The Travel Guide
The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements.
For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907 see the separate article below
Aberdeen: 1907 entry
Aberdeen is a large town of 153,000 inhabitants and has several fine buildings. The shops are good; houses and flats are not difficult to obtain at moderate rents. the climate is bracing, and especially agreeable during the summer months. The country around is exceptionally pretty, and offers many charming excursions by cycle, train, and on foot. The educational facilities are good. Annual rainfall, 30 inches. Golf links, situated two miles north of Aberdeen, near the moth of the Don, conveyance by electric car. The course is 5920 yards long. A commodious clubhouse stands on a high hill overlooking the Don, and the view from its embraces the entire coast from Girdleness to Buchanness. Visitors 2s.6d a day or 10s a week.
HOTELS: Palace, Grand, Imperial
NEWSPAPER: Free Press, Journal
Aberdeen: 21st Century edition
Aberdeen remains a captivating city on Scotland’s northeast coast, known for its enduring maritime heritage and robust granite architecture that has withstood the test of time. Today, it is celebrated not just for its historical significance but also for the modern vibrancy that complements its ancient streets and buildings. While some aspects of the city have evolved, its essence and many attractions continue to draw visitors from around the globe.
Aberdeen’s climate is still bracing, offering a refreshing experience particularly in the summer months when the city comes alive under longer daylight hours. The surrounding countryside remains a picturesque setting that beckons nature lovers and adventurers alike to explore its trails either by cycling, hiking, or even the modern conveniences of public transport.
Educational facilities in Aberdeen are renowned, with the University of Aberdeen leading as a beacon of learning and research that dates back to 1495. Its historic and modern campuses blend the past with the present, offering excellent opportunities for students from all over the world.
The golfing tradition in Aberdeen has flourished over the years, with the city and its environs now boasting several world-class golf courses. While specific details may have changed since 1907, the region’s passion for golf remains, with courses set against stunning backdrops of rugged coastlines and rolling countryside. The mention of a golf course near the mouth of the Don continues to resonate with golf enthusiasts, as Aberdeen and the Shire offer some of the finest links courses in Scotland.
Regarding accommodations, while the Grand (now called The Caledonian) and Imperial (renamed The Carmelite) hotels mentioned from 1907 are still open (The Palace Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1941), Aberdeen today offers a wide range of lodging options from boutique hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, catering to all preferences and budgets. The spirit of hospitality that defined Aberdeen’s hotels in the past continues to thrive.
The city’s newspapers, including the Press and Journal (evolved from the Free Press and the Journal), remain a vital source of local, national, and international news, reflecting the city’s connection to the wider world while maintaining its local heritage.
Aberdeen’s allure in the 21st century lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Visitors can still marvel at the fine granite buildings that give it the nickname “the Granite City,” enjoy the shops that range from traditional Scottish products to contemporary boutiques, and immerse themselves in a city that values its history while embracing the future.
In revisiting Aberdeen with a lens from 1907, one discovers a city that respects its past, celebrates its present, and eagerly anticipates its future. Aberdeen invites travellers to explore its enduring charm, its beautiful natural surroundings, and the warmth of its people, just as it did over a century ago.
