THINK city break in Scotland and the first places which spring to mind may well be Edinburgh or Glasgow.

But Aberdeen is emerging as a place well worth a visit, merging a cosmopolitan city with a seaside area and fishing village, while also serving as a base to explore the greenery further afield.

Hop on a Flybe flight from Manchester Airport and you will be in The Granite City in about an hour, so-called because most of the buildings are made out of the rock from the huge Rubislaw granite quarry which closed in 1971.

While the grey buildings could look drab on a dreary day, like our friendly minibus driver Martha, from Castle Tours Aberdeen, rightly told us, ‘in the sunshine, they sparkle’.

Due to some fortunate bright weather, despite it being the beginning of November, I did get to see Aberdeen in all its sparkling glory.

Once my eyes adjusted to the grey palate, I enjoyed taking in the unique sight of the granite buildings, from the houses to office blocks and university to churches, lining the quaint cobbled streets.

The Caledonian by Thistle hotel — slap bang in the centre of Aberdeen, overlooking the picturesque Union Terrace Gardens and, yep, built out of granite — is the perfect base to explore the city which was thriving throughout my visit.

Well worth checking out are Soul, a restaurant and bar housed in a church conversion which really comes alive at night; Merchant Bistro, with its mouth-watering menu, and Orchid, a late night bar with a stunning array of cocktails.

Aberdeen is said to boast the highest concentration of millionaires due to its thriving oil industry and is Scotland's third most populous city.

A 50 mile drive away is the Royal Lochnagar distillery, which neighbours Balmoral Castle, in Royal Deeside, and was given its Royal warrant in 1848 when Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children visited.

Today, Royal Lochnagar is owned by Diageo and produces a relatively small amount of whisky, compared to other distilleries, most of which is used in Johnnie Walker black and blue label.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to talk you through the process and at the end of the tour, why not stop and have a wee dram of whisky before heading back out into the glorious scenery, rolling hills and winding country roads of Aberdeenshire.

Back in Aberdeen and Footdee, pronounced locally as Fittie, is a charming 19th century fishing village, located on the mouth of the harbour and nearby is a family-run amusement park and other attractions, which will no doubt delight any younger visitors.

With its wealth of architecture, art, culture, castles, historic railways, distilleries and a lively social scene, why not make Aberdeen your next stop in Scotland?

Aberdeen Fact Box

Accommodation

The Caledonian by Thistle

Union Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1WE

From £75 per room, per night, bed and breakfast (double occupancy at weekend)

Deluxe rooms from £135, per night, bed and breakfast (double occupancy at the weekend)

Travel

Return flights from Manchester start from £70. There are 53 direct flights a week from Manchester to Aberdeen.

For more information about Aberdeen and all it has to offer, visit visitaberdeen.com