ABERDEEN is most known for its oil industry; embracing its “oil capital of Europe” title even at a time when production levels of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) are in decline.
The remaining potential of the UKCS is dependent on the future levels of investment by industry.
The swift fall in oil prices from around $120 per barrel to less than $40 per barrel has put huge pressure on those in the oil and gas industry and this has extended to affect many other sectors.
However, the UK offshore oil and gas industry remains hugely important to the country’s economy.
The industry still supports around 375,000 jobs and contributed around 0.8% of GDP in Q2 2015, down from a high of 2.5% in Q2 2008.
But there’s more to Aberdeen than the oil and gas industry. Much more.
Aberdeen city councillors recently agreed a new vision for the future of the economy of North-east Scotland for the next 20 years.
There are four key strands to the strategy which include investment in infrastructure, innovation, including economic growth and internationalisation.
This strategy will be rooted in capitalising on the advantage from North Sea oil and gas and delivering a "more balanced and resilient economy as a result of world class innovation and competitive business".
The strategy also aims to support a broadening of the region’s economy across other important sectors including renewables, tourism, food & drink, fisheries, agriculture, life sciences and the creative industries.
When it comes to food and drink, Aberdeen has an excellent choice of seafood in its hotels and restaurants, which is no surprise considering the city has one of the longest established ports in the UK.
The nearby town of Peterhead remains the largest white fish port in the UK with Fraserburgh taking the title of largest shellfish port.
Everybody has heard of the famous Aberdeen Angus beef, a 200-year-old breed of cattle which was developed from native Aberdeenshire breeds.
There are around 300 castles in North-east Scotland including Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside, bought by Queen Victoria in 1952 after a romantic break in the area with her beloved Prince Albert.
And no visit to Aberdeen would be complete without a trip to one of the area’s many whisky distilleries, their product an important global export.
Indeed, premium single malt whisky exports to the UK rose by 60% between 2004 and 2014 with the most popular malt being a 12-year-old Glenlivet, with 2.4million litres exported stateside.
Aberdeen’s economy looks to remain resilient.