OFFICIAL GUIDE For winches and deck machinery torque to the experts Engineering Services Ltd

Belmar Engineering is one of the most advanced sub contract precision engineering workshops servicing the Oil and Gas industries in the North Sea and world-wide.

An imaginative and on-going programme of reinvestment in computer based technology has meant that Belmar Engineering work at the very frontiers of technology. We are quite simply the most precise of precision engineering companies.

Our Services

Belmar offer a complete engineering service to BS EN ISO 9001(2000) and ISO 14001(2004).

Please visit our website for detailed pages of machining capacities, inspection and gauges below: Milling Section. Turning Section. Machine shop support. Quality Assurance. Weld cladding equipment.

The Deck Machinery Specialists: ACE Winches is a global specialist in the design, Engineering design & project management manufacture and hire of hydraulic winches and deck machinery for the offshore oil and gas, All sizes of winches for sale & hire marine and renewable energy markets. Bespoke manufacturing solutions available Specialist offshore personnel hire We deliver exceptional service and performance for our clients in the world’s harshest operating environments and we always endeavour to Hydraulic sales & service exceed our clients’ expectations while maintaining our excellent record of quality and safety. Spooling winch hire About us How we operate Our people 750 tonne winch test bed facility ACE Hire Equipment offers a comprehensive range of winch and deck machinery equipment for use on floating vessels, offshore installations Wire rope & umbilical spooling facility Belmar offers a comprehensive Belmar Engineering was formed in One third of our workforce have and land-based projects. service from assisting our customers 1975 by two young Scottish more than 20 years experience ACE Manufacturing provides turnkey solutions with a proven track record designers and procurement Engineers to support the emerging within Belmar and as a result know in the design, manufacture, testing and installation of standard and personnel, working closely with bespoke winches and deck machinery. North Sea Oil & Gas Industry and their engineers, to manufacturing our customers’ requirements. offered a fast and personal response ACE Hire Personnel provides multi-disciplined personnel qualified to components and strings of tools travel, commission and operate our complete range of deck and platform in steel fabrication and basic to exacting tolerances and Working as a team results in a equipment worldwide. machining. specifications 24 hours a day smooth and professional attitude to seven days per week. the job ensuring products are manu- The company has expanded some factured quickly and to specification. 50 times since then and has Design changes and modifications developed into one of the most are treated as priority ensuring a Based in Aberdeen in Europe's Oil Montbletton, Banff, Aberdeenshire AB45 3QJ, UK advanced engineering facilities in speedy throughput of components. capital we deliver to every corner of Tel: +44 (0)1261 821607 Scotland. the globe. [email protected] www.ace-winches.co.uk

Abbotswell Road, West Tullos, Aberdeen AB12 3AJ t: +44 (0) 1224 875038 f: +44 (0) 1224 879125 e: [email protected] www.belmar.co.uk BALMORAL OFFSHORE ENGINEERING Buoyancy, insulation and elastomer products

With a clear vision and a commitment to complete customer satisfaction, we have fine-tuned our product range to provide you with technologically refined market-leading solutions. BALMORAL COMTEC When you simply must talk to someone that shares your passion your energy, call the company that is rooted in continuous improvement. We talk the same language, after all.

Bend restrictors Modular buoyancy Bend stiffeners Pin-end protection Cable trays, clamps, saddles, centralisers and spacers ROV/AUV buoyancy balmoraloffshore.com Distributed buoyancy Subsurface buoyancy T +44 (0)1224 859000 DurafloatTM marine drilling riser buoyancy Surface buoyancy E [email protected] DuraguardTM cable and flowline protection Thermal insulation buoyancy FlexlinkTM umbilical buoyancy Umbilical floats

BALMORAL TANKS Our products mean business

With acknowledged R&D, design and rotomoulding expertise Balmoral Tanks provides what is believed to be the widest range of tanks and treatment plant available from a single source in the EU. Wastewater treatment plant Water storage tanks Rainwater harvesting systems Fuel oil storage Integrated fuelling stations Bulk liquid storage balmoraltanks.com T +44 (0)1224 859000 GRP/steel sectional water storage tanks E [email protected] Industrial moulding Balmoral Tanks Click on www.balmoraltanks.com for the full story. 3020598 01 Time Line Key

Hammerson’s Union Square development is the newest and largest leisure and retail destination in the North East of Scotland. Some nine Milestones years in planning and development, the centre is a key part of the regeneration of Aberdeen city centre and offers a huge selection of places to eat, work and play all under one roof. 2001 – Hammerson acquire Railtrack Developments and thereby 50% of Union Square Developments Ltd

2006 - Hammerson acquire the other 50% of Union Square Developments from Multiplex and thereby 100% ownership of the Union Square scheme

2007 – Union Square Developments Ltd start on site with the construction of the new bus station, and the new Craiginches and Raiths Farm Rail Yards are completed

February 2008 – Bus station handed over to Stagecoach

Shopping park June 2008 – New travel centre handed over to First Scotrail

July 2008 – Work on the roof commences

September 2008 - Completion of structural steelwork

November 2008 - Development is now completely weather-tight

April 2009 – Hotel shell handed over to Jurys Inn for fit out

May 2009 - Cinema shell handed over to Cineworld for fit out and commencement of unit handovers

Atrium area showing Autumn 2009 – Grand opening! rail station facade From Rail to Retail, Union Square adds sparkle to the Granite City

Union Square, Aberdeen’s largest Mixing business with pleasure, retail outlets and leisure facilities, retail and leisure retreat is a new Union Square customers can take are over 1,000 local people who landmark in the Granite City and advantage of the new 3 star plus have secured jobs through Union a fantastic tourist destination. Built Jurys Inn Hotel. As well as 203 Square’s Jobs for U programme. on the site of a former freightliner bedrooms and a restaurant and bar, Jobs for U is the dedicated training terminal which closed in the the hotel boasts excellent conference and employment scheme set up to late 1950s, the area has been facilities, making it a great place help get local people into a varied transformed into a great place to to hold meetings and get clients and exciting range of jobs at Union start and end any stay in the city. talking. Square.

Steeped in Aberdeen’s Rail history Penny continued, “There really is “Union Square is an integral part of the impressive 700,000 sq ft Union something for everyone at Union Aberdeen’s city-centre landscape,” Square shopping development is Square, with places to eat, shop, Penny concluded. “As one of the the first of its kind to open in the city relax and while away the hours or largest city centre regeneration in two decades, and a welcome get down to business.” schemes of its kind in Scotland, addition to Aberdeen’s thriving it offers a vibrant blend of retail cosmopolitan culture. Avid cinema-goers can take and leisure facilities, making it the advantage of the city’s largest, destination of choice for people Perched between Aberdeen’s multiscreen c inema; Cine world. from Aberdeen City, the Shire and upgraded train station and new bus Penny said, “People can literally beyond.” station, Union Square is the perfect step straight off the train, the bus leisure get-away. And with 1,700 or the adjoining car parks, into the For more information on Union car parking spaces, Union Square development and catch the latest Square and all that is has to offer is equally accessible for those who blockbuster. The transport links make visit:www.unionsquareaberdeen.com want to take a few hours out of their Union Square the perfect place to day and enjoy a coffee break or meet friends or business colleagues. some retail therapy. Union Square is a way of life which has opened up many opportunities Union Square is home to some of the for Aberdeen City and Shire.” high street’s most popular retailers, such as M&S, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Some of the delicious eateries on H&M and Next, as well as new names offer include well-known Italian to Aberdeen such as Apple, Zara and restaurant ASK, the Peri-Peri chicken Bestseller - with brands Jack & Jones, specialists Nando’s, plus popular Vero Moda, Cult, Mamas & Papas and Mexican eatery Chiquito’s and Instyle Furniture. the 1950s inspired American diner Frankie & Benny’s. So, whether Penny Godfrey, Marketing Manager it’s a romantic dinner for two or a at Union Square said, “The retail laid-back night out with friends, offering makes Union Square there is ample selection to whet the hard to resist. With new brands to appetite. Aberdeen and late night shopping, it’s definitely put the buzz back into Making up the Union Square family retail therapy.” and helping run the fantastic eateries, OS UO

Nexen is a Canadian-based oil and gas company with global operations. We are uniquely positioned for growth in the North Sea, Western Canada (including the Athabasca oil sands of Alberta and unconventional gas resource plays such as coalbed methane and shale gas), deep-water Gulf of Mexico, offshore West Africa and the Middle East. As the UK’s third largest producer of North Sea oil, we remain committed to the North Sea and to sustaining and growing resources worldwide.

www.nexeninc.com

3021243 OFFICIAL GUIDE

Published by: Burrows Communications Limited

Head Office: Publicity House, 106 Stafford Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 9AY Tel: 020 8773 3000 • Fax: 020 8773 8888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.burrows.co.uk

Our Advertisers: We gratefully acknowledge the support of all the firms whose advertisements appear in these pages. Without their help we would not be able to produce this guide. As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements, but wish to make it clear that Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council can accept no responsibility for their products or services advertised. First thing to remember, we were here second.

rt nt is a big pa Protecting the environme gy. So while we how we develop ener of energy ld’s growing help meet the wor ht of our ver lose sig demands, we ne s. With some of the natural resource l st environmenta ustry’s highe ind energy ing our human standards, we’re us ll. tter future for us a to create a be n.com. e, visit us at chevro To learn mor

CHEVRON, the CHEVRON HALLMARK and HUMAN ENERGY are registered trademarks of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC. ©2009 Chevron Corporation. All rights reserved. CONTENTS

WELCOME Welcome to Aberdeen City and Shire 11

TRANSPORT Aberdeen City and Shire Connectivity 13 The North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) 14 By Road 16 By Rail 17 By Air 18 By Sea 20

BUSINESS Introduction 25 Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce 26 Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF) 28 Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) 30 The Energy Industry 31 The Life Sciences Industry 32 The Food & Drink Industry 33 The Tourism Industry 34

REGENERATION Introduction 37 The University of Aberdeen 38 Retail & Lifestyle 39 Westhill Business Park 40 Energetica 41

EDUCATION Introduction 47 The University of Aberdeen 48 Robert Gordon University 50

BUSINESS TOURISM Introduction 61 Aberdeen Convention Bureau 63 Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (AECC) 64

LEISURE TOURISM Introduction 67 Eating Out 68 Aberdeen City and Shire Attractions 70 What’s On 72 Retail 74 07 delivering profit through reliability

With over 25 years experience supporting the oil and gas industry, SKF target maintenance and condition monitoring at equipment that represents the greatest commercial risk. Focusing the RIGHT effort on the RIGHT equipment ensures maximum return on investment for our customers. Using our engineering expertise, SKF identify root causes of

recurring faults and provide long-term solutions from our 5 platform portfolio.

Bearings Lubrication Seals and Units Systems Our aim is quite simple; to make our“ customers more money by maximising Mechatronics Services availability and reliability of their plant. Our extended portfolio and ability to access over 100 years of SKF Group knowledge allows us to deliver the “complete reliability solution.

Jim Marnoch Business Director

SKF ABERDEEN Division, Wellheads Road Farburn Industrial Estate, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7HG Tel: +44 (0) 1224 723321 Fax: +44 (0) 1224 723341

Kinnaird Head Banff Fraserburgh Portsoy A90 A98 A981 Aberchirder A950 Mintlaw A97 Turriff A95 Peterhead

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4 Alford Kintore Dyce HIGHLAND A94 A944 A96 A97 Aberdeenshire A939 A980 Aberdeen Aboyne A93 A93 River Dee A90 Braemar Banchory A957

A93 Stonehaven

PERTH & ANGUS Laurencekirk KINROSS Inverbervie A92 A90 937 A

GEOR ROS Hospital A96 PL A95 LIN E TER RO HUTCHEON ST DAL R SLIN 6 pyright G OW ST P E L PO ILL A ST RARD ST W NN S GER N CLAIR RDE SEA ST DU CCITYITY CCENTREENTRE SPRING GA K FF ST INE TERR MOU WEST NORT JASM T IN FOR College WATSON ST B9 G LOANHEAD TERR LY MOU ER ST JOPP’S LANE ST prohibited without B ST RIC ST 8 N WEST MOUNT E 6 MAB T

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HM SUMMER E S RD NT l C FIELD EMON Schoo E L T HARLOTTE TERR R O SKENE H V GAL STITUTION ST LOCH ST FAR IE N ST N H S ST D W TE IL T CO

T L S LOW PO T RIE ER T SQ S PR ES ST LA INCES RK R ST RR FARMER ST R S ST GAT WAL ARD B98 B9 N PA CE OUTH W Govt N FREDE LA H R P 86 JOH RE O ICK ST OULEV HAL D E Offs J ST A96 B 5 N NT University E H HANO RICH S A EA C M L ST TL ST NORT BEA OSEMOUSHORT OU IT H S R B L T MO A90 NT LACKFR School V Arts ER B985 LO ND A A ST 13 Centre 9 NINGS S H 56 ST R T A N ST Cath Hospital College R B E ROSE RIE Police E LEADSIDE IARS RO CA TER SSLE ROAD FLOURM STLE GROSV Council AD STQUE HQ UPPE M T 6 TERR S Off E HILL M OU ST Art Gallery Tollbooth TL ENOR Library L PO CAS 95 CO T L A PL ON R NBURN N I GRAVE DE Theatre H ILL LN T M CHOOL T SUG T VIADUCT S BACK Bon Accor MA d S WA M BEL B983 BELM IAJAME School R DE The & St Nicholas 3 R IN ARH ERCE CE NORTH SILVER SC T A A901 E NBURN ROAD Acad- Centres VIRG H R AV NE ST WYND i S OUSE ONem AL SHO S y LA ALL PL SKE YMCA U LN S S E SKENE TER NION TERR ALB School ST RE HITEH T M T T T W C Govt DIAM ST LA RI ARK Museum W ER MOffs T T OND ST t ON E RO T B98 Mk EXCH T P ST P S r Office L STIRLI Harbou ER ST SHI 9 5 T RE 1 ANGE M E B91 Cathedral E THI The NG ST ST A956 BRID LIT T VICTOR UM T WAVE RO Music S Upper Dock S Mall STLE Hall TREE T T Ferry BAL Victoria Dock S KIE’

