Enchanting Fasque House

Aberdeen, one of the major cities of Scotland, is a centre for industry, commerce and education. Traditionally its main activities focused on paper-making, fishing, textiles and shipbuilding, but in recent years these industries have been overtaken by the oil industry and seaport activities. It also contains the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University, making it a major hub for education.

Aberdeen inherits a rich historical legacy. The area has been inhabited for 8,000 years, and the town was given its first charter (granting of authority and rights) in 1179. The Great Charter conferred by Robert the Bruce made Aberdeen a financially independent area. At the time of the Wars of Scottish Independence, Aberdeen was ruled by England, and therefore it was besieged and destroyed by Robert the Bruce, King of the Scots. In later years Aberdeen was burned by England's Edward III, but was subsequently rebuilt. In the 19th century the city developed rapidly with vast improvements in infrastructure and facilities.

Fasque House, a mansion in Aberdeenshire is a major attraction in the area. Historically Fasque House belonged to the landowning Ramsays of Balmain, and the building in its modern form was constructed in 1809. It was acquired by Sir John Gladstone, father of William Gladstone, Britain's Prime Minister under Queen Victoria, and the latter spent most of his childhood here.

The building is a massive sandstone mansion designed in a castellated symmetrical style with towers at the corners and centre of the main building. The design of the mansion has been largely unchanged since the date of its completion. However Sir John Gladstone created a third storey on the central tower and constructed the pillared portico. The drawing room was later enlarged and Fasque may have been the first residence in Scotland to be illuminated by electric lights. The mansion conveys a great deal about life in the Victorian era.

When selecting an Aberdeen hotel an ideal choice would be Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen. One of the premier hotels in Aberdeen, the hotel offers modern amenities amidst traditional charm, and is located in close proximity to many of the city's major attractions.