Top 18 Most Liked Instagram Photos of 2018
9 January 2019
We’re already one week into 2019 and we’ve been reminiscing about all the incredible photos that our followers have shared of our beautiful region in 2018. In honour of this beautiful collection and following on from last year’s popular blog on the Top 17 Most Liked Instagram Repost of 2017, we are highlighting the Top 18 for 2018.
18. Aberdeen Beach, Aberdeen
In it’s first of two appearances on this list, Aberdeen Beach proved a favourite with our Instagram followers this year with many more photos of the mile long beauty narrowly missing the Top 18. This epic sunrise shot from @Callum_CT was taken just before Storm Callum hit in October but thankfully for us we’re not a stranger to having epic sunsets and sunrises grace our skies. Check out our blog on 8 photos that prove you need to watch the sun rise and set in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire here.
17. Harbour Bar, Gourdon, Aberdeenshire
The ancient fishing village of Gourdon is one of Aberdeenshire’s most attractive settlements but don’t let the term “ancient” fool you. This year the Harbour Bar was decorated with a beautiful new mural highlighting the village’s fishing connections. This photo by @TailorMadeItineraries sailed on to the Top photos of 2018 list.
16. Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Once again, the romantic ruin steals the show with an epic sunrise. @DarrylMorganPhoto braved the early morning wake up and was rewarded with this fiery sunrise over Stonehaven. Dunnottar Castle has played a large part in Scottish history, famous people to visit it include William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and more recently Mel Gibson, Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy - wonder if they ever got up early to catch one of these glorious sunrises?
15. Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff, Aberdeenshire
@Aberdeen_Newbie’s first appearance on the list comes in the form of Tarlair Swimming Pool just outside Macduff. The Art Deco outdoor swimming pool closed in the 1990’s but it still proves to be a popular attraction for walkers and photographers alike.
14. Banchory, Aberdeenshire
Banchory, in Royal Deeside, is the perfect place to escape the bustle of city life less than 20 miles from Aberdeen city centre. @whiteskyphotographics (who also featured on the Top 17 for 17) catapulted us out of this world with this spectacular shot of the night sky. Anyone up for stargazing in Aberdeenshire?
13. Poised Statue, Aberdeen
You may have heard of Andy Scott (@andyscott.sculptures) - the man who created the Kelpies in Falkirk? In Winter 2017, Scott unveiled this masterpiece in Aberdeen. The Poised Statue stands at 15m high, weighs over two tonnes and can be found in the new Marischal Square. Top tip, grab yourself a delicious ice-cream from Mackie’s 19.2 and admire this incredible work of art. Afterwards go check out Marischal College just a moment away.
12. Brig O Balgownie, Old Aberdeen
The second appearance of @Aberdeen_Newbie is this crisp shot of the Brig O Balgownie. Legend has it that the bridge was completed by Robert the Bruce, today it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Read more about Robert the Bruce’s connections to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire here). Old Aberdeen is always a crowd pleaser, from the Brig o Balgownie to the grandeur of the University of Aberdeen, the area is full of ‘Instagrammable’ spots.
11. University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
Speaking of the University of Aberdeen, it really does wear Christmas well and it looks like @LeeFowlie agreed as he cracks the list for the second year running with a glorious shot of Old Aberdeen in winter. The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495 and was recently named the 2019 Scottish University of the Year. Beauty AND brains.
10. The Town House, Aberdeen
Taking us into the Top 10 is Aberdeen’s impressive Neo-Gothic Town House at golden hour. @KimGrantphotography added the festive feel by framing the right of the shot with the Christmas Tree at the Castlegate. The building is from the 1870’s and marks a striking piece of architecture on the cityscape.
9. Royal Family at Glas-Allt-Shiel, Loch Muick, Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is home to the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle. To celebrate HRH Prince Charles’ 70th Birthday we shared an old picture of the birthday boy and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, enjoying themselves at Glas-Allt-Shiel in Loch Muick. Loch Muick is a picturesque and elegant freshwater loch on the Balmoral Estate.
8. Belmont Street, Aberdeen
@PlamenDinev captured a peaceful evening on Belmont Street. Belmont Street came into being in the late 18th century and today you will find several churches converted into local bars and restaurants. At night Belmont Street comes alive with nightlife thanks to the multitude of bars lining the street.
7. Highland Cows, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Highland Cows, arguably Scotland’s most iconic animal, are frequently spotted in Aberdeenshire and with the invention of #Coosday the Heilan’ Coo love couldn’t be stronger. @be_a_new_human snapped this sweet shot of this pair snuggling in Ballater. Keep your eyes peeled as you tour the roaming countryside and you might just spy them.
6. University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen secured its second appearance on the list with this shot from @Aberdeen_Newbie (who also claimed the 12th and 15th title on this year’s list – well done!). As the caption states if you’ve never visited in Autumn, you really should... it’s very pretty dawning the fall colours.
5. Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Here it is, the Scottish home of the Royal Family itself, Balmoral Castle. The castle (@balmoral_castle) shared this glorious photo of the first snow fall on the Estate back in October and it caused quite the flurry on social media. When the Royal Family is not in residence you can visit the castle and the grounds from April to July in 2019 – your chance to catch a glimpse into life as a Royal.
4. Douneside House, Tarland, Aberdeenshire
The beech tree lined trail at Douneside House creates an almost ethereal vibe in this picture from @Javan. Douneside House in Tarland, near Aboyne is a luxurious, four-star hotel in the Scottish Highlands that is full of character. The award-winning hotel has earned the title of Fine Dining Hotel of the Year 2018 at the Scottish Hotel Awards an boasts an AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.
3. Pennan, Aberdeenshire
@MigratingMiss braved the blustery winds on her visit to Pennan. Raw, elemental and powerful the charming village is located on the coastline at the bottom of a cliff-face and there is something spectacular and captivating about Pennan on a stormy day. Come back on a summer’s day and you’ll see a whole new side to this hidden gem.
2. Aberdeen Beach, Aberdeen
Aberdeen Beach’s second appearance on this list narrowly missing first place. Anyone who tells you beaches are just for the summer is mistaken – this photograph was taken on the Winter solstice. The misty sea hare adds to the enchanting and mysterious nature of the shot. Nicely done @StuartLawson1984.
1. Castle Fraser, Sauchen, Aberdeenshire
And in first place is this autumnal shot of Castle Fraser by @Lets_Explore_Scotland. This striking castle can be found in Sauchen near Inverurie. The viewing platform at the top of the tower reveals fantastic panoramic views of the estate and Bennachie in the distance. Whatever the season Castle Fraser impresses, don’t miss it on your trip to Aberdeenshire.
Congratulations to everyone who made the Top 18 photos of 2018 and to all the other contributors throughout the year. Thanks to your brilliant photography skills we reached 10,000 followers on Instagram on New Year’s Day (a brilliant way to start 2019 so high five).
Thank you to everyone who used our hashtags #visitABDN and #beautifuABDN to share their epic shots of our lovely region. Please continue to use our hashtags on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We love seeing it and sharing the hidden gems of our remarkably beautiful part of the world with our followers.