Aberdeen, the Granite City, has managed to get a special place in my heart after I called it home for nine years. Initially I felt the city’s architecture was dull and monochromatic, but over time, I realised its real beauty was waiting beyond the granite walls. Experiencing these beautiful scenes (specially the Green Lady) inspired me to get first into landscape photography, then sparked my desire to share it with others through my greeting cards.
Join me as I share places to visit that made me fall in love with Aberdeen’s scenery, some photography tips —and why you’ll want to take a piece of it home with you.
Aberdeen is known for its iconic grey buildings
5 Beautiful Places That Will Make You Fall in Love with Aberdeen
1. Dunnottar Castle. No matter the weather you’ll get stunning views of the castle perched at the edge of a cliff and looks great in photos. I remember visiting on a cold morning with only a few hours of sleep and being greeted by the most dramatic and beautiful sunrise over the sea that I could ever imagine.
Sunrise at Dunnottar Castle
2. Lock Muick. Just a short drive from Aberdeen, Loch Muick is one of my favourite spots for a day out. Bring comfy walking shoes and a sandwich. On my first visit, the water was so still it perfectly reflected the misty mountains. It was a quiet, peaceful moment that reminded me how special this place really is. I’m glad I’ve captured it.
Loch Muick on a misty day reflecting like a mirror
3. Aberdeen Beach and Greyhope Bay. This is where you should go to find some peace. The crashing waves against the rocks and the quiet surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind. One of my favourite memories is photographing the moonrise by the breakwater on an unusually still evening—the calm felt almost unreal.
Moonrise at Aberdeen beach
4. Seaton Park. Close to Old Aberdeen University, this park is a peaceful escape from the city, with river walks and plenty of nature. At the end of the walk, you'll reach Brig o' Balgownie bridge with its striking Gothic arch. You'll love it in autumn!
Brig o' Balgownie at Seaton park in autumn
5. Scolty Hill, near Banchory. This is a lovely spot for an easy hike with friends. Bring a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy at the top while taking in the views. It’s peaceful, with plenty of chances for photography (my favorite being when the hills are covered in snow and the sun is about to set). The calm atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the moment.
Sunset at Scolty Hill by the tower
3 Wildlife Spots to Visit Around Aberdeen
1. Puffins. My favourite spot to see puffins is Bullers of Buchan in the summer. I never imagined they’d be so small and colourful. The best time to spot them perched on the cliffs is in the evening, when the light feels just right, and you can really take your time watching them.
Puffins at the Bullers of Buchan
2. Highland Cows. Crathes Castle is a great place to see Highland cows by the entrance. Their long fur and friendly nature make them easy to spot, and they’re always a good subject for photos. You might also catch a glimpse of red squirrels nearby, adding a bit of extra charm to the area.
The Highland coos at Crathes enjoy a good scratch.
3. Seal Colonies. Take a walk along Newburgh Beach, where seals bask on the sandbanks. They’re curious creatures and may swim up close, so you won’t need a super zoom lens to capture them.
Only the female seals come to inspect
Chasing the Northern Lights in Aberdeen
From day one, I was convinced I could spot the Green Lady in Aberdeen. It took me a few years to find the best spots near the city and learn what to look for—Balmedie Beach and Greyhope Bay (my favourite). You need dark, clear skies, an open view facing north, and an Aurora alert app. Try taking a photo of the sky—your camera will pick up the colours before your eyes do.
The night I fell in love with Aberdeen was the first time I saw them dancing in the sky with my own eyes. I went to the beach alone at night (what was I thinking, being in such a remote, dark place on my own?). But when Lady Aurora appeared, any fear turned to awe and pure happiness—a childhood dream come true. Since then, I’ve been hooked. There’s something about the Northern Lights that makes the experience feel truly magical, and they’ve definitely made my card designs stand out.
The 'green lady' dancing at Greyhope Bay (December 2023)
Why Aberdeen-Themed Greeting Cards Make Such Special Gifts?
If you’re looking for a way to bring a little piece of Scotland—and a pop of colour—into someone’s day, these Aberdeen-themed greeting cards offer:
- Unique, Local Photography: Featuring one-of-a-kind photographs of Aberdeen’s landscapes, including the unforgettable Northern Lights, these cards capture moments that mass-produced designs simply can’t.
- Celebrate Aberdeen's Beauty: From quiet beaches to misty lochs, each card is a love letter to Aberdeen, making it a meaningful way to share the charm of the area.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Made with sustainable materials, these cards let you share the beauty of Scotland while being friendly to the environment.
By choosing these cards, you’re not just sending a message; you’re sharing a unique piece of Scotland, supporting local creativity, and making a positive impact on the environment.
Landscape set of greeting cards
Wildlife set of greeting cards
Aurora set of greeting cards
5 Photography Tips for Capturing the Beauty of Scotland
1. Be Patient: Before snapping the first thing you see, pause and take in your surroundings. Find what makes the place interesting, and you’ll capture something better.
2. Use Natural Framing: Look for natural elements like trees, doorways, or rock formations to frame your subject. It can add depth and focus, creating a stronger composition.
3. Golden Hours Are Best: Sunrise or sunset light adds warmth and drama to your landscape shots, creating the perfect atmosphere.
4. Context Is Everything: Show wildlife in its natural habitat or pair a landmark with its surroundings to tell a fuller, more compelling story.
5. Focus on Detail: Sometimes it’s the small details—like the texture of a cliff or the glow of a sunset—that bring your photo to life.
Highland coo
Aberdeen city framed
Greyhope Bay
Corgarff Castle at the Cairngorms
Bullers of Buchan
Final Thoughts
Aberdeen’s stunning scenery offer endless inspiration, making these greeting cards a great way to celebrate the beauty of Scotland. Made with eco-friendly materials, they’re a unique way to share this special place.
I hope you’ve fallen in love with Aberdeen, as I have. These cards let you keep a piece of its beauty—or share it with someone special.
Explore the collection today and bring a little piece of Aberdeen home.
Puffin card
Northern lights over Greyhope bay
