The perfect work/life balance is the holy grail of modern times – that measure of personal fulfillment that is the seal of success.
Many families feel they need to look no further than Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. The lifestyle is the factor cited most often by people who decide to move here, with many choosing to stay following a corporate move from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.
Aberdeen is a truly cosmopolitan city that offers a great range of cultural activities, festivals and events in addition to the superb array of shopping, restaurants, bars and night life one would expect from Europe’s energy capital.
Stately architecture and sparkling granite buildings, the legacy of a rich heritage and tradition, combine with contemporary structures, and plenty of green open spaces to create a city that people feel happy to walk around.
However, it is Aberdeen’s proximity to some of the most awe-inspiring countryside and coast-line that sets it apart from other international cities, and it is one of the few major cities with a beach.
A whole range of outdoor sports are available on the doorstep. You could bag a few Munroes, go mountain-biking, kayaking or sailing, while adrenaline junkies have snow sports in winter, climbing, surfing, wind-surfing and even kite surfing too. In fact, the Aberdeenshire coastline also has some of the best surf in the UK and has become something of a Mecca amongst the surfing community.
Indoors there are a range of leading edge indoor sport centres to cater for everything from swimming, gym and racquet sports to climbing walls and an award-winning extreme sports centre.
And there is world class golf, with no fewer than 50 courses throughout the region. Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf course in the world and further along the coast is Cruden Bay, another spectacular golfing gem opened in the 19th century. However time has not stood still, as there are a number of new high-profile golf courses in the pipe line, including Paul Lawrie’s course at Blairs on Deeside, Jack Nicklaus at the Ury Estate in Stonehaven and a possible two courses at Donald Trump’s proposed £billion resort at Balmedie.
For a slower pace of life, gently stroll along the banks of the rivers Dee or Don, or simply explore the many picturesque coastal villages which shelter amongst stunning rocky cliffs. History and culture are never far away and the area is home to 70 castles, the highest concentration in Europe. Deeside is of course, the Royal family’s home in Scotland, and it is easy to see why it has had the Royal seal of approval over several generations.
It’s not surprising then that Aberdeen was recently voted the UK’s happiest city, with Aberdeenshire named as the best place to live in Scotland. The Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey measured UK living standards using government statistics on employment, earnings, health, housing, crime and even the weather. Aberdeenshire topped the poll, with a high employment rate of 81.4%, above average earnings, a low crime rate and one of Scotland’s highest life expectancies.
ACHIEVE
It is not just the cultural and outdoor life that has made Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire such an attractive choice for many. The vibrant business community means that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and flourishing, as is demonstrated by the large number of successful businesses that have grown within the region.
A new regional identity campaign is aiming to capture this message. One of its themes is that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are the homes of ‘natural pioneers’. The ‘can-do’ attitude and culture has meant that the region is a powerhouse of expertise and knowledge, generating numerous innovators and entrepreneurs, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The many small family businesses that have grown to become international operations are testament to this and the breadth of businesses headquartered in the region range from engineering to software development; oil drilling to renewable energy technologies; rich arable and cattle farming to nutrition and food sciences; and life sciences to the water of life, whisky.
With a worldwide reputation and great economic wealth from the success of the oil and gas industry, Aberdeen has the greatest concentration of subsea engineering and operational experience in the world. And many companies are applying their existing oil and gas expertise to diversify into renewable energy, spearheading the UK’s international drive to secure business in the new energy future.
LEARN
As one of the most ancient centres of learning in the country, Aberdeen has long been respected for excellence in education. Aberdeen Grammar School was founded in 1263 and is one of the oldest schools in Britain. The University of Aberdeen dates back to 1495 and is one of Scotland’s oldest universities. By 1858, with the founding of The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen boasted the same number of universities as the whole of England.
