Grampian The Grampian region covers some 3,320 square miles of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland with a population of 510,000.

The region includes the former independent counties of Kincardineshire, Banffshire and Aberdeenshire.

With its administration centre in Aberdeen, the 'Granite City', the county is named after the magnificent mountains that are found there. The Cairngorms form part of the Grampians.

The area is famed for its beef production including the world famous Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle and for its many spectacular castles.

The River Spey with its famous whisky distilleries and Balmoral castle (the royal residence on the River Dee near Braemar) are both scenic wonders from this part of Scotland. Braemar is the home of the famous Highland Games which take place every August and are usually attended by the Royal Family.

The city of Aberdeen is the oil capital of the United Kingdom, being the headquarters and embarkation point for several Oil and Gas companies.