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R E STREET NION S Terminal A GUILD S LEY LN IA ST W U ST 7 L RD T N T Police 8 ION RO Union CH UN Bus MA Station ALBERT TERR CROW Square A Station R

E ST REGEN PL 93 K THISTL T E DEE S N ET ST GORDON N Railway

RUBISLAW TERR TER COL Station R TREE R Fish Market A9013 LANGSTA EET BON ACCORD ST A978 LE PO C ST T LN RO ILL B G Academy M ON E S al School W Hospit Alb N TR ert Quay E ACCO STEL

JUSTICE T PL ST DEE E

ET ROAD T GA RD L A D CRES D E S A 956 K ST ON D N T R HOLBURN ST AR BA RO GLEN RING A93 K OAD ON H SP Information Kiosk UNI NK TERR RS OO CLY NGBA RN NORTH ESPLA- SPRI ME RA T NADE EAST Taxi Rank OAD RR OYNE IK NK R ANK TE P 6 BA B PAL 95 ROSE R A A93 WILLOW D Victoria i Tourist Board Shop Bridge 43382U. This map is subject to Copyright and protected by digital fingerprint. Copying or reproduction in part full the prior written consent of Burrows Communications Ltd. All rights reserved 2009. Maps Based upon the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Co Maps Based upon the Ordnance Survey mapping with permission of The Controller Her Majesty’s PRESTIGE, FAMILY and 4x4 SPECIALIST 01888 562 069

We’ve got a fantastic choice of quality used cars and nearly new Our range of services means that we offer the complete cars across a range of brands to make motoring more affordable experience. From vehicle sales to servicing we also offer throughout North East Scotland and the Aberdeen area. competitive insurance quotes and financing options, everything you need to get behind the driving wheel of the With hundreds of vehicles in stock, our selection of quality quality used or nearly new car of your choice today. used cars also includes Volkswagen, Ford and Vauxhall cars at low prices. We are specialists in 4x4 and prestige vehicles, We’ve been offering great deals on cars in the North East offering a highly desirable selection of cars including used of Scotland for more than 25 years and we strive to provide Mercedes Benz. excellent service to all our customers.

Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00 Sales 01888 562069 [email protected] Friday: 08:00 - 18:00 Service 01888 563110 [email protected] Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00 Sunday:12:00 - 17:00 Greengates, Banff Road, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 5TA MorrisonMorrison VehicleVehicle RentalsRentals CAR AND VAN HIRE. DAILY AND SHORT TERM 4x4 Double Cab Pickups available (t) 01888 562 069 (e) [email protected]

& S CityCity & ShireShire AssetAsset FinanceFinance City and Shire Asset Finance is an City and Shire Asset Finance can call on a number ever expanding Finance broker of the UK and Europe’s leading finance houses and based in the heart of Aberdeenshire. banks for funding. We can offer a total finance Doug Shand and Graham Fraser have over package, sourcing the most competitive funding 40 years’ collective experience in the Commercial, for your business. Motor and Agricultural Asset Finance market. Our mission is to provide world class customer service Those 40 years have primarily been working with and we work tirelessly to satisfy our clients every major UK banks, finance houses and manufacturer financial requirement, from the straight forward to finance companies. That experience has taught us the most complex financial packages. that no one finance company can offer a complete financial solution to meet the needs of a client; City and Shire can offer that solution. Greengates, Banff Road, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 5TA

Douglas Shand (M) 07971 212115 (e) doug@c&s.co.uk Graham Fraser (M) 07802 688431 (e) graham@c&s.co.uk feel the energy

WELCOME Welcome to… Aberdeen City and Shire

Aberdeen City and Shire has so much to offer…beautiful countryside, fantastic beaches and a thriving and vibrant city centre.

he area is steeped in rich selection of sports and recreational history reaching back facilities, busy shopping malls and thousands of years, with a vibrant arts & culture scene. The a true spirit of resilience city is a renowned business, leisure andT entrepreneurialism, which and cultural hub. Aberdeen was provided the legacy for the success declared a Fair Trade city in 2004 of the region. and was the first city to achieve this. The Council continually strives The discovery of North Sea oil to encourage the use of Fair Trade placed Aberdeen firmly on the products within the region. international map and prompted an influx of skills and businesses In 2007 and 2008 Aberdeenshire was to the area. Our diverse range recognised in a nationwide survey as Peter Stephen of businesses reflects the having the best quality of life in Provost City of Aberdeen entrepreneurial spirit of Aberdeen Scotland. This survey compared City and Shire and includes energy, information on a range of issues food production, life sciences, including levels of crime, health, tourism, fishing and agriculture. education and employment. It really is an area unmatched by others. Aberdeen City and Shire has something to offer everyone – This guide has been developed from salmon fishing in the Dee to provide an insight into Aberdeen and Don, to Royal retreats at City and Shire – to give you a Balmoral, skiing, strolling along glimpse of business opportunities, sandy beaches and sailing along tourism and leisure, education the stunning coastline. The famous and culture. castle trail attracts visitors from all over the world. We really are able to offer the very best of Scotland. We are extremely fortunate to have excellent transport links and an international airport, which means the region is as easy to Bill Howatson access as any major city in the UK. Provost of Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen city has an array of beautiful parks which helped it win several ‘In Bloom’ titles, a wide 11 TRANSPORT Transport Links Aberdeen City and Shire is a gateway to the rest of Scotland, the remotest parts of the UK and beyond, due to its unique range of transport networks – bus, plane, helicopter, car, train and boat.

12 feel the energy Aberdeen City and Shire Connectivity

berdeen City and Shire has £60 million investment planned over suburbs and the Shire, the region excellent transport links the next decade including a runway is focused on offering options from with a full range of options extension, the future of the airport in the daily commute by car. Walking for travel, making it easily providing a vital transport hub for the through the city, the sparkling Aaccessible both from within the region is being secured. With 26 granite unique to the area provides United Kingdom and also from direct flights to London per day, the a stunning backdrop unmatched in abroad. Travelling within the region is fully connected with the other cities. region is simple and enjoyable UK’s capital, cementing business with Aberdeen City offering the links and connecting the UK’s two Aberdeen City and Shire’s local, gateway to some of the country’s most affluent cities. national and international connections most stunning scenery. make the region a competitive place Unique to Aberdeen City and Shire is to do business, an enjoyable place to The future plans for the region the busiest civilian heliport in the visit and a home you will never want feature major road developments, world. Mainly servicing the offshore to leave. enhanced rail and bus services, industry, the heliport provides an better links to the rest of the country, invaluable part of the infrastructure improved air connections, and servicing the energy sector. concerted efforts to encourage cycling and walking. Within Aberdeenshire, helping you plan your journey, is a network of Once you’ve arrived in Aberdeen journey planning kiosks, located at City and Shire, there is a network of 43 bus interchange points. These excellent transport initiatives from kiosks help you to check the time clear, uncongested roads to regular of the next bus or plan a future and efficient rail links and an journey across Aberdeenshire extensive network of bus routes. and further afield. The information covers all bus, coach and rail journeys Aberdeen’s main railway station throughout Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen provides a vital hub for the city, City and Moray. A printed copy of First Bus © Aberdeen City Council transporting regional commuters your planned journey is also available. and visitors to the area. Following a £400,000 investment by First An ambitious programme of transport Scotrail, the station’s First Class improvements aims to deliver on the Lounge has a contemporary, demand to connect the region more Aberdeen City and Shire has light and airy feel offering efficiently with the rest of Scotland excellent transport links with customers a range of complimentary and provide a tourist trail from the services within a relaxed and city into Aberdeenshire and beyond. a full range of options for comfortable environment. travel, making it easily Within the city, those on foot or bike accessible both from within BAA Aberdeen Airport, situated six will find a compact and accessible miles north west of the city centre centre. With cycle routes to offer a the United Kingdom and also is the fastest growing airport of safe and healthy option for those from abroad. BAA’s UK airports. With an expected travelling within the centre, the “ 13 feel the energy A 21st Century transport network By Nestrans

ig ambitions have been The plans for Aberdeen City set for the transport and Shire feature major road network serving developments, enhanced rail and bus Aberdeen City and services, better links to the rest of B the county, improved air connections, Shire. To realise those ambitions, and concerted efforts to encourage a wide-ranging and co-ordinated cycling and walking options. plan of action is in place. Our role at Nestrans is to identify Transport is commonly recognised as and promote the projects that will one of the key issues to preserving make a difference to the region, and enhancing the fantastic quality and help secure the necessary First Bus © Aberdeen City Council of life offered by Aberdeen City and commitment and funding. In recent Shire, and ensuring its continued times we have seen: economic success. That is why we • A much more frequent local at Nestrans, in tandem with our local rail timetable authority partners and a range of • New bus stations at Aberdeen other local and national organisations, and Peterhead have taken an integrated approach, • A new bus link between the airport devising the next generation of and Dyce station, among a series projects to: of moves to improve access to • Develop the transport the airport Aberdeen harbour © Aberdeen City Council infrastructure in the region • The re-opening of Laurencekirk • Create and promote new station transport choices Transport is commonly • A series of new cycle and walking • Preserve and enhance travel links routes established recognised as one of the key nationally and internationally • New rail freight facilities issues to preserving and enhancing the fantastic BAA Aberdeen Airport quality of life offered by © Aberdeen City Council Aberdeen City and Shire, and ensuring its continued economic success.

14“ feel the energy

Beyond that, there are also 10% reduction in traffic levels within achieve a network that will continue commitments in place to improve the city), improving road safety and to meet the needs of our region the Haudagain roundabout in access, and linking key locations socially, economically and Aberdeen, dual the A90 Balmedie such as the airport and major environmentally. We are proud of the to Tipperty road between Aberdeen industrial areas. quality of life enjoyed by all who live in and the north of the Shire, and or visit our region, and are committed establish faster rail services to the It will do more than that, however: to ensuring our transport network central belt and to Inverness. it will also facilitate new park and ride helps enhance that reputation. sites, link rail freight transfer sites, Our strategy also features create much-needed new road proposals to: connections to the airport, pave the • Create a new rail station at Kintore way for new bus priority and cycle measures in Aberdeen city, improve • Undertake further work to improve city-centre air quality, and support surface access to the airport longer-term city centre • Upgrade Aberdeen Airport and pedestrianisation plans. extend the runway to broaden destination options By the time it is open, however, • Create new park and ride sites much else will also have been at three strategic locations achieved. Including: • Carry out a series of major road • Improved bus service reliability safety improvements and new park & ride facilities • Provide more safe cycling and • Many new local rail service options walking facilities • Rail journeys to the central belt and The key point is that all elements Inverness reduced by 20 minutes Bridge linking old railway line © nestrans of the programme work together • More direct international air links to make a truly modern transport system – the benefits will be greater • More public transport options than the sum of the individual parts. • Quicker journey times on all modes of transport The planned Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) offers one • Easier access to the busy towns of of the best examples. This flagship Fraserburgh and Peterhead project, due for completion by the end of 2012, will be much more than A great deal has been achieved in a road. recent years, and we are determined to build on progress to date and At its busiest point the AWPR will carry over 43,000 vehicles per day, easing congestion in and around Aberdeen (and helping achieve a

Laurencekirk Station, Aberdeenshire © nestrans 15 feel the energy By Road

berdeen City and Shire Car Parking Bus and Coach is accessible by road There are a number of pay and There are a number of organisations from Edinburgh or display parking areas within the providing bus transport in the Glasgow in around 21/2 city, with a spread of multi-storey region. Within the city the main bus Ahours. The connection to the parking facilities throughout company is First Aberdeen while north of Scotland will be made the centre. The main parking Stagecoach Bluebird is the main even easier with the creation of complexes within the city are operator within the Shire. the Aberdeen Western Peripheral West North Street, Loch Street, Route (AWPR). Harriet Street, Market Street Aberdeen Bus Station is very central and is based just off Union Park and Ride Schemes (Union Square), Shiprow, The Mall, South College Street, Denburn and Street on Guild Street, next to Aberdeen City Council and First Chapel Street. the new Union Square retail and Aberdeen work in partnership to leisure development. provide a Park and Ride service For visitors who arrive by car, from the periphery to the city Aberdeenshire towns all have For those travelling to the airport, centre, specifically from the Bridge some free parking so you can enjoy the Dyce shuttle service provides of Don and Kingswells. The service the traditional, bustling market a 20-minute service running in operates every 10 minutes peak towns hassle-free. Roads are well conjunction with the main train and 15 minutes off-peak from maintained and congestion is rare. services between the train station Monday – Saturday. More information can be found at and the airport terminal. www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads/ Aberdeenshire Council also has a parking/carparks Park and Ride scheme from Ellon, www.stagecoachbus.com – serving populations that live north buses to Aberdeenshire of the city. www.firstaberdeen.com – buses around the city www.citylink.co.uk – long distance coaches www.nationalexpress.com – long distance coaches

