History

Recent History

Without doubt, the 7.4 million extension and renovation of His Majesty's Theatre has been one of the most exciting cultural developments in Aberdeen in recent years.

Frank Matcham, Britain's foremost theatre architect of the early 1900s, designed and built His Majesty's which last underwent major interior refurbishment 30 years ago. Externally, a five-storey extension in Kemnay granite and glass created a modern new landmark for Aberdeen. The entire building is accessible for people with disabilities, and the theatre now seats 1200 people on over four levels.

Modern Day History

Since the 1970s Aberdeen has been the main focus of the UK's offshore oil industry, home to oil company offices, engineering yards, a bustling harbour filled with supply ships, and the world's busiest civilian heliport. Unemployment rates, once among the highest in the country, are now among the lowest.

Pre 20th Century History

Aberdeen was a prosperous trading and fishing port centuries before oil became a valuable commodity. After the townspeople supported the King of Scots - Robert I (also known as Robert the Bruce) - against England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, their king rewarded them by giving them land for which he had previously received rent. The idea lingers in the Common Good Fund, where money is spent on town amenities: it finances the colourful floral displays that have won the city numerous awards.

The name Aberdeen is a combination of two Pictish-Gaelic words, aber and devana, meaning 'the meeting of two waters'. The area was raided by the Vikings when it was already an important port trading in wool, fish, hides and fur. By the 18th century paper- and rope-making, textile manufacture and whaling were the main industries; in the 19th century it became a major herring-fishing centre.

The sleek and speedy Aberdeen clippers - a shipyard speciality - were used by British merchants for importing tea, wool and exotic goods (like opium) to Britain, and, on the return journey, the transportation of free settlers and convicts to Australia.