Aberdeenshire is a predominantly rural area in the north east of Scotland. Traditionally, it has been economically dependent upon the primary sector (agriculture, fishing, forestry) and related processing industries. Within the last 30 years, the emergence of the oil and gas industry and the development of the service sector have broadened Aberdeenshire’s economic base, leading to rapid population growth.  Aberdeenshire’s population represents 4.5% of Scotland’s total, standing at 232,850 (2004), a 2.6% rise since 2003, and a 50% increase since 1971. The population has a higher proportion of younger age groups than the rest of Scotland, reflecting employment-driven in-migration in recent decades. Aberdeenshire extends to 6,313 sq km (2,437 square miles), representing 8% of Scotland’s overall territory.  The landscape varies from mountainous Cairngorms, through rich agricultural lowlands to rugged coastline.

Aberdeenshire in Europe
Aberdeenshire Council is highly involved politically and operationally in European matters on a range of issues.  The Council has been effective in utilising European funds to support projects ranging from Community Economic Development initiatives to state of the art Business Centres and training programmes for people who need to enhance their skills to complement the modern labour market.   The Council is also currently involved in eight transnational Interreg projects with partners from over 40 regional authorities in 11 EU countries.
Politicians from Aberdeenshire are active within the North Sea Commission, one of the geographical Commissions of the CPMR, and this has led to effective networking and collaboration on a number of issues such as fisheries, transport and the environment.  As a rural authority with significant agriculture and fisheries industries, Aberdeenshire Council is a member of the European Rural Exchange and hosts the secretariat for the newly established North Sea Regional Advisory Council on fisheries