Aberdeen - Granite City

A view of Castlegate square with the Mercat Cross (1686) circular structure to the right. This denoted the market area. This open-arched structure, 6 m in diameter and 5m high, is a large hexagonal base from the centre of which rises a shaft with a Corinthian capital, on which is the royal unicorn. The base is highly decorated, including medallions illustrating Scottish monarchs from James I to James VII. According to local legend, the ghost of a unicorn can be seen to circle the Castlegate when a full moon is visible.
The tall castle-like building is actually the City Hall now housing the City Council and part of a drinking establishment too. In the late Middle Ages a fortification,was situated near here on Castle Hill. It was burned down by King Robert the Bruce in June 1308, during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
See larger PiP of City Hall