The Green

One thing The Green is not is green. Most likely it has not been green for several hundred years. The area which lies just to the north and west of the harbour, shows archeological evidence of human activity going back 8000 years. The triangular "square" is close to, but at a much lower level than Union Street, construction of which must have changed the northern side of The Green substantially. A slightly seedy staircase leeds up to Union Street, perhaps there was a road here before the construction of the new street. 

The cobbled surface and old fashioned looking lights would give the area an attractive appearance. Unfortunately the two ends of the "piazza" are rather ugly, the covered market building is definitely a "Carbuncle" quite out of character with the area, but the west end of the square is perhaps even worse though less noticeable. The buildings on the north side are very tall as they reach up to the elevated level of Union Street.

There are two quite good restaurants here, and a pub. The pub is one of several claiming to be Aberdeen's oldest, it dates from 1741. The photograph was taken at about lunch time despite which I resisted diversions of this nature. The terrace, installed by one of the restaurants, does rather spoil the appearance of the piazza. It is a jumble of furniture, rubbish and general untidiness.

There is a notable lack of people around, I think that must say something about the suitability of Aberdeen for "open spaces", unless they are enclosed that is.