Stagecoach, Aberdeenshire 16 © nestrans feel the energy By Rail

berdeen City and Shire members with rail tickets valid for is a major hub for train travel that day. Customers can also travel, providing make use of the brand new toilets connections to the rest and shower facilities which have A been introduced. of Scotland, the central belt and the south. The network provides an invaluable connection for Business and commuters living in the Shire Tourism Connections and working in the city. Aberdeen station is managed by First ScotRail, who operate Aberdeen Railway Station is located services to Edinburgh, Glasgow in the heart of the city centre on and Inverness. ScotRail also Guild Street. The current station operate the overnight Caledonian was built as Aberdeen Joint Station Sleeper service to and from between 1913-16, replacing an London Euston six days a week 1867 structure of the same name (Sunday-Friday). on the same site. The station is undergoing a major refurbishment National Express East Coast (NXEC) in line with the new Union Square operate three daily services to retail and leisure development. London's Kings Cross station via Newcastle and Peterborough. Station Refurbishment As part of the station’s Aberdeen City and regeneration a £400,000 investment by First ScotRail Shire links delivered the First Class Lounge. For commuters and tourists, The lounge offers customers a the region offers a selection of range of complimentary facilities train station hubs. Reopened on within a comfortable and relaxed 18 May 2009 at a cost of £3m, environment, including: Laurencekirk station serves the communities of Laurencekirk and Laurencekirk Station © Aberdeenshire Council • Free Wi-Fi access The Mearns. Stonehaven, Dyce, • Complimentary snacks Portlethen, Inverurie, Insch and and refreshments Huntly stations also provide invaluable links to and from the • A comfortable seating area city. Dyce station in particular • Freeview digital television provides a link for many offshore workers by connecting them to • Complimentary newspapers First ScotRail delivered the the city and beyond. and magazines First Class Lounge. The lounge offers customers a range of Located at the front of the station adjacent to the new travel complimentary facilities centre, the lounge is open - free within a comfortable and of charge - to First Class or First relaxed environment. Class Caledonian Sleeper customers and Advance Club “17 feel the energy By Air

berdeen Airport has 2009 saw £15m spent on a served the region for series of projects including a £5m three quarters of a parking deck, £2m of forecourt century. From humble improvements and a £5m stand re- roots,A the Dyce terminal has alignment and international upgrade. grown into one of the area’s A further £9m has been spent main economic contributors, to resurfacing the runways, increasing the tune of an estimated £500m a their life span by over 15 years. year according to recent studies. Airport MD Kevin Brown said, Opened in 1934, the airport spent “This is a challenging economy much of its early years as a Royal but we remain focused on the Air Force base with the growth of long term. That means continuing Ryan Air - Aberdeen Airport © Ryanair scheduled services after World War to make investments that meet II. However it was the discovery demand for more leisure and production of North Sea oil in destinations, and for services that the 1970s that saw its fortunes capitalise on changes in the energy take off. Aberdeen is now Europe’s industry and Aberdeen City and busiest commercial heliport and Shire’s other industries.” helicopter traffic helps make it Scotland’s busiest airfield. Alongside capital investment the airport’s commitment to the After the airport was granted future is proven through unveiling 24-hour opening in 2005, an new routes and developing BAA Aberdeen extensive period of growth followed existing ones. With all the major © BAA Aberdeen Airport with passenger numbers steadily European hubs within easy reach, increasing. That in turn led to major connectivity is key for an airport investment throughout the terminal. of Aberdeen’s size.

18 DOMESTIC FLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WORLD WIDE HUBS

FAROE ISLANDS

1 BERGEN

2 3 4

OSLO STAVANGER

6 5 7 ESBJERG 8 10 21 18 COPENHAGEN DUBLIN 17 11 16 12 19 20 13 15 GRONINGEN 14 9 AMSTERDAM

JERSEY PARIS

VARNA BOURGAS REUS NAPLES

MAJORCA IBIZA ALICANTE SICILY FARO MALAGA DALAMAN MALTA GRAN CANARIA MADEIRA LAS PALMAS TENERIFE CYPRUS

Visit www.aberdeenairport.com for flight information 302097019 feel the energy By Sea

Aberdeen Harbour currently service approximately 140,000 passengers a year. berdeen Harbour is a world-class port, www.northlinkferries.co.uk annually handling around five million Atonnes of cargo, valued at Peterhead Port Authority approximately £1.5 billion, for a wide range of industries. With Peterhead Port Authority is versatile facilities, competitive responsible for the management, charges and diversity of traffic, operation and development of it serves Aberdeen City and Shire the Port of Peterhead. The port and an extensive hinterland. comprises two areas - Peterhead Bay Harbour and the Harbours The harbour is the principal of Peterhead. commercial port in northern Scotland and the key service port Peterhead Bay Harbour is a deep Aberdeen Harbour © Aberdeen City Council for Orkney and Shetland. Facilities water natural inlet protected from include freight, passenger, vehicle the sea by two breakwaters. The and livestock services with specific port developed round the North facilities including forest product Sea oil and gas industry but in imports, finished paper exports, recent years has diversified the agricultural products and exports range of vessels and commodities of oilfield equipment. handled to include cruise vessels, project cargo, frozen fish and Aberdeen City and Shire provides pleasure yachts. The oil industry a centre for the offshore oil and still forms the core activity in this gas industry's marine support part of the port. operations in northwest Europe. One of the busiest Trust Ports The Harbours of Peterhead have in Britain, Aberdeen is also an traditionally serviced the fishing important fishing port, serving and bulk cargo sectors. Peterhead a local processing industry, and is the UK's leading white-fish port a stop-off for cruise ships. and one of the largest in Europe providing a full range of modern www.aberdeen-harbour.co.uk facilities to meet the complete needs of the industry. In addition Tourist Links to white fish, it is the UK's second The harbour also provides an largest pelagic (mackerel and alternative choice for tourists herring) port. Four harbours provide wishing to visit the beauty of over 1500 meters of quayside some of Scotland’s northern supported by first class shore-side islands, with daily passenger services including fuel supplies, sailing and/or cargo services from ice and water plants, ship repair Aberdeen Harbour to Orkney and and maintenance facilities at the Shetland. Services also call at slipway and drydock. Kirkwall, Lerwick, Scrabster and Stromness ferry ports. The routes www.peterheadport.co.uk 20 3020398 21

Peterhead holds a leading position in Europe for handling fish This is one of the most ambitious projects to be instigated at and as the most Easterly deepwater port on the Scottish main- Peterhead. It will provide new deep water, all weather berths to land it plays a crucial role in servicing the North Sea oil indus- support a range of shipping activities at the port. Extensive land try. The port handles over £130 million worth of fish each year reclamation works will create working areas adjacent to the and over 2,000 visits by oil related vessels. Prime deepwater deepwater berths, making this a prime opportunity to attract berths were nearing full capacity and consultation with exist- new business, activity and employment to the port. Construction ing and potential port users identified prospects for further of the first phase is scheduled for completion in summer 2010. growth in existing markets and significant opportunities to diversify into new commodities. This heralded the start of The development was initiated to satisfy growing demand from extensive studies and design which culminated in approval of the pelagic fishing industry. Local processors have diversified the Smith Embankment Development. from the traditional species of mackerel and herring into a range of other types which would previously have been processed as Smith Embankment Development fishmeal. They have also been successful in attracting an increased number of landings from large foreign vessels. However the facility will have sufficient capacity to support other industries. It is ideally suited to handling subsea, diving support and renewable energy activity which are already growth areas at the port and the provision of additional modern facilities will allow for further expansion. These sectors traditionally use large vessels and gain significant advantages from working out of Peterhead. Deepwater access and berths allow vessels to arrive and sail at any time without having to wait for high water. Close proximity to offshore locations saves time and reduces steaming Funding: costs. Berths are conveniently located near major trunk roads - Budget Cost £33.5 million - Scottish Government/European Fisheries Fund grant of £5.25 million which are free of city centre congestion, thus allowing cargo and equipment to be readily carried to its intended destination. Timetable - Contract awarded January 2009 - Completion scheduled - September 2010 The new quayside incorporates a 500 tonne capacity heavy lift pad Project Overview and capability of skidding items up to 2,500 tonnes which will make - 200 metre long berth at Smith Embankment with 13,000 sqm it ideal for handling project cargo. The adjacent reclaimed land working area provides space for storage of large items, completing quayside - 85 metre long extension to Albert Quay breakwater fabrication projects and may be used to support decommissioning Phase II Opportunity of offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Business opportunities will also - Additional 50,000 sqm reclaimed ground be sought for agricultural products, timber, containers and general - 100 metre long berth at Albert Quay - Ultra-heavy capacity decommissioning berth at Smith Embankment cargo. Overall these are exciting times at Peterhead as the port seeks to capitalise on its current strengths and support local industry.

BUSINESS Business Enjoying a buoyant economy and growing population, Aberdeen City and Shire is the second most competitive location in the UK after London to do business in.

24 feel the energy

hink of Aberdeen City to identify strategic priorities and the and Shire is now regarded as the and Shire, and you’ll no ways in which they can be met, which centre of excellence and is recognised doubt think of oil and gas – will shape its vision for the future. as the world leader in downhole the industry on which drilling and sub-sea technology. As T more than half the oil in the North Sea the region has flourished and ACSEF has an ambitious vision for the prospered for many years, and will region to become one of the most is still to be developed, ACSEF do so for the foreseeable future. robust and resilient economies in expects it to remain the region of Europe - one of opportunity, enterprise choice for high value energy and However Aberdeen’s undoubted and inventiveness that will attract and renewable energy organisations. position as a ‘global energy capital’ retain world-class talent. can sometimes eclipse the many From oil drilling to renewable energy other hugely successful industries, With improved accessibility, an technologies, from rich arable and research and educational bodies that attractive environment and the best cattle farming to life sciences, have their home in the region and hospitality, ACSEF aims to make Aberdeen City and Shire has evolved its skills base imaginatively and many from which spring a wealth of talent, Aberdeen City and Shire one of the small family businesses have grown creativity and opportunity. most interesting and enjoyable locations in the UK in which to visit, to become international operators. The region considers itself home to live, work and grow up. The highest concentration of life four main industries, those being: The thriving, energetic business scientists in Europe is to be found • Energy climate has meant that there is in the Aberdeen City and Shire area • Life Sciences an enviable track record of and the region has the greatest • Tourism entrepreneurial dynamism and concentration of food and drink • Food and Drink innovation. Businesses are companies in the country. Known constantly developing and diversifying as Scotland’s Larder, it’s also the As the most prosperous and to keep abreast of challenges and home of a world authority on nutrition flourishing region of Scotland, the region has exported leading-edge and food sciences, The Rowett income levels are well above skills, products and services throughout Research Institute. average and unemployment levels the world – from food to fishing Education is valued and the high are well below. Enjoying a buoyant expertise, from energy technologies achieving system, which includes economy and a growing population, to engineering processes. world-class universities and research Aberdeen is the most competitive Aberdeen City and Shire’s engineering institutes, has helped stimulate an location outside London in the UK industry has been at the forefront of intellectual power that has resulted to do business. It has the greatest developing new technologies for the in many new ideas and innovations. proportion of new business bank world's oil and gas industries at every accounts in Scotland and more VAT phase of offshore development and is With such a stimulating mix of registered businesses per thousand now leading the way in the field of industries, cutting edge technology, of population than Scotland and renewable energy. intellectual capital and research, the UK. Aberdeen City and Shire is an inspiring With a track record extending almost place to do business. Aberdeen City and Shire Economic four decades, Aberdeen City Future (ACSEF) has worked to bring the public and private sector right into the heart of economic development. It is breaking new ground by working in partnership

25 feel the energy Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

hile food and drink, The role of the Chamber is to tourism, life sciences support and encourage the growth and energy are the and development of its members. four main pillars Not only do the individual members Wthat uphold the Aberdeen City benefit; so does the wider and Shire economy they are economy of Aberdeen City and supported by the much broader Shire and beyond. As part of the business base covering all other wider Scottish Chambers of aspects of life. Sitting right at the Commerce networks, AGCC works heart of this business life is at a local, national and international Aberdeen and Grampian level to provide a comprehensive Chamber of Commerce (AGCC). portfolio of business services, support and advocacy. With just over 1,200 members, representing around 84,000 people The Chamber’s links to other in the private sector, AGCC is chambers in the global network, The role of the Chamber is recognised as Aberdeen City and such as the British Arab Chamber of to support and encourage Shire’s leading member-focused Commerce, also provides valuable business organisation. Membership opportunities for local companies the growth and development covers all industry sectors, ranging to make new business contacts of its members. Not only do in size from sole traders to multi- around the world. In addition, the the individual members national corporations. Chamber’s Export Documentation service provides export advice and benefit; so does the wider economy of Aberdeen City “and Shire and beyond.

