what are the drivers behind the strong economy of Aberdeen Scotland?

Question

Is it the oil boom ? or something else

Answer 1

It's very much down to the oil industry. Aberdeen is at the heart of the UK's oil industry and for 30 plus years has been pumping billions of pounds worth of oil every year.

Much of the UK's oil comes from the sea off the Scottish coast and Aberdeen is strategically placed to service the oil-rigs and provide the staff and facilities needed.

Oil workers earn very good money and as far as I'm aware work on a 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off rota. During their 4 weeks on shore they have a lot of money to spend which boosts the Aberdonian economy.

On shore there are many jobs created within the petrochemical industry with the major players all having a strong presence in and around Aberdeen. This has created employment opportunities for skilled workers right across the board - builders, architects, managers, administrators, accountants etc.

Private companies have flourished by servicing the oil industry - for example, Bond Helicopters based out of Dyce (Aberdeen) Airport is a large employer primarily serving the oil industry.

As and when the oil runs out Aberdeen is going to have to radically adapt otherwise it will become another town like Dundee, which although only about 100 miles away is a completely different world.

Answer 2

The Oil industry has in recent history been the strongest driver of the local industry. But prior to this, Aberdeen was also known for other industrial strong holds.

It used to handle the largest fishing fleets in the country. This in turn produced a lot of support industry jobs. Also paper and wool mills accounted for a large section of the economy. Though these areas are not completly gone, they are tiny compared to earlier years.

Education has also been a reason for Aberdeen's economical wealth. The Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon's have brought thousands of students over the years to the city, and still does.