Scotland's 'Granite City' is ABERDEEN, an 8-letter word. ABERDEEN is the third most populous city in Scotland and the largest in the north-east of the country. It is known for its granite buildings and is often referred to as the 'Granite City'. The city has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. It has been an important port since the Middle Ages and is now a major centre for the oil industry.