26 Image © AGCC feel the energy service to businesses exporting Acknowledged as hugely beneficial goods – everything from Shetland to companies of all sizes and from fish going to the Baltic States to all sectors, these events range paper going to China. from informational workshops to business breakfasts and are an The strength and advantage of many important and established part Aberdeen City and Shire companies of the Aberdeen City and Shire lies in their export capabilities and business scene. the Chamber is at the forefront of providing support for a diverse range At the core of the Chamber’s work of businesses. The Chamber’s is its commitment to support the International Business Department drive for economic development provides advice and global market in Aberdeen City and Shire, to entry services to all trade sectors. achieve the sustainable growth and Its UK West Africa Action Group prosperity that will benefit not only (UKWAAG) specialises in the its members but also the region’s Brasserie Restaurant, Aberdeen © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand challenging markets of sub-Saharan wider business community. In this Africa and leads a number of it works closely with partnership missions, primarily to explore organisations including the opportunities for the oil and gas Aberdeen City and Shire regional sector but recently included a identity team, ACSEF, Nestrans, mission that looked at educational the North East Climate Change opportunities. Partnership and the Airport Business Development Forum One of the key issues affecting to achieve the results that will business in Aberdeen City and Shire confirm Aberdeen City and Shire relates to the availability of skilled as a location of choice in which staff across all areas. The Chamber to live, work and do business. runs a full commercial training programme offering 170 short www.agcc.co.uk courses covering more than 60 business-related topics, spanning a vast array of subject matters which support organisations’ retraining and personal development programmes. The Chamber also delivers a range of SVQs, which employers recognise as an important resource in their own workplace development programmes.

In difficult economic times, organisations across Scotland, in common with companies across the UK, are increasingly aware of the value of promoting their business to potential new clients and markets. Through its programme of over 60 events each year, the Chamber provides members with unrivalled networking opportunities, which help build their contact base and develop their business. 27 feel the energy Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future ACSEF

nique to Aberdeen City best-connected region in the UK, and Shire is a public- with access to global locations private sector partnership through excellent air, road, rail Uthat drives the region’s and sea links. economic development with a shared vision for sustainable Maximising intellectual capital growth and prosperity. ACSEF is focused on increasing the number of indigenous businesses ACSEF brings local companies with valuable intellectual property right into the heart of shaping the and locally developed patents, region’s future economy. Together particularly in the key industry the key players in economic sectors of energy and life development aim to create an sciences. Through highly skilled Harleys, Aberdeenshire environment in which business entrepreneurial talent, Aberdeen © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand can flourish. City and Shire will increase innovation and commercialisation The vision is to become recognised, of research, building on the by 2025, as one of the most robust industry knowledge and expertise and resilient economies in Europe within an excellent academic base. with a reputation for opportunity, enterprise and invention that will Anchoring an energy industry attract and retain world-class talent Increasing the internationalisation of all ages. To achieve this vision, of local companies, harnessing ACSEF has an action plan with two alternative energy expertise and over-riding objectives: to achieve a global promotion of the region’s gross value added (GVA) of 2.5% unrivalled oil and gas supply chain and enhance Aberdeen City and will maintain the region’s position Shire’s quality of life. as a world-renowned centre of excellence. To retain a global oil Baker Oil Tools © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand Addressing the priorities and gas industry after the North These objectives are supported by Sea’s hydrocarbons are depleted, seven business-identified priorities ACSEF is helping create a modern, that will deliver improved quality of connected and efficient place to life and the continued growth do business. Key projects include The vision is to become needed to deliver the vision. the Energy Futures Centre, Aberdeen Offshore Wind Test recognised, by 2025, as one Transport Centre and Energetica – an of the most robust and An integrated transport network ambitious initiative to consolidate resilient economies in is vital to the region’s economy. and grow the region’s status as a ACSEF is working closely with Global Energy Capital. Europe with a reputation the region’s regional transport for opportunity, enterprise partnership – Nestrans – to deliver Delivering city centre and invention a modern transport network to redevelopment make Aberdeen City and Shire the A vibrant, dynamic and attractive 28“ feel the energy city centre is key to attracting Aberdeen City and Shire’s local With improved accessibility, an business. Through a wide range of development plans will shape the attractive environment and the best partnership initiatives and projects, region over the next 20 years and hospitality, Aberdeen City and Shire ACSEF aims to create a World ensure economic growth is not is becoming one of the most Energy City that is a globally constrained due to land availability interesting and enjoyable locations in competitive destination of choice and access. the UK to visit, live, work and grow for retail, leisure, environment and up. ACSEF is committed to providing business. Projects include a radical The location of choice for the necessary vision, leadership and transformation of the city centre company headquarters energy to conceive and deliver the that will provide eight acres of new Almost a third of Scotland’s top ambitions of a region with an civic space, creating a cultural and 100 companies are already based in enterprising past but an even more historic hub. Aberdeen City and Shire. Securing vibrant and exciting future. more company headquarters in the Attracting and developing skills region will contribute to its long- Key to ACSEF’s vision is term competitiveness. ACSEF aims developing the region’s existing to increase the business birth-rate skills and attracting new ones. by providing tailored support to The region has embarked on a fast-track local businesses with strategy to offer more diverse high growth potential and retaining employment opportunities, create existing corporate headquarters a workforce to meet current skills through the development of a gaps and the future needs of key highly skilled workforce, promotion sectors, provide access to skills of the region as a location of development, prepare young choice and increased investment in people to meet future labour research and development activity. market needs, and attract and develop the skills of migrant Many of these actions have workers. already been delivered. By 2012 the region will see major infrastructure Improving planning efficiency put in place, significant projects An efficient planning system completed and others kick off. ensures the right development Many of these projects support the © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand is in the right place at the right growth of our key industry sectors, time. ACSEF is nurturing a pro- such as the establishment of a food development approach with a and health innovation centre and streamlined, fast and efficient working with tourism businesses decision-making process. Positive, to establish Royal Deeside as a Almost a third of Scotland’s proactive and co-ordinated work major destination. top 100 companies are between business and planners will create an attractive site for already based in Aberdeen potential developers. City and Shire. Securing more company headquarters in the region will contribute to its long-term competitiveness.

Petrofac Tower, Aberdeen “© Aberdeen City and Shire Brand 29 feel the energy Federation of Small Businesses

mall businesses are an most recently, securing a clause in essential element of all government contracts stipulating Aberdeen City and that large prime contractors pay Shire’s economy and the subcontractors on time. SFederation of Small Businesses (FSB) is at the heart of Under the banner “Keep Trade supporting and protecting Local – Sustaining Scotland’s their interests. Communities”, the FSB has been lobbying policy-makers Some 99% of all businesses in and consumers to take the right Scotland are classed as small or decisions to safeguard local medium-sized – and 93% employ independent businesses, thereby fewer than 10 members of staff. safeguarding the communities that They also provide over a million these firms support. jobs in Scotland and are the heart of our tourism and other Being a branch and regionally key industries. structured organisation, we are also active on the ground and in As Scotland’s largest member-led the community. Our activists work business organisation, the FSB in close partnership with local exists to support and provide a schools and colleges to ensure that better platform for businesses to enterprise and entrepreneurship is survive, grow and prosper. There recognised early. You will also find are almost 6,000 members in the FSB promoting businesses and Aberdeen City and Shire, with supporting their communities at over a third in the rural and more local agricultural shows, trade fairs, remote areas. highland shows and local games.

The FSB makes its members’ views heard at the heart of Government – whether at local authority, Holyrood or Westminster level – and is represented at all economic and business forums, ensuring members’ issues are dealt with in the proper manner and that the small business sector is fairly represented.

The FSB has been instrumental in successfully lobbying for the reduction or abolition of business rates for small firms, the removal of bridge tolls in Scotland and, 30 feel the energy Aberdeen City and Shire Key Industry Sectors

Energy Specific project responses are: • Energetica Strategic Framework he energy sector – oil published and successfully and gas, renewables and incorporated into region's draft power generation - is the Structure Plan key driver of the local economyT with an estimated 20% • Ongoing development of contribution to Aberdeen City Aberdeen Science Parks, and Shire’s overall economic bringing in private sector output and up to 40,000 energy- expertise and capital to provide related jobs in the region. a world-class location.

The challenge for Aberdeen City • Peterhead’s business and Shire is to sustain and grow its infrastructure is being developed position as a global energy capital to capitalise on the region's beyond the life of the North Sea. In growing renewables and other words maintain the cluster of decommissioning proposition. technology know-how in the city Rotech - model of wave turbine region and further internationalise • Supply chain development for © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand the business base. Part of the both decommissioning and response is the development renewable energies, to capitalise of Energetica, a world-class on a potential decommissioning technology corridor stretching from market opportunity of £20-25 Aberdeen to Peterhead promoting billion over the next 20 years. Aberdeen City and Shire as one of The challenge for Aberdeen the best places to live, work and • Aberdeen Offshore Wind City and Shire is to sustain invest. Additionally, in line with UK deployment Facility as a test and Scottish Government policy, centre for emerging offshore and grow its position as a the oil and gas industry will be wind technologies. global energy capital beyond encouraged to respond to the life of the North Sea. opportunities in renewable energy. “ 31 feel the energy

A number of projects are being Life Sciences developed to support the growing sector: One of four major life science locations in Scotland, Aberdeen • Life Science Innovation Phase 2 City and Shire’s life sciences led by the University of Aberdeen industry has significant growth to provide commercial incubator potential. The region is home to space. This follows the success one of the largest concentrations of Life Science Innovation Phase of life scientists in the UK outside 1, which houses Wyeth’s Protein of Cambridge. Specialisms are Therapeutics Laboratory and was in areas of human health and funded in a collaborative venture nutrition, bone health, infectious between Scottish Enterprise, diseases, imaging and biologics. Aberdeen City Council and the University of Aberdeen. Growth has been facilitated particularly as a consequence of • National Research Scotland both universities investing in this Co-ordination Centre provides area and the opportunities afforded a central point of contact within through the merger of the Rowett the NHS for all multi-centre Institute with the University of clinical trials in Scotland. The Aberdeen. Aberdeen City and Shire aim is to standardise approval has a significant academic and processes, reduce approval times research base, centred on and increase the number of the Institute of Medical Sciences, commercial and non-commercial the University of Aberdeen, the clinical trials. The target is to Rowett Research Institute, Robert increase clinical trial income by Gordon University’s School of 50% from the current £7m to Pharmacy and Life Sciences and £11m over three years. NHS Grampian. The region has successfully attracted Wyeth, a top • Re-energised Aberdeen City 10 global pharmaceutical company. and Shire’s networking forum as The region has successfully The challenge is to accelerate part of Life Sciences Scotland, attracted Wyeth, a top 10 intellectual property exploitation supported by Scottish Enterprise. global pharmaceutical and create new companies. company. The challenge is to accelerate intellectual property exploitation and “create new companies.

The University of Aberdeen IMS Lab 32 © The University of Aberdeen feel the energy

Scottish food and drink Food & Drink companies to utilise the world- class research in food, health Long a staple industry in and life sciences available to Aberdeen City and Shire, food accelerate the launch of new and drink is an important sector products. Over the first five building on the region’s key years, the project is expected primary strengths in agriculture, to inject £43m of output to food processing and fishing. the economy. Aberdeen City and Shire has 6,000 employees in food and • Grampian Food Forum is a drink manufacturing, contributing partnership comprising senior 13% of Scotland’s total food and members of the food and drink industry in the region, and Whiskey Industry drink employment and © Aberdeenshire Council generating 9% of Scotland’s food public sector organisations in and drink turnover. the area. The Forum advises the public sector organisations There is a huge opportunity on the needs of the food and for Aberdeen City and Shire drink industry so projects can businesses to capitalise on the be implemented quickly. region’s health enhancing products Importantly, it also provides - such as fish, berries and oats - a networking platform for and to develop new products and companies from different sectors re-formulate existing products to learn from each other. The more healthily. Projects include: flagship food and drink event in the region ‘Taste of Grampian’ • Scottish Centre for Food has grown year on year, and Health Innovation, which successfully showcasing the will be a pan-Scotland project region’s top quality food and centered in Aberdeen City and drink products to the public and businesses alike. Shire drawing on expertise from Peterhead Fish Market around the country to help © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand translate academic research into commercial products. The project in Aberdeen will enable

Deans of Huntly, Aberdeenshire © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand

33 feel the energy

The region has a principal leisure offer in Royal Deeside and Tourism tourism destination in Royal Deeside Cairngorms. The Banffshire and the Cairngorms, an emerging Coast Tourism Partnership, Tourism is a growing sector leisure destination in the Banffshire Scottish Enterprise and other in Aberdeen City and Shire, Coast, and in Aberdeen City, a partners will focus on destination generating £250m, 40% of which strong business tourism destination management, product is attributed to overseas visitors. with huge potential to deliver greater development and increasing There are 20,000 tourism-related investment returns. Additionally, the quality of the offer. jobs in Aberdeen City and Shire, there are emerging opportunities • Golf tourism development – equal to 9% of Scotland’s tourism for growth in golf tourism. Specific project responses are: with planned developments at employment and 8% of the Menie Estate and Blairs College, region’s total employment. • Royal Deeside and Cairngorms there is an opportunity for Destination Development is Aberdeen City and Shire to be High levels of business tourism the main tourism destination in one of the prime golf tourism and growing leisure-based tourism Aberdeen City and Shire. The destinations in Scotland. This opportunities focus on key assets development plan for 2010-2014 project will work with a number like Cairngorms National Park. There proposes a cohesive programme of golf clubs to develop their are also significant international golf of transformational projects commercial approach and developments planned, such as the linking tourism, business increase tourism revenues Trump Organisation’s resort at development, product innovation for the region’s economy. Menie Estate. and supporting infrastructure improvements. Expected impacts The challenge for Scottish tourism by 2015 are increased visitor and for Aberdeen City and Shire spending up 58% to £80m, over the next 10-15 years, is global visitor numbers up by 3-6% per competition with increased quality annum and an additional 1,200 A strong business tourism and visitor experiences around jobs in the tourism sector. the world. Scotland and Aberdeen destination with huge City and Shire are well positioned • Banffshire Coast – the tourism potential to deliver greater to respond to market trends potential of Banffshire will be investment returns. and provide the destination maximised with targeted Additionally, there are experiences consumers demand. intervention complementing the emerging opportunities “for growth in golf tourism.

Stonehaven Golf, Aberdeenshire 34 © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand EQUITIES | FIXED INCOME | PROPERTY

Many financial institutions have to balance different interests.

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Do remember the value of investments can go down as well as up and investors may not get back what they originally invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

For more information on why Aberdeen’s investment approach stacks up, contact Bill Greenhalgh on 01224 425211 or visit aberdeen-asset.com

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3020455 35 3020727 36 REGENERATION Regeneration A variety of regeneration projects across Aberdeen City and Shire will enhance the region’s strong retail sector, cutting edge technology, intellectual capital and stimulating mix of industries to strengthen a leading business region for years to come.

37 feel the energy The University of Aberdeen

undamental to the Learning in Healthcare opened for University of Aberdeen’s medical teaching and clinical transformation is an training at Foresterhill. This centre ambitious £272m of excellence ensures the region Fdevelopment programme remains at the forefront in training offering students, staff and clinical professionals for the 21st locals an unrivalled environment century and pushes the boundaries to learn, work, live and of innovation by taking advantage enjoy leisure. of advances in technology and teaching methods. In summer 2009, construction began on the £57m flagship The £28m Aberdeen Sports Village

The University of Aberdeen Kings College project - a magnificent new - a partnership with Aberdeen © The University of Aberdeen library for the University and local City Council and SportScotland – community. This striking building provides outstanding indoor and will enable the University to outdoor facilities, many of open up its outstanding historic Olympic class. Northern Scotland collections of manuscripts, books, finally has a sporting hub capable maps, photographs and other of hosting international events, artefacts for the first time to a attracting promising athletes much wider audience including to the University, nurturing local regular exhibitions, readings, art talent and building a more active and music events. local community.

The new library will be a focus This investment programme for a cultural programme that demonstrates the University’s already includes the annual Word commitment to its stakeholders Festival, an extensive music and its local roots. It also programme attracting world-class showcases commitment to performers, culture and natural environmental sustainability. All history museums, and public the new buildings incorporate high- lectures on the most hotly quality, flexible, functional and This striking building will debated issues of our time. sustainable design and engineering enable the University to open Adjacent to the new library a features. Both the new library up for the first time its conservation suite will make the and Suttie Centre achieved the University a centre of specialist ‘excellent’ rating in the demanding outstanding historic expertise in conserving priceless criteria set by the industry-standard collections of manuscripts, historic documents, including BRE Environmental Assessment books, maps, photographs archives of the region. Method (BREEAM).

and other artefacts to a As work started on the new library much wider audience and conservation suite, the £20m Suttie Centre for Teaching and 38“ feel the energy Retail & Lifestyle

Union Square - Major Refurbishment for From Rail to Retail City Shopping Centres ammerson has invested he Bon Accord and St £275m into Union Nicholas Centres have Square, a major recently undergone regeneration project a major investment Tprogramme, underlining their Hin the heart of Aberdeen. position as Aberdeen City and The impressive retail and leisure Shire’s premier shopping development is the largest of its destination, and strengthening kind in Scotland, creating over their fashion focus. 1,000 new jobs in the retail, leisure and catering industries. Scotland’s biggest Next opened its Hammerson is working together doors in August 2009, while top with Aberdeen Works to ensure retailers Karen Millen and Kurt the job opportunities support local Geiger both chose to open their economic regeneration. first stores in Aberdeen in the Bon Accord Centre. Union Square complements the emerging business district adjacent Warehouse, Coast and Oasis have to the shopping park. A number all opened bigger shops, bringing a of new offices are planned for the new look to the Centre. They have area, which is already home to been joined by a new and bigger Petrofac and Aker Offshore Partner River Island and, for the first time (AOP) among others. The business in the Bon Accord Centre, Topshop district will provide additional job and Topman. opportunities and strengthen the city’s robust economy. The stores are positioned near to each other, with the flagship Next The St Nicholas Centre has For more information on Union store on the Upper Mall, and to undergone a £2m facelift, Square and all that it has to create a more open and spacious giving it a contemporary offer visit: feel for the fashion enclave, and modern image. www.unionsquareaberdeen.com the central atrium has been refurbished.

The St Nicholas Centre, Aberdeen © The Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centres

“39 feel the energy Westhill Business Park

esthill Business Park alongside smaller businesses has seen unrivalled that support subsea work with growth over the past everything from supplies of two years and has consumables through diving W systems, specialised tools and quickly confirmed its place as a leading place to locate to in the design and manufacture the region. of sonar and ROV equipment.

The high quality business park Westhill Business Park offers a is home to some of Aberdeen superb working environment, surrounded by open countryside City and Shire’s most high profile and a variety of amenities and businesses and headquarters. facilities. Its close proximity to Stewart Milne Group is the airport and excellent links headquartered at Westhill and into Aberdeen City, as well as Scottish Water also has a large its position on the route of the regional presence on the The industrial area is Western Peripheral Route, Westhill business park. offers excellent connectivity as well probably best known for as high quality industrial land and what is claimed to be the The industrial area is probably a large local skills and knowledge world's largest cluster of best known for what is claimed base to populate businesses to be the world's largest cluster located there. subsea engineering of subsea engineering expertise expertise which combines which combines the presence the presence of global of global scale contractors scale contractors including Acergy, Schlumberger, “ SubSea7 and Technip. These sit

Westhill Business Park 40 © Aberdeenshire Council feel the energy Energetica Global Energy Showcase

lans for a global energy class oil and gas technology cluster showcase stretching and to accelerate the development from Bridge of Don to of new renewable energy PPeterhead are moving technologies, provide high quality forward. A development employment opportunities and framework highlighting the offer an environment with an potential economic benefits of unrivalled quality of life. the project has been published and the Energetica project is The Energetica Corridor will host a now gathering momentum. series of interconnected business and lifestyle hubs – an ambitious Energetica is a 30-mile technology, project that will command lifestyle and leisure corridor running international attention. Energetica from the Airport to the Bridge of might be founded on energy; Don in Aberdeen and to Peterhead. however at its heart is the creation Energetica will secure Aberdeen City and Shire’s position as a global of a lifestyle destination that will energy technology hub, attract offer exemplar residential, leisure dynamic organisations and and education facilities that will stimulate synergies, innovation, attract people and business to research and development. the region. Realising Energetica’s vision will create a leading Energetica was conceived by destination in Aberdeen City and ACSEF (Aberdeen City and Shire Shire to compete with offerings in Economic Future) to reflect the other energy and technology driven region’s drive to anchor the world- economies across the world.

Part of the Energetica Corridor, Aberdeenshire Coastline © Aberdeenshire Council

41 Harnessing Aberdeen’s Energy for the Future

berdeen Renewable renewables market estimated to be technologies, provide R&D and Energy Group (AREG) worth over £20bn per annum. commercial opportunities plays a pivotal role in • Building a state-of-the-art Energy Adeveloping and Members operate across all Futures Centre to anchor and promoting Aberdeen City and renewable energy sectors so AREG attract the best energy expertise Shire’s renewable energy can provide access to the depth of • Establishing a renewables capabilities across Scotland, the talent and expertise needed to research cluster and a Chair in UK and globally. deliver world-class projects. Energy Futures alongside Aberdeen’s two Universities With regular contact with AREG’s commitment to developing • Developing a regional government, key agencies and the region’s sustainable renewables biomass strategy industry stakeholders, AREG is able industry is demonstrated by its • Helping to develop the UK’s largest to access public and private sector major Scottish and European projects: renewable energy show: All-Energy support to assist regional renewables • Developing renewable energy development and works diligently • Developing a European Offshore trade links around the to identify and access opportunities Wind Deployment Centre to act world in partnership with key for local businesses in a worldwide as a proving ground for new industry organisations THE FUTURE OF ENERGY THE FUTURE OF ABERDEEN

The largest concentration of oil and gas and renewable energy businesses in Europe are located in Aberdeen. Their unique mix of skills, experience and expertise have positioned the region at the forefront of the global energy sector. AREG is supporting these businesses to access new opportunities in the ever growing multi-billion pound renewable energy market.

Tel: +44 (0) 1224 814620 Email: [email protected] www.aberdeenrenewables.com PUMP RENTAL High Pressure Jetting, Well Service, Pressure Testing, Pipeline, Fire Pump, Dredging, Hydraulic Power Packs, Fluid Transfers, Caisson Clean Ups.

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fisheroffshore.com 43 Successfully providing global services at a local level

Providing world-class knowledge, services and products to add value to clients in the oil & gas, and power industries, Wood Group is a major international energy services company, employing more than 28,000 people and operating in over 46 countries.

UK Corporate Office John Wood House, Greenwell Road, East Tullos, Aberdeen AB12 3AX, Scotland, UK Tel +44 (0)1224 851000 Fax +44 (0)1224 851474 www.woodgroup.com Bringing up kids takes energy. That’s where we come in. The young people of Scotland deserve a great future. And, at BP, we’re committed to helping them achieve it.

Through our educational programmes, we’re inspiring them to make the most of tomorrow’s opportunities.

We’re helping to protect their future environment with initiatives like our unique £10 million investment in the Scottish Forest Alliance.

And we’re working with government to demonstrate the breadth of opportunity for young people in the energy industry.

beyond petroleum

bp.com C 2009 bp p.l.c EDUCATION Education A world leader in terms of educational and research facilities, Aberdeen City and Shire is a region bursting with entrepreneurial talent and enthusiasm to succeed.

46 feel the energy

ome to two universities, The Scott Sutherland School of two further education Architecture and Built Environment colleges and a range is also situated on the Garthdee of schools and training campus of Robert Gordon facilities,H Aberdeen City and University. The School has a Shire retains consistently high student-led lecture society and standards and enjoys a sponsored lecture series called reputation for being at the 5710, which invites high-profile forefront of new developments. speakers involved in architecture worldwide - creating a unique link Aberdeen City Universities between architectural practice and architectural education. The University of Aberdeen The first of Aberdeen’s two Colleges universities. King’s College, Aberdeen College has several was founded in 1495 by William campuses in Aberdeen and offers Elphinstone (1431-1514), Bishop a wide variety of part-time and full- of Aberdeen and Chancellor of time courses leading to several Scotland. Marischal College was different qualifications. It the founded in New Aberdeen by largest further education institution George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal in Scotland. Banff and Buchan of Scotland in 1593. These College attracts students from all foundations were amalgamated over the world. The main campus to form the present University is in Fraserburgh and there are of Aberdeen in 1860. King’s and learning centres in Huntly, Macduff, Marischal were Scotland’s third and Turriff, Ellon, Keith and Peterhead. fifth oldest universities respectively. State schools Robert Gordon University With over 200 schools in Aberdeen Robert Gordon University is an City and Shire, the quality of inspirational blend of the traditional education within the region is and the contemporary at both high. Cults Academy, Oldmachar its Garthdee and City Centre Academy and Aberdeen Grammar campuses. The original college School are all rated in the top 20 was opened in 1750 by the Scottish secondary schools league philanthropist Robert Gordon, to tables. Historically, the most educate the sons of the city’s famous of Aberdeen's schools tradesmen. The name Robert is Aberdeen Grammar School. Gordon's Institute of Technology, or Founded in 1263 it is one of the RGIT as it was popularly known, oldest schools in Britain and is was adopted in 1965 to reflect the most famous for being the school Historically, the most continuing advancement in the level where Lord Byron studied. famous of Aberdeen's of the teaching work. In 1992 RGIT was awarded university status and Private schools schools is Aberdeen became Robert Gordon University. There are a number of private Grammar School. Founded schools in Aberdeen; Albyn School in 1263 it is one of the Art and (co-ed as of 2006), St Margaret’s oldest schools in Britain Architecture schools School for Girls, the Hamilton Gray’s School of Art, part of Robert School (following the Montessori and is most famous for Gordon University, was founded in philosophy curriculum), Robert being the school where 1886 and is one of the oldest Gordon’s College, the Total S.A. Lord Byron studied. established art colleges in the UK. It French School (for French oil is situated on the beautiful grounds industry families), the International of the University’s Garthdee School of Aberdeen and a campus on the edge of the city. Waldorf/Steiner School. “47 feel the energy The University of Aberdeen £272m campus development

he University of Aberdeen A decade of provides academic leadership at the transformation forefront of tackling the In 2000, as the University entered T its sixth century, it embarked on an social, cultural, economic and technological challenges of the ambitious strategy to build on its 21st century. distinguished history and become an international centre of teaching Bold thinking, pioneering research and learning, ranked within the and innovation, partnership and world’s top 100 universities. Nine inspirational teaching have long years later, annual turnover had made Aberdeen City and Shire doubled to over £200m, research a powerhouse of learning and income had trebled, and student The University of Aberdeen © The University of Aberdeen discovery. The University of numbers increased from 9,000 Aberdeen offers a first-class to over 15,000 - with over 4,000 and unique student experience coming from outside the UK. for undergraduates and postgraduate professional The University has become a development. world centre for nutrition and

48 feel the energy health through merging with the Exercise conducted across all UK Rowett Research Institute, and universities. Almost 90% of the its new graduate dental school University’s research activity was is training much-needed dentists judged of international quality. for northern Scotland. The Over half was described as world University’s Rural Digital Economy leading or internationally excellent. Hub has positioned it at the Eleven areas of research were forefront of creating Digital Britain, ranked among the top 25% in the and the UK’s National Subsea UK. This performance delivered Research Institute is among other immediate benefits through a 27% national initiatives to be hosted boost in research grant from the on campus. Scottish Funding Council – the biggest percentage increase Researchers of different among Scotland’s research- disciplines are increasingly intensive universities. working together in national and international collaborations. New Unique learning for postgraduate opportunities offer the 21st century professional development in all Students are at the heart of the areas of arts, business, science University. From 2010 the student and technologies. Meanwhile experience will be enhanced research is being commercialised further with degree programmes through industry partnerships which retain all the quality and and spin-out companies within depth of the traditional Scottish an entrepreneurial ethos degree while adding increased flourishing throughout the breadth of study, flexibility and organisation. more opportunities for personal development. A growing intellectual community The new programmes are Underpinning this transformation modernising the structure, is unprecedented investment in content, delivery and flexibility of degrees and are designed to give attracting academic leaders from Aberdeen’s graduates considerable across the world. Over recent advantage in their professional and years over 70 internationally personal lives and as global citizens distinguished professors have in the 21st century. This initiative joined the University from many places the University of Aberdeen of the world’s most prestigious at the vanguard of international universities. This in turn has developments in education, aligned attracted talented academics at with major international universities earlier stages of their careers. In such as Melbourne, Harvard, Yale 2009, the University launched a and Hong Kong. This strategy for The University’s Rural Digital second phase of its Sixth Century an ambitious university will bring Chairs recruitment campaign, Economy Hub has positioned many benefits to a forward thinking committing £15m to bring more Aberdeen City and Shire. it at the forefront of creating internationally renowned scholars Digital Britain, and the UK’s to the region. National Subsea Research World-leading research Institute is among other The research strength of the national initiatives to be University was formally recognised hosted on campus. in the 2008 Research Assessment “49 feel the energy Robert Gordon University

obert Gordon University Traditional and has a national and Contemporary international reputation Although a modern university, for excellence in the R Robert Gordon was founded in 1729 provision of highly relevant and has a pedigree in education of professional education from over 250 years. Gray’s School of Undergraduate to PhD level. Art is over 120 years old and has a formidable reputation for producing With a diverse and exciting range some of Scotland’s greatest artists, of degree programmes in Nursing, including Turner prize nominee Business, Law, Engineering, Callum Innes. The Scott Sutherland Science, Computing, Art, Design, School of Architecture and Built Architecture, Pharmacy and Health Applied Biomedical Environment meanwhile celebrated © Robert Gordon University Sciences, all taught in state-of- its 50th anniversary last year. the-art facilities, Robert Gordon University can set you on the The Garthdee campus is proof of path to the career you want. the University’s commitment to providing the very best student In both 2009 and 2010 The Times facilities. Currently undertaking a ‘Good University Guide’ rated £160m master plan, the University Robert Gordon University as the will have some of the best teaching best modern university in the and research facilities in Europe by UK. All programmes are designed 2015. This reflects Robert Gordon University’s ambition to attract top to offer students an effective calibre academics and students to combination of academic study and Aberdeen from all over the world. practical experience, developed in close consultation with industry. Grays School of Art Working Partnerships © Robert Gordon University The University, through its strong In combining the best of the links with industry, has continued academic and professional worlds, to develop its partnership with a degree from the Robert Gordon leading businesses through student University places graduates ahead In both 2009 and 2010 placements, scholarships, awards, of the rest and they have an community projects, research and The Times ‘Good University outstanding record for graduate corporate training. Guide’ rated Robert recruitment. The Guardian Gordon University as the University Guide 2010 listed Robert Univation Ltd, the University's Gordon University in the top five commercial arm, generates best modern university in universities in the UK for career revenue by delivering tailored the UK. prospects, third equal with education and training programmes Cambridge University. for corporate clients. Drawing on 50“ feel the energy

accredited courses from across the research was internationally University, Univation can provide a recognised. In addition, three range of learning with flexible Research Institutes were recently delivery options. Clients include established to provide a focus for Sonatrach of Algeria, the the University’s research activity Venezuelan national oil company in Health and Welfare; Innovation, PDVSA and PetroChina. Design and Sustainability; and Management, Governance Robert Gordon University is and Society. strongly committed to its links with Further Education and recently The Faculty of Health and Social celebrated with Aberdeen College Care also recently launched the © Aberdeen City Council their highly successful 2+2 Degree Centre of Obesity Research and Link Partnership. This partnership Epidemiology (CORE), which brings significant benefits to collaborate with internationally individuals and employers in the recognised experts in obesity region. Through the programme to provide an infrastructure for Aberdeen College students with Robert Gordon University Campus research with a primary care, © Robert Gordon University a relevant HNC or HND progress clinical, and socio-economic focus. directly into year 2 or year 3 of a linked degree at Robert These Research Institutes provide Gordon University. Robert Gordon University with a unique strength for further Success in Research growing its research base and In the 2008 Research Assessment international reputation. Exercise (RAE), the University was the best modern university for Robert Gordon University will research in Scotland, with world- continue to work shoulder to class research in eleven disciplines. shoulder with commercial and An area of particular excellence public sector partners to make where the University is a world courses, and students, relevant for leader is Library & Information the evolving economy and society. Management, where 100% of the It is the Professional University.

51

3020752 54 3020393

56 3020406 Every picture tells a story

An Independent day school for girls aged 3-18, in the heart of Aberdeen.

To request a prospectus or arrange a tour of the school, please contact the Admissions Office on 01224 595188 www.st-margaret.aberdeen.sch.uk 17 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB10 1RU Albyn School

Vigor et Juventas

Albyn is a highly successful and thriving independent day school for children and young people aged 2 to 18 years and is situated in the West End of Aberdeen. Albyn aspires to develop the intellectual, creative, practical, moral, spiritual, physical and social potential of its pupils within an orderly and compassionate environment.

have an understanding of the world around them: past, present and future.

Excellent Academic Results in Science and Art Subjects Co-educational

Small Classes (max 20) A Broad Range of Clubs and Societies Strengths in Sports and Music

For more information or to arrange your personalised visit, please contact Gemma Neal on 01224 322408 or email [email protected]. 17-23 Queen’s Road, Aberdeen.

Albyn School is recognised as a Charity in Scotland (SCO08392)

3020354 58 3020830

to Tarves/Methlick to Peterhead Destination Airport/Kintore Alford Alford/Westhill Bus services Braemar/Perth Ellon 325 Northfield/Balnagask 291 Deeside

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3020492 59 Business Tourism BUSINESS TOURISM Aberdeen City and Shire is an inspired choice for business tourism of any kind - whether it’s a conference, an exhibition or a meeting.

60 feel the energy

berdeen City and Shire visitors is twice that of leisure is a fascinating region visitors and the average length of that successfully blends stay by a conference delegate in both the traditional and Aberdeen City and Shire is 3.3 days. theA modern. In addition to the state-of-the The region offers all the major art Aberdeen Exhibition and elements a meeting planner could Conference Centre, which ask for, including an international comfortably accommodates up airport, bustling harbour, traditional to 2,000 delegates and provides and contemporary conference and 9000sq m of exhibition space, meeting venues, and a plethora of attendees can gather in the elegant leisure opportunities from castle Music Hall, high quality conference trails and outdoor activities to chic hotels, baronial country mansions Duff House, Aberdeenshire © Aberdeenshire Council restaurants and upmarket nightclubs. and university buildings. Gala events can be planned at nearby Aberdeen City and Shire is well castles, Elphinstone Hall or in the known for scientific achievement, Aberdeen Art Gallery. Five-star culture, commerce and history as restaurants and country whisky well as the international research distilleries are a stone’s throw from that has resulted in two the city centre and provide the ideal universities in Aberdeen holding option for more intimate events. four Nobel prizes between them. In keeping with its cutting-edge Aberdeen City and Shire is also history of advancements, home to stunning scenery. Head Aberdeen offers modern-day out of the city and within 15 meeting venues and technology minutes you can find yourself in abundance, situated amongst in the rolling countryside of Royal more traditional surroundings. Deeside, sightseeing in castle country, taking the coastal trail Business tourism contributes an north or south or heading for estimated £90m per annum to the Speyside – the whisky capital local economy in Aberdeen City and of the world. Shire (20% of total tourism spend). Cycling Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire Expenditure by business © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand

Braemar Castle © Aberdeenshire Council 61 feel the energy

Accommodation sumptuous rooms and suites, 2 even have private terraces. Aberdeen City has around 4,000 bedrooms in hotels and properties New Holiday Inn Express that are classified between 3-star adjacent to Aberdeen Exhibition and 5-star. In addition there is and Conference Centre opened also accommodation in other in 2008, providing an additional city centre hotels, guesthouses, 135 bedrooms. university campus and in a variety of country houses and hotels Caledonian Thistle situated in throughout Aberdeenshire. the heart of Aberdeen had a major £4.8m refurbishment. Major chains such as Marriott, Hilton and Thistle are available for Altens Thistle a £3.5m business meetings, while smaller refurbishment programme has mansion houses offer upscale just been completed. amenities such as spa services, indoor pools and business centres. Skene House Hotel Suites Accommodation is also seeing a has expanded its large Aberdeen new wave of development with portfolio and invested £4m in over 2,329 additional hotel rooms renovation and conversion of a planned to come on-stream over former church, transforming it the next three years. into a residential venue with four high-quality meeting rooms and New Developments 37 bedrooms.

and Upgrades Micasa ApartHotel Aberdeen’s Malmaison Aberdeen is a newest luxury apartment hotel has striking addition to hotel choice in recently opened in the city centre Aberdeen. Formerly the Queen’s in the top three floors of the former Major chains such as Hotel, the building has been House of Fraser department store Marriott, Hilton and Thistle transformed into a stunning luxury on the corner of Union Street and hotel with the usual Malmaison Market Street. Micasa offers 34 are available for business style and flair for design. 80 fully serviced one, two and three meetings, while smaller mansion houses offer “upscale amenities 62 feel the energy bedroom flats, with 24-hour Aberdeen reception and continental breakfast Convention Bureau delivered to each suite. Aberdeen Convention Bureau is a working public-private partnership The Old Townhouse at the between Aberdeen City Council, University of Aberdeen has been Visit Scotland and local private restored, offering a historic venue sector businesses. Last year for smaller events and meetings. Aberdeen Convention Bureau was involved in attracting 66 UK and Jurys Inn opening August 2009 international conferences, worth with 203 bedrooms, 4 meeting over £11m to the local economy. rooms. Located in the city centre of The Bureau’s strategic role is to Aberdeen, this new property will be raise awareness of Aberdeen connected to train and bus stations City and Shire as a conference and to the exciting new shopping destination. Its main functions are: development of Union Square. • To promote the region as a Park Inn Hotel situated in the business tourism destination heart of Aberdeen will have 184 • To increase the volume and value bedrooms, 5 meeting rooms, of discretionary business tourism fitness room and restaurant and bar. coming into the area

Ibis Hotel also in the heart of • To provide information and the city is due for completion in reservations service to meeting January 2010 with 107 bedrooms. planners and delegates This 3-star hotel will have 24-hour • To work with and provide reception, restaurant and bar. promotional opportunities for the local business tourism industry Marcliffe Hotel at Pitfodels a £50m As well as undertaking pro-active extension to the 5-star luxury hotel sales and marketing campaigns providing a total of 228 bedrooms. Aberdeen Convention Bureau provides a variety of free services Attracting conferences that Bells Hotel on Union Street will designed specifically to support relate to subject matter undergo a £35m redevelopment conference organisers. that will form a 10 storey high linked with the city region’s 217-bedroom hotel. These include: expertise in oil, gas, bio • Venue location services technology, health, food Bauhaus Hotel will open science, environment and September 2009, offering 40 new • Preparation of bid documents bedrooms located in the heart of and bid support renewable energy is a key Aberdeen city centre. The hotel will • Delegation accommodation objective for the Bureau.” have a restaurant, two bars and will booking service Jacky Selway, Manager of provide exceptional quality at an • Advice on social programmes Aberdeen Convention Bureau affordable price. • Site inspections Future Development • Familiarisation visits Trump Resort Hotel at Balmedie Donald Trump plans to create • Area information the greatest golf course in the • Delegate Information world and build a 5-star 450- • Presentation materials bedroom luxury hotel with conference facilities. • Advance event promotion “63 feel the energy Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre

berdeen Exhibition As well as varied meeting and and Conference Centre event spaces, the team - (AECC) is a purpose- encompassing Sales and Abuilt conference and Marketing, Conference and exhibition venue with over 20 Exhibition Management, years of experience at providing Professional Conference a professional and friendly Organising, Audio Visual/IT, service to conference organisers Electrical Services, Arena and from the UK and overseas. a full in-house Catering Team - is dedicated, flexible and passionate. AECC prides itself in being a They offer a unique integrated complete package venue. Due approach to meeting their to geographical location and the clients’ requirements. competition within the UK, the AECC has striven to build a venue The Centre features 9,000 square that offers the client a “one stop metres of permanent exhibition shop” offering services unique to space, which can be expanded with a venue where most things are temporary structures. The largest traditionally subcontracted. hall seats 2,000 delegates. There

AECC by night 64 © AECC feel the energy

are two multi-purpose suites produce and host the Aberdeen that seat up to 700, a 440-seat and Grampian Chamber of auditorium, a state-of-the-art Commerce Northern Star Business conference room for 240 delegates Awards - a black tie awards and 20 breakout rooms. The ceremony and dinner for 1,000 AECC also has excellent disabled guests - as well as the main facilities including accessibility for regional paper, The Press & wheelchair users, elevators with Journal’s prestigious Energy Ball Braille buttons and a permanent for 1,400 industry executives. induction loop for the hard of hearing in some halls as well The AECC’s roots are closely as portable induction loops. tied to one of the world’s largest energy events, Offshore Europe. One of the Centre’s major The biennial SPE Offshore Europe advantages is flexibility. The conference is the largest oil & gas majority of the larger halls can be subdivided, allowing separate technical meeting outside North conferences and exhibitions to America. Attracting a global Aerial shot of AECC during Offshore Europe run simultaneously. Breakout audience of engineers, technical rooms have also been clustered specialists, industry leaders and conveniently round the larger halls, experts, the exhibition showcases making them ideal for syndicate the leading service companies and sessions or roundtable discussions, operators from around the globe as well as stand alone facilities for with the technology and solutions smaller meetings. The exhibition to optimise exploration and team hold a stock of 2000m2 of production excellence. shell scheme so clients need not look elsewhere for a competitive Since the first OE on the AECC and hassle-free exhibition build. site in 1975 and more recent This gives greater control over the redevelopment in 2003, the venue, benefiting the client by venue has grown alongside this saving time and money. prestigious event while expanding into other sectors of business. The AECC hosts many high Industry professionals from profile social events. Since 96 countries worldwide attended opening, the variety and volume the last event in September 2007, of events taking place at the with the total attendance of Centre has grown significantly and 40,179 breaking the all-time includes international congresses, record for attendees. trade and public exhibitions, concerts, comedy shows, live One of the Centre’s major While going to print plans were sporting events, award dinners, advantages is flexibility. corporate dinner dances and in place for the 2009 Offshore small meetings. Europe event from 8-11th The majority of the larger September 2009. Over 1,400 halls can be subdivided, As the largest permanent venue exhibitors were expected to allowing separate for dinner dances in Aberdeen attend. The size of the 4-day event City and Shire, the AECC recently was expected to surpass delegate conferences and exhibitions worked with organising and exhibitor numbers from to run simultaneously. committees to help design, previous shows. “65 Leisure Tourism LEISURE TOURISM Welcome to Aberdeen City and Shire where you’ll find the very best of Scotland, from the mountains to the sea. A land of unique heritage and inspiring contrasts; Aberdeen City and Shire offers everything from vibrant city life and romantic hideaways, to relaxing breaks and a host of outdoor experiences.

66 e want you to make street, you can still see the original the most of your visit market cross. But the star of Old to this exceptional part Aberdeen has to be Kings College; of Scotland so we stand here and you’ll feel as if you’ve haveW provided this guide of all stepped back in time. the best things to see and do….. The sea provides a natural, and often Escape to a different land with fiercely impressive, backdrop to the striking scenery, welcoming people city. Often a startling blue, edged by and a unique quality of life. Explore a long, clean, golden sandy beach castles and gardens, ancient stone popular with surfers; the coast is an circles, royal heritage and a irresistible draw for city dwellers and magnificently rich and varied visitors alike. coastline on our themed trails. Treat yourself to some great shopping and Aberdeen’s city centre is alive and a buzzing nightlife or find some of buzzing at night. Style bars, clubs the finest, freshest food you’ve ever and pubs jostle for position amongst tasted. Get active in the mountains a huge choice of well-established River Dee © Aberdeenshire Council or on the beach; by rivers or in restaurants. His Majesty’s Theatre forests; on foot, bike, skis or boat. hosts an exciting, varied programme including opera, ballet and top West paradise in the Highlands" and today Immerse yourself in Aberdeen End shows, and you’ll be spoiled for it is a focus for visitors from all over City and Shire’s unique culture choice of cinemas and concerts in the world. with museums, visitor attractions, venues large and small. highland games, festivals and Many have wonderful antiques ceilidhs galore. Aberdeenshire is known as and works of art, shown in the very Scotland’s Castle Country and rightly surroundings they were designed The city of Aberdeen is the sparkling so, with literally hundreds of castles for, including Fyvie and Duff House, jewel at the heart of the region. to choose from. Breath-taking ruins the premier country home for the With its breath-taking architecture, cling to cliff tops, stately homes National Galleries of Scotland’s colourful parks and gardens and and imposing fortresses dot the permanent collection. variety of shops, bars and restaurants landscape, each and every one the city is full of welcoming charm. with their own tale to tell. A selection Some castles are open all year of 13 of the world’s most striking round, others during the main holiday A city with a rich and historical castles can be found in the heart season. All welcome visitors to industrial back-bone, Aberdeen is of Aberdeenshire on Scotland’s discover their place in history, the renowned for its architectural and Castle Trail. domestic life of those who lived and built landscape, providing a sparkling worked there, their passed-down backdrop to the city’s other passion. Every type of castle is represented stories, secrets, myths and tales - Blossoming at the seams, Aberdeen in Aberdeenshire from romantic and ghosts! flowers - crocuses, daffodils, cherry ruins like 12th century Dunnottar blossom, rhododendrons and roses - to the glorious ruin of Huntly Castle. This is a land forged by its bring stunning colours to the city The graceful towers and finials of people – proud and traditional, centre and outskirts each season. Crathes Castle by Banchory make enterprising and inventive but an elegant backdrop for one of also warm and welcoming. Aberdeen has a long, varied and Britain’s most stunning gardens. colourful history. Scotland’s third The evidence of an ancient past is oldest university was founded here in Set amongst the magnificent scenery everywhere in Aberdeenshire - in 1495, and St Machar’s, the oldest of of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of the distinct communities and the the city’s three cathedrals, is arguably Lochnagar, is the Balmoral Estate. culture and people of Aberdeen the oldest granite cathedral in the Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, City and Shire. Trace the unique world. Old Aberdeen, the old heart the Estate has been the Scottish heritage in museums, heritage of the city, reveals several interesting home to the British Royal family ever centres, historic sites or stone quirks and stories dating back since. In her journals, Queen Victoria circles, where history comes to hundreds of years and, in the high described Balmoral as "my dear life at every turn. 67 feel the energy Eating out

cotland has always been Café 52 Eat on The Green known for its abundant The Green, Aberdeen Udny Green and exceptional natural Tel: 01224 590094 Tel: 01651 842337 Slarder, and in few places is www.cafe52.net www.eatonthegreen.co.uk this more evident than Aberdeen Comfort, seasonality, avant Fine food complemented by City and Shire. With the freshest garde, locally sourced food, attentive, unobtrusive service in a seafood coming in to the region’s continually changing menus, relaxed setting. From the minute harbours each day, and the great atmosphere. you walk through the door, you surrounding countryside and will be looked after with traditional rivers providing internationally hospitality. A warm welcome is Café Boheme Restaurant renowned beef, lamb and salmon; assured. Award-winning chef Craig 23 Windmill Brae, Aberdeen you are spoilt for choice when it Wilson offers innovative lunch and Tel: 01224 210677 comes to eating out in region. dinner menus. He has created an www.cafebohemerestaurant.co.uk imaginative range of contemporary Food and drink is widely regarded Specialising in French and and classic dishes using specially as one of the best ways to truly seafood cuisine. Decadent selected, fresh local produce to experience a destination with all Parisian surrounding, jazz, candlelit ensure that Eat on the Green is its local traditions, heritage and at night. A fusion of modern and an experience to be savoured. culture. In Aberdeen you can enjoy traditional food with a twist of the very best local produce, at individual inspiration. The Milton Restaurant its absolute freshest. Thanks to & Conservatory Aberdeen’s prosperous economy Foyer Restaurant and Gallery Banchory and vibrant nightlife, many Trinity Church, Crown Street, Tel: 01330 844474 excellent chefs have chosen to Aberdeen www.themilton.co.uk make this their home, so you’ll find Tel: 01224 582277 Situated at the gateway to Royal award-winning restaurants, cafés, www.foyerrestaurant.com Deeside and the start of the Castle pubs and even take-always, which and Whisky Trails (Crathes Castle The Foyer Restaurant and take a real pride in serving the very opposite), the award winning Gallery is a stylish restaurant best; whether it’s traditional local Milton Restaurant and serving innovative and exciting dishes, or international cuisine from Conservatory offers exquisite food meals. Set in an inspiring venue all corners of the globe - Japanese, in picturesque surroundings with Chinese, Indian, Mexican, French displaying contemporary art, the highest standards of service. and even Hungarian. providing an ever-changing environment. Dining Highlights Aberdeenshire Aberdeen City The Creel Inn Silver Darling Catterline, Stonehaven Pocra Quay, North Pier, Aberdeen Tel: 01569 750254 Tel: 01224 576229 www.thecreelinn.co.uk www.silverdarlingrestaurant.co.uk Offering seafood and Caledonian In a unique position overlooking cuisine specialities, all from the the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour, best local produce set amidst Silver Darling specialises in seafood dramatic coastline and with a French flavour. spectacular views. 68 FENNELRESTAURANT

We work very hard to get things right at Fennel – it may be the simple things like the polished wine glasses and crisp linen or serving a homely favourite like the Steak and Ale Pie. Then again it might be the subtle things like choosing just the right music or cooking the Venison to mouth- watering perfection. Do we succeed? You will have to judge for yourself.

We are here every day – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Open seven days, 10am to 10pm

FENNELRESTAURANT 10 BURN LANE INVERURIE AB51 4UZ 01467 670065 [email protected] WWW.FENNELRESTAURANT.CO.UK

3021246 69 feel the energy Aberdeen City and Shire Attractions

Aberdeen City Provost Skene’s House Guestrow, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 641086 Aberdeen Art Gallery Schoolhill, Aberdeen Open Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Tel: 01224 523700 Dating from 1545, Provost Open Tue-Sat 10.00-17.00, Skene’s House houses an attractive Sun 14.00-17.00 series of period room settings, Aberdeen’s splendid Art Gallery a series of religious paintings houses an important fine art in the Painted Gallery, changing collection with particularly good fashions in the Costume Gallery examples of 19th, 20th and 21st and a cellar café. century works, a rich and diverse Loch Muick © Aberdeenshire Council applied art collection, an exciting Aberdeenshire programme of special exhibitions, a gallery shop and café. Archaeolink Prehistory Park Berryhill, Oyne Village, Insch Aberdeen Maritime Museum Tel: 01464 851500 Shiprow, Aberdeen www.archaeolink.co.uk Tel: 01224 337700 Open April-Oct, 10.00-17.00 daily Open Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00, An opportunity to journey back Sun 12.00-15.00 in time to experience the world The City’s award-winning Maritime of our ancestors 6,000 years Museum brings the history of the ago. Interactive displays, North Sea to life. View displays and reconstructions, audio-visual show, exciting exhibitions on the offshore restaurant and gift shop. oil industry, shipbuilding, fishing and clipper ships then visit the Cairngorms National Park shop and licensed café. www.cairngorms.co.uk The Gordon The Cairngorms National Park Highlanders Museum takes in some of the most St Luke’s, Viewfield Road, spectacular landscapes in Britain, The Cairngorms National Aberdeen from the wild tundra of the high Tel: 01224 311200 mountain tops to the seclusion of Park takes in some of the www.gordonhighlanders.com the ancient pinewoods. Just as most spectacular Call or visit website for important are the friendly towns landscapes in Britain, opening hours and villages to be found mainly from the wild tundra of Relive the most compelling and along the Rivers Don, Dee and Spey. Don’t miss: Loch Muick and the high mountain tops dramatic story of one of the British Army’s most famous regiments. Lochnagar Wildlife Reserve, Glen to the seclusion of the Housed in the former home of Muick, by Ballater, A stunning ancient pinewoods. leading Scottish artist, George Reid. nature reserve including red deer Tea room, shop and gardens. reserve and visitor centre. 70“ feel the energy

Crathes Castle Garden and For over 200 years Glen Garioch Estate (The National Trust distillery has been handcrafting for Scotland) a beautiful range of single On A93 by Banchory. malt scotch whiskies; visitors Tel: 0844 493 2166 are invited to come along and www.nts.org.uk try a dram. Seasonal opening hours - call or visit website Museum of Situated in the heart of Royal Scottish Lighthouses Deeside, this late 16th Century Kinnaird Head, Fraserburgh, castle is sure to provide a Aberdeenshire AB43 9DU memorable experience for all Tel: 01346 511022 ages. Discover the intriguing round www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk towers, turrets and original painted Open all year round, 7 days, it ceilings in the castle, then explore features Scotland’s first lighthouse the famous gardens and enjoy a (1787), comprehensive displays and Fraserburgh Lighthouse walk through the wider estate. the story of the Lighthouse © Aberdeenshire Council Restaurant and shop. Crathes Stevensons. Visit includes guided Castle is only one of thirteen tour of Kinnaird Head castle and properties on Aberdeenshire’s lighthouse. Café and shop. Summer signposted Castle Trail. and winter hours, please telephone before visiting. For over 200 years Glen Glen Garioch Distillery Garioch distillery has been Distillery Road, Old Meldrum handcrafting a beautiful Tel: 01651 873450 www.glengarioch.com range of single malt scotch Open all year, Mon-Fri 10.00-15.30 whiskies, visitors are invited daily guided tours “to come along and try a dram.

