With a population of 208,000, Aberdeen is referred to as the Scottish City of Granite and Roses, thanks to its numerous and beautiful parks and botanical gardens and its granite buildings. When the sun shines, the mica in the granite sparkles, which is why they also call Aberdeen the Silver City. In the mid-1960s, Aberdeen's population was almost stagnant and its economy consisted of traditional industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and textile and paper production. Located in the north-east of Scotland, the city experienced an economic boom at the end of the 1970s following oil discoveries in the North Sea; today it is one of the wealthiest cities in Scotland. While it acts as the centre of the European oil industry, the city also focuses on the development of new energy sources and adapting technology from oil to renewable energies, as there are concerns that oil production might dwindle in the coming years. As Scotland's third-largest city, it is also a shopping metropolis.
Aberdeen is situated on the east coast of Scotland, between the estuaries of the rivers Dee and Don, which are known for their salmon. The city has excellent transport connections. The road and rail connections with other cities are constantly being expanded and the city's own international airport completes the transport infrastructure. Because it supplies oil platforms, Aberdeen also has one of the world's largest heliports.
The city has numerous opportunities for continuing education, including the University of Aberdeen and the technical Robert Gordon University, meaning it caters to all educational requirements. The city's many sights, nearby recreational areas and sports and leisure facilities offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. Its proximity to the unspoilt countryside just beyond the city’s borders is a particularly attractive feature.
Aberdeen was Regensburg’s first twin city, a relationship that started in 1955. School projects on various current topics, cultural and sports activities and the cooperation of youth associations help the twin partnership to flourish. The two universities also maintain a close relationship. In recent years, the adult education centre in Regensburg has set up a number of interesting, long-term projects together with the Arts Development Team in Aberdeen. For example, they jointly published a book in which senior citizens from both cities talk about their post-war experiences - valuable memories that will now be preserved for future generations thanks to this collaboration. The year 2020 will see the 65th anniversary of the twin city partnership.
