-renowned heritage and culture.
ISA is located on the edge of the city, at the gateway to historic Royal Deeside and popular towns such as Banchory and Aboyne, leading to the Royal Family’s summer homes at Balmoral and Birkhall.
Discover more about Aberdeen
The sparkling Granite City
Unlike many UK cities with brick or sandstone centres, Aberdeen’s entire urban landscape is defined by granite, giving it a distinctive uniformity and grandeur, including the second-largest granite building in the world, the neo-Gothic Marischal College. When polished, it sparkles, earning Aberdeen its nickname of the Silver City or Granite City.
Getting out and about
Abundant green spaces and outdoor activities can be found throughout the city and shire, including Drum and Crathes Castles (complete with turrets and battlements); Hazlehead Park, which features woodland walks, footgolf and a maze; and Haddo Country Park with its historic landscape, mansion, gardens and lake with plenty of hungry ducks waiting to be fed.
A rich and proud seafaring history
The harbour remains central to the city’s identity, blending its fishing heritage with its role as an energy hub and proud seafaring history, which was celebrated with The Tall Ships Festival 2025, bringing 400,000 visitors to the city.
Vibrant cultural scene
Alongside His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Music Hall, The Lemon Tree, Tivoli and Aberdeen Arts Centre, regular cultural celebrations include the Spectra Festival of Light, which transforms the city into a glowing art installation each February; Nuart, an international street art festival with vibrant murals on city walls; Aberdeen Science Festival; and True North Festival, a celebration of live music.