Art Gallery of Aberdeen

Aberdeen - The Aberdeen Art Gallery stands as a beacon of culture and history, showcasing one of the finest art collections in the country. For over 130 years, this remarkable gallery has been a cornerstone of the community, providing a vibrant space where art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike can immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic masterpieces.

Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery's collection is truly extraordinary, spanning 700 years of artistic expression. 

Touch museum

The curators of the Art Gallery gave an introduction on some of the artefacts and my sons had to wear glove to touch and hold them.  It was an interesting experience to learn from experts of how it was preserved and created.

On Eastern Arts, 

Contemporary Arts

One of the most compelling aspects of the Aberdeen Art Gallery is its dedication to contemporary art. The gallery has been committed to acquiring the best and most interesting contemporary artworks, ensuring that its collection remains dynamic and relevant. This focus on contemporary art not only highlights the gallery's forward-thinking vision but also provides a platform for modern artists to share their voices and perspectives with a wider audience.

Different types of Granite

The Cock

Old Blackfriars restaurant

 Aberdeen - Nestled in the heart of Aberdeen, the Old Blackfriars restaurant is more than just a place to enjoy a hearty meal; it’s a site steeped in rich history and vibrant local culture. Located in a historic area, this charming establishment offers a unique dining experience, seamlessly blending the past with the present.

Old Blackfriars

The cobbled pedestrian area outside Old Blackfriars is infamous for its historical significance. This spot was once used for public executions, a grim reminder of the city’s tumultuous past. It was here that the citizens of Aberdeen famously rose up against the English garrison occupying Aberdeen Castle. The rebellion, ignited with the rallying cry "Bon Accord," led to the eventual destruction of the castle, marking a significant moment in Aberdeen’s history.

Balmoral Chicken

This dish is chicken breast with beechwood-smoked streaky bacon, haggis, and a creamy whisky sauce, served with carrots, broccoli, and buttered mash.  Very tasty delicious but the brocolli and carrots are tasteless as it was just blanched.

Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with chopped onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.

Belhaven Steak & Ale Pie is a slow-cooked steak & Belhaven Ale pie in puff pastry with buttered mash (right pic) or thick-cut chips (left pic), mushy or garden peas and merlot beef dripping gravy.

A very satisfied and delicious meal.

Provost Skeen House

Aberdeen - Provost Skene's House is a house in Aberdeen, built in 1545 and now housing a museum. It is named after Provost Skene, who bought it in 1669 and is thought to have commissioned its 17th century plaster ceilings.

This way to Provost Skene's House

In 2021, Provost Skene's House was reopened to the public after renovations were completed. It now houses displays on singers, writers, doctors, business owners and other prominent figures who were born, lived or worked in Aberdeen.

From this museum, I learned that Aberdeen is a global brand. From its position high on the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen has exerted its influence right around the planet. They have a long and proud tradition of invention and discovery – from subsea technology and the discovery of insulin, to treatments for Cystic Fibrosis and even the first MRI scanner – demonstrates a fundamental element of our region’s DNA, to blaze new trails and shape the future for all of humankind. 

David Gill

One of the interesting thing here is the 17th Century Painted Ceiling.

The painted ceiling and walls in this room date back to 1626, but it is unknown who painted it. The paintings – which depict various moments throughout the life of Christ – are a rare survival as they were only discovered in 1950s, having been boarded over for more than 300 years.

Outside the Provost Skeen House, has a small beautiful garden.  

Provost Skeen House

Discovering the Historic Charm of Aberdeen's Shiprow & Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen - After my delayed luggage was delivered to my son's apartment, we walked to meet up with my wife and Pax at Lidl supermarket.  "Lidl" is a German discount supermarket chain. The name "Lidl" is derived from the surname of the company's founder, Josef Schwarz. He established the first Lidl store in 1930 in Germany.   

The prices are relatively cheaper as compared to Singapore supermarkets and we have a fun time putting stuff into the trolleys.  

The Protest

There was a protest on the Gaza war along Union Street (which is the main street of Aberdeen).

The Kirkyard of St Nicolas

The historic church has been on the site since at least 1151, when records show it was referenced in a Papal document. Over the hundreds of years, it has seen – and survived – many notable events, including fire, neglect, the Reformation and even being used as a jail for those accused of being witches, before they were taken to be burnt at the stake in the late 1590s.  

The church

The church was abandoned as the congregation cease to exist from 31 December 2020.  Like the graveyard surrounding it, there was a silent and quiet atmosphere to it.

The courtyard surrounding was filled with gravestones.

Aberdeen's Shiprow

Nestled in the heart of Aberdeen, Scotland, Shiprow is a street steeped in history and charm, located near the bustling harbour. This iconic street, once an essential part of the city's maritime activities, offers a glimpse into Aberdeen's rich past and evolving landscape.

Shiprow

Walking along Shiprow today, visitors can sense the echoes of its maritime heritage. The street's historical significance is palpable, with buildings and landmarks that tell stories of Aberdeen's growth and resilience. Despite the changes, Shiprow retains its character, bridging the gap between the city's storied past and its vibrant present.  

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich maritime heritage. Situated on the historic Shiprow, this museum is a treasure trove of nautical artifacts, stories, and exhibits that highlight Aberdeen's deep connection with the sea.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

This unique setting provides a perfect backdrop for the diverse collection of exhibits. Visitors can explore everything from shipbuilding and the fishing industry to the city’s pivotal role in the North Sea oil industry.  Like this lighthouse that greeted me near the entrance of the museum.

Lighthouse 

A 2nd level view of the lighthouse

Ancient harpoons

Deep sea diving apparatus that was used off the coast of Aberdeen.

The museum provides an in-depth look at the offshore oil and gas industry, which has been integral to Aberdeen's economy and identity in recent decades.

Diving apparatus

One of the museum’s standout features is the detailed models of ships, which span centuries of maritime history. 

Thomas Blake Glover, he was called 'The Scottish Samurai".  He was responsible for commissioning one of the first warships in the Imperial Japanese Navy (the Jo Sho Maru).  Glover was a key figure in the industrialisation of Japan, helping to found the shipbuilding company which was later to become the Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan.

Rusted Propeller blade

An interesting look into the past of Aberdeen being the energy Capital of Europe; with the discovery of North Sea oil and gas in the late 1960s.