Aberdeenshire (pop. 263,723) is a local government area in Scotland. It is a council area that was established in 1996, responsible for all local government services within its boundaries. Aberdeenshire was a county of Scotland before several reorganizations of local government, which began in 1975.
Aberdeenshire lies in the northeast of Scotland. It surrounds, but does not include, the city of Aberdeen, which is also a council area. Aberdeenshire includes the towns of Banff, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Stonehaven, Peterhead, and many coastal fishing villages.
Aberdeenshire has a long coastline on the North Sea. Peterhead is an important fishing port. The inland part of the area is mountainous and includes Balmoral Castle, a residence used by the royal family.
