We write this blog for lots of different audiences. These include people who liveutside Aberdeen (often a long way away) who are considering a move to the Granite City and wondering if it’s actually a civilised and cultured place (it is): people who are interested in finding out more about careers at RGU in general; people who have a particular interest in one or more hobbies, sports or pastimes and want to find out if they’re available in north-east Scotland (they are); and, of course, all those who already live and work up here (and know what a great place it is) but who might be keen in some of the many vacancies we advertise every year. We’re also aware that just because you live in a place it doesn’t mean that you know everything about it, so with that in mind, we’re going to be running a series of blogs that tell you (no matter what category you fit into) a bit more about Aberdeen and this lovely area of North-East Scotland.
- The inspiration for Dracula’s castle is only a short dri
ve away from Aberdeen (OK, it’s a bit more than half an hour, but if you’re used to London traffic that’s nothing). Slains Castle is situated on Cruden Bay and although the actual building has been reconstructed many times since it was first raised it’s still quite a spooky place. Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula stayed nearby the castle and it’s generally agreed that he took inspiration from it to help write his celebrated gothic novel. In case you are wondering, the picture here is NOT Dracula’s castle…
- Aberdeen FC made history in September 1970 when they became the first club to exit a European competition on penalty kicks. Their opponents were Honved of Hungary and this European Cup Winners’ Cup tie had ended tied with an aggregate score of 4-4, (both sides had their home games 3-1). Previously in these circumstances, the issue was decided by the toss of a coin, however, on this occasion it was Honved that went through to the next round the penalty shoot-out which they won 5-4. We presume that universities in Budapest, where Honved play, tell this story with a more positive twist!
- One of the best views of Aberdeen can be obtained from Tollohill. From there you can see down the river Dee to the North Sea, with the whole city skyline in panorama before you. While you’re up there, it’s worth checking out this ancient ring cairn in Tollohill Wood.
Julie Skinner, Resourcing & Benefit Specialist
Email: j.skinner@rgu.ac.uk