Today, the region’s reputation for excellence is as stronger than ever, and from the vast research base in the universities and institutes, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is continuing to build on its worldwide status.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Throughout its influential history, the University has produced three Nobel prize-winners and shared a fourth, so it is not surprtising that it is regarded as the top research university in Scotland.
A quarter of a century ago, Aberdeen scientists developed the MRI scanner. Since then enormous advances have been made with this lifesaving technology that is now used routinely throughout the world.
The University of Aberdeen is at the forefront of teaching and research in medicine, the humanities and science, while the Robert Gordon University is a leading academic institution with a global reputation in the energy sector. It is rated as the top university in the UK in terms of graduate employment. Among its schools is Gray’s, one of the oldest art schools in the UK, and now at the forefront of new media, with digital design and product design courses.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have also earned the reputation as centre of
excellence in food research through its universities and institutes.
The Rowett Research Institute is an internationally renowned centre for nutrition research, working to improve food quality and prevent disease, making a significant contribution to the food industry worldwide. This institute has produced no less than three Nobel laureates in its time. The Macaulay Institute, founded in 1930, is a global centre for research and consultancy on the environment and on the social consequences of rural land uses, while on the outskirts of Aberdeen the Scottish Agricultural College Campus at Craibstone runs courses in land based industries from sports and recreation to horticulture and agriculture.
With such a thriving student population, the area is vibrant and energetic, producing students who are open to developing new ideas. The high quality of life, with its vast range of recreational and sports facilities, has meant that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been voted by students as one of the best places to study in the United Kingdom.
It’s not just the student and research bodies that are bringing success, however.The quality and choice of schooling on offer in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is very high. The state and private school sectors all perform consistently highly in the league tables throughout Scotland, with both state and private schools appearing in the Top 10, ranked according to examination achivements.
The region is also one of the best educated in the country. Almost a quarter of people living in Aberdeen have a dregree, well above the Scottish average, while a further 17 percent of the population are educated to Higher level.
EXPLORE
From the time when Queen Victoria decided that Deeside would be her holiday home in Scotland, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has been a magnet for visiitors.
And it’s easy to see why. From the mountains to the sea, Aberdeen City and Shire provides spectacular scenery and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with a wide variety of pursuits to suit the most energetic or those who want to take life at a gentler pace. With architecture, history, culture, art and sport on the agenda, the region has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter where their interests lie.
From international festivals to colourful highland games, there is much to see and do, such as taking a trip along the Whisky Trail to sample a dram or two of ‘the water of life’, one of the iconic emblems of Scottish heritage.
From the majestic peaks of the Cairngorms to grand glens, this is a walker’s paradise. For those with a passion for rod and reel, the region boasts some of the finest salmon fishing in the country, and in addition to being a heaven for golf enthusiasts, the region provides the ultimate challenge for lovers of extreme sports.
The prosperity of the region has generated considerable growth in business and leisure tourism and the rise in prestigious hotel brand establishing themselves in the city reflects confidence in the area and its economic future.
Around £30 million could be spent on two new hotels near the city’s airport. The international Hilton chain proposes a 175-room Hilton Garden Inn at Dyce, and the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Scotland is also planned.
A number of new hotel developments are in the pipeline for the city centre, including a 107 bedroom hotel which will also be the centrepiece of the £30 million City Wharf development near Union Street. And in the West end, £7 million is being spent refurbishing a hotel into a cutting-edge Malmaison.
Aberdeen is also a city of culture where arts and music play an important role. The music hall plays host to a wide range of concerts and the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference centre is the North’s premier facility for major rock and pop concerts, sporting events, public shows and exhibitions.
His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, which first opened its doors in 1906, continues to attract a wide range of top quality theatre productions from West End musicals to opera, ballet, contemporary dance, drama and much more.
A stone’s throw away is Aberdeen Art Gallery a beautiful granite building which first opened in 1885 especially striking with its marble lined interior. Today it houses a varied collection of Modern Art. The region’s record on producing many accomplished architects and engineers has meant that there are many fine buildings to visits