As a new student at the University of Aberdeen, you’re not just stepping into one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious universities—you’re immersing yourself in a city steeped in rich history, quirky traditions, and captivating legends. From the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen to the mysterious tales that have shaped the city’s past, there’s so much more to discover beyond the lecture halls and cheap pubs. Whether you’re interested in the history, or just want to learn a little more about the city, these local legends will help you feel more connected to Aberdeen and the new community you now call home.
1. The Story Behind Old Aberdeen: A University Town with a Medieval Twist
Aberdeen is more than just a university city; it’s a place where ancient history meets modern life. The University of Aberdeen itself was founded in 1495, making it the third-oldest university in Scotland, and the fifth-oldest in the world! The cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen, where the university is nestled, transport you back to medieval times. King’s College, with its iconic crown-towered chapel, is the heart of this historical setting. Fresher students can stroll through this area and connect to over 500 years of academic legacy, walking the same streets as the scholars who came before them.
2. Brig o’ Balgownie: Aberdeen’s Oldest Bridge
Just a short walk from campus, the Brig o’ Balgownie is one of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks. With its construction beginning in the 13th century, this gothic-style stone bridge was completed by Robert the Bruce’s troops when he came into power. This picturesque bridge famously appeared in Lord Byron’s poem Don Juan. This celebrated Romantic poet wrote about the ancient bridge, making it a must-visit for literature lovers and history buffs alike.
3. Haunted Halls: Ghosts of King’s College Chapel
Aberdeen has its fair share of spooky legends, and some of the most eerie tales come from very close to the campus itself. The headstones of Snow Kirk on King’s College campus are said to be haunted by the last soul buried there, reported to be a ghostly white figure emerging from the stones, seen by students walking home late at night. Keep an eye out on campus after late-night library sessions!
4. The Granite City: Aberdeen’s Unique Architecture
Known as “The Granite City,” Aberdeen’s buildings shine in a distinctive silvery-grey hue, especially when the sun hits them just right. Many of the university’s most iconic structures, like Marischal College (one of the largest granite buildings in the world), are perfect examples of this architectural style. Exploring the local architecture offers freshers a unique connection to the city’s industrial heritage, as granite from Aberdeen was once exported all over the world.
5. Aberdeen’s Fishing Heritage
A short walk from the city centre leads to Footdee (locally pronounced “Fittie”), a historic fishing village located near Aberdeen Harbour. Whilst it may feel miles away from modern life, this quaint village has a fascinating past tied to Aberdeen’s fishing industry. The colourful cottages and narrow streets were designed in the 19th century to house local fishermen and their families, and the town’s charming feel is a welcome break from the grey buildings of the city. Visiting Fittie gives students a glimpse into the city’s maritime history, and it’s a great place to take a break from studying with its seaside charm.
6. The Battle of Justice Mills: A Forgotten Piece of Aberdeen’s History
Many freshers may not know that Aberdeen was the site of one of Scotland’s bloodiest battles in 1644 – the Battle of Justice Mills. The name “Justice Mill” may only be known to most students as Union Street’s Wetherspoons, but its history stretches back to the Wars of Three Kingdoms. Royalists clashed with Covenanters, and the bloodshed of the battle is said to have stained the nearby streams red. Though the battlegrounds have long since been developed, the history of this event lingers in the city’s legacy.
7. Aberdeen’s Festivals: Nuart Street Art and Spectra
Aberdeen is home to several festivals that bring creative energy to the city. The Nuart Festival, for example, transforms city walls into canvases for vibrant street art every year. Spectra, Aberdeen’s festival of light, is another favourite, illuminating the city’s streets with interactive installations and light displays in February. These festivals give freshers the chance to explore the city’s cultural side and see Aberdeen in a whole new light—literally.
8. St. Machar’s Cathedral
St. Machar’s Cathedral, located in the heart of Old Aberdeen, is another site shrouded in legend. It’s believed that William Wallace’s left arm is buried within the cathedral’s walls! After Wallace’s execution, his quarters were sent to various parts of Scotland, and legend has it that one arm ended up in Aberdeen. This ancient cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, also boasts stunning architecture and is well worth a visit for students wanting to explore the city’s spiritual and historical roots. It is handily right beside Hillhead, and most freshers will pass it by daily.
9. Twice buried Mary
Elphinstone Hall shares its name with a nearby ghost story – the tale of twice-buried Mary. The young bride from Inverurie quickly fell ill after she married James Elphinstone, Laird of Logie. Tragically, the week after their honeymoon, Mary’s health took a turn. Within the week, she was dead, and she was buried in her wedding attire, adorned with her valuable ring. Her body was quickly exhumed, as it was commonplace for graverobbers to sell bodies to the University’s medical school. The robbers noticed her ring, and began to remove it when Mary sat up straight in her grave, revealing she had simply been comatose! She rushed back home and banged on her mourning husband’s door until he answered. She and James lived long lives and died within days of each other but legend says you can still hear her knocking, haunting Inverurie Kirkyard.
Being in an unfamiliar place can be difficult and nerve-wracking. By embracing all that the Granite City has to offer, hopefully, you can feel more at home in the wonderful city of Aberdeen.