Glen Garioch Distillery, Aberdeenshire 71 feel the energy What’s On

hatever time of year interesting temporary and niche you visit, Aberdeen exhibitions and, of course, few City and Shire’s festivals can be more symbolic Wpacked calendar than the Stonehaven Fireball always offers a wide range Festival on Hogmanay itself. of entertainment and events. If you want to venture out of the Year round entertainment is on city, then head for a dram or two offer including jazz, contemporary, at ‘The Spirit of Speyside Whisky classical and traditional music Festival’ in May; an experience festivals, and the Aberdeen in itself where the heritage and International Youth Festival. For a importance of Scotch whisky is traditional break, experience the celebrated through tastings, music, Highland Games in Aberdeen City education and gatherings. Learn in June and the Royal Braemar the traditions of a small coastal Highland Gathering in early Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival town at ‘The Scottish Traditional September, or the agricultural © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand Boat Festival’ in Portsoy or discover shows like the Turriff Show; Scotland’s largest two day a whole diary of Highland games agricultural show. starting in June and finishing with the traditionally impressive Royal One of Scotland's largest literary Braemar Highland Gathering in festivals takes over Aberdeen early September. University in May, with a packed programme of readings, Aberdeen City and Shire has an workshops, lectures and debates, incredible variety of events and not to mention a few particularly festivals to suit all tastes and ages, influential music and film with many of them being the events too. perfect way to meet the locals and enjoy the city. Aberdeen International Street Market For visitors and sports fans alike, © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand there is the ‘International Football Key events Festival’. Something of a local institution, the event has become May – Word a certified highlight of the summer www.abdn.ac.uk/word Aberdeen City and Shire has months, with teams of youngsters from all over the world coming An exhilarating mix of over 60 an incredible variety of to celebrate and compete in this authors and 130 inspirational events and festivals to suit lively, fun and entertaining week events for all ages and tastes all tastes and ages, with of football. covering poetry and prose, theatre, music, lectures, filmscreenings, many of them being the For festival celebrations, Aberdeen workshops and exhibitions. Located perfect way to meet the City and Shire is famed for it's in the magnificent surroundings locals and enjoy the city. events calendar. Even in winter the of the 500 year old Kings College museums and art galleries hold in Old Aberdeen. 72“ feel the energy

June – Taste of Grampian experience that leaves its audience www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk eager to explore sound in new The region’s main food festival with ways. This wide range of music celebrity cookery demonstrations, and sound (classical, contemporary, wine tasting and food stalls. improvisation, traditional, popular, jazz, experimental, ambient, July – Scottish Traditional Boat sound art, electro-acoustic…) is Festival, Portsoy introduced through a variety of www.scottishtraditionalboatfestival. events including concerts, talks, co.uk installations, and workshops. All kinds of small boats fill the November – little harbour at Portsoy for a full Aberdeen Winter Festival weekend of family entertainment. Approximately 80 traditional boats Programme of winter events participate each year and visitors kicks off with fireworks at are able to learn about seagoing Aberdeen beach and includes matters and the maritime industry ceilidhs, concerts, pantomimes, through demonstrations and street markets and Christmas exhibits whilst being entertained themed events. Lonach Games, Aberdeenshire © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand by a non-stop programme of music, dance and drama. December/Hogmanay – Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony July & August – Aberdeen What is commonly called "The International Youth Festival Fireballs" is a colorful annual www.aiyf.org festival, unique to Stonehaven, The world’s leading festival of attracting thousands of spectators youth arts. Brings together the in festive mood. The ceremony best young dance, music and is not only Stonehaven's way of theatre companies from across welcoming the New Year, but it the world. also provides a gathering point for the town's "ain folk", some home from distant lands, to greet September – The Braemar relatives and old friends, mingling Royal Highland Gathering happily with visitors from home and and Games overseas who have come to enjoy www.braemargathering.org a guid Scots Hogmanay. Around A true Highland event which is forty five participants (the number annually attended by the Royal varies year by year) parade up and family. International athletes down the High Street in the Old competing in ‘heavy’ and ‘track’ Town from the Mercat Cross at events; dancers and mass pipe the east end of the street near the bands; a hill race up Morrone and This wide range of music harbour to the Cannon embedded and sound (classical, all in the surroundings of heather nose down at the west end (some clad hills. Great atmosphere 175 yards). They swing fireballs contemporary, improvisation, attracting both locals and visitors around their heads with gusto and traditional, popular, jazz, from all over the world. in spectacular style, the dark skies experimental, ambient, memorably illuminated. October – Sound Music Festival sound art, electro-acoustic…) sound is an exciting festival of new is introduced through a music in Aberdeen City and Shire, driven by the passion to make new variety of events including music more accessible to concerts, talks, installations, audiences of all ages and and workshops. backgrounds. Create a live music “73 feel the energy Retail

Where to shop jam, chutneys and fresh produce. Treat yourself to the latest designer fashions or unique Scottish crafts ndulge yourself in Aberdeen’s and produce; whatever you are shopping malls, department looking for Aberdeen has something stores and small independent to suit everyone with any budget. Ishops. Here you’ll find famous names and major chain stores, with new developments The Bon Accord & attracting more all the time. St Nicholas Centres One of Aberdeen City and Shire's Take time to explore every nook premier retail destination, the Bon and cranny of the city’s West End Accord and St Nicholas Centres, where unique designer boutiques offer a shopping experience which are waiting to offer personalised is second to none. Based in the service and attention to detail. heart of the city, the adjoining More than any other area, the centres boast a wide number of West End has all the ingredients top high street names, helping to to make it stand out with fantastic consolidate their reputation as the Treat yourself to the latest boutiques, art and music shops destination for fashion in Aberdeen. designer fashions or unique and trendy delicatessens. Scottish crafts and produce; The Mall To sample delicious local produce, With everything from jewellery to whatever you are looking there are regular farmers markets jeans and books to beauty products for Aberdeen has something both within the city and in a variety on offer, the Mall is in the middle to suit everyone with of Aberdeenshire towns, offering of Union Street right in the heart “any budget. home grown fruit and vegetables, of the city.

74 feel the energy

The Academy The West End For the discerning shopper, high If designer fashion is what you fashion stores and a range of desire, you’ll find all the hottest buzzing restaurants awaits visitors collections in Aberdeen’s West End. to the Academy with a shopping The west end of Union Street hosts experience surrounding a central a range of designer boutiques and courtyard, perfect for alfresco small independent stores offering a dining. more personalised service from the larger shopping malls. Union Square A new retail and leisure Aberdeenshire development within the heart of Away from the city, throughout the city centre, Union Square will the many rural towns and villages offer shoppers an abundance of of Aberdeenshire you’ll find a range new stores, a new 10 screen of fantastic independent shops cinema, hotel and ample new stocking local produce, whether parking facilities for city centre food and drink or arts and culture shoppers. Some of the popular related. From traditional Scottish West End Shopping, Aberdeen retailers and restaurateurs at Union market towns, to coastal villages, © Aberdeen City and Shire Brand Square include Apple, Zara, M&S, the selection is vast and the Mamas & Papas and Yo! Sushi. experience one to relish.

One of Aberdeen City and Shire's premier retail destination, the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres, offer a shopping experience which “is second to none.

St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Aberdeen © The Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centres 75 We have the fashion. You’ve got the style.

www.aberdeenfashion.com Shopping with style – It’s the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres

If Shopping tops the list of your favourite pastimes, then the collections not available anywhere else in Aberdeen Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres won’t disappoint. City and Shire. Oasis and Warehouse both have extensive ranges while Coast is one of only nine stores across From a host of top high street names, you’ll find all the the UK to stock the coveted Couture Range. labels and quality outlets you’d expect in a major city. Luxury beauty ranges are also available in Boots, which Situated right in the heart of Aberdeen, at the bottom has the biggest beauty hall in Scotland, while end of Union Street, just before it meets the historic John Lewis’s recently revamped beauty department is Castlegate, it has a fabulous range of stores and is the the exclusive stockist in Aberdeen of Bobbi Brown, prime retailing area in Aberdeen. Serving a huge, Liz Earle and Sisley products. prosperous, cosmopolitan catchment area, it’s also a popular destination for European shoppers taking a And for the ultimate girls’ day out, book a John Lewis weekend break. make-over day which will include a make-over in the Beauty Hall, a consultation with their personal stylist, One of the largest shopping areas in the city, the Bon and a champagne lunch. Accord and St Nicholas Centres are located side by side and have three floors extending to 630,000 sq ft If you are gift shopping, The Early Learning Centre, The over two levels. Built in a serpentine shape to maximise Disney Store and John Lewis will have the ideal toy to shop unit frontage, the Bon Accord Centre is covered please youngsters whatever their age, or go to Currys, by a barrel vaulted glazed roof with a 90-ft high John Lewis and Game for the latest range of glazed dome. ‘boys’ toys’ and the latest gadgets.

The great range of excellent stores ensures that you’ll And if energy levels are beginning to dip, a Costa Coffee always be able to find exactly what you're looking for, will revive the most weary shopper, while the whether it’s that exclusive outfit, or something a little restaurants within the Upper Mall, John Lewis and quirky that you’re after. Marks and Spencer, located at either end of the Centre, remain a popular rendezvous for a casual lunch Fashionistas will have the pick of the season’s latest and a catch-up with friends. And of course, there’s a styles with Flagship stores which include Topshop, Starbucks, with an outdoor sitting area, if you fancy a Topman, River Island, Miss Selfridge, Jane Norman, spot of café culture. New Look and Monsoon, one of the largest in Scotland, and the biggest Next in Scotland. The Bon Accord also So for shopping with style, head for the Bon Accord and has the only Karen Millen and Kurt Geiger stores St Nicholas Centres, Aberdeen City and Shire’s premier outside Scotland’s central belt, and many stores have shopping destination.

3020683

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79 Listen to your planet

Reducing the amount of the energy you use is one of the fastest, most effective ways to save your business money and it will also help you combat climate change.

Businesses are currently responsible for about half of all the UK’s carbon emissions*

The UK government has committed to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases by signing the Kyoto Treaty. But if we are to meet our targets, businesses across the UK must lead the way. So if you’re not already looking at ways to save energy, now is the time to start.

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The Deck Machinery Specialists: ACE Winches is a global specialist in the design, Engineering design & project management manufacture and hire of hydraulic winches and deck machinery for the offshore oil and gas, All sizes of winches for sale & hire marine and renewable energy markets. Bespoke manufacturing solutions available Specialist offshore personnel hire We deliver exceptional service and performance for our clients in the world’s harshest operating environments and we always endeavour to Hydraulic sales & service exceed our clients’ expectations while maintaining our excellent record of quality and safety. Spooling winch hire About us How we operate Our people 750 tonne winch test bed facility ACE Hire Equipment offers a comprehensive range of winch and deck machinery equipment for use on floating vessels, offshore installations Wire rope & umbilical spooling facility Belmar offers a comprehensive Belmar Engineering was formed in One third of our workforce have and land-based projects. service from assisting our customers 1975 by two young Scottish more than 20 years experience ACE Manufacturing provides turnkey solutions with a proven track record designers and procurement Engineers to support the emerging within Belmar and as a result know in the design, manufacture, testing and installation of standard and personnel, working closely with bespoke winches and deck machinery. North Sea Oil & Gas Industry and their engineers, to manufacturing our customers’ requirements. offered a fast and personal response ACE Hire Personnel provides multi-disciplined personnel qualified to components and strings of tools travel, commission and operate our complete range of deck and platform in steel fabrication and basic to exacting tolerances and Working as a team results in a equipment worldwide. machining. specifications 24 hours a day smooth and professional attitude to seven days per week. the job ensuring products are manu- The company has expanded some factured quickly and to specification. 50 times since then and has Design changes and modifications developed into one of the most are treated as priority ensuring a Based in Aberdeen in Europe's Oil Montbletton, Banff, Aberdeenshire AB45 3QJ, UK advanced engineering facilities in speedy throughput of components. capital we deliver to every corner of Tel: +44 (0)1261 821607 Scotland. the globe. [email protected] www.ace-winches.co.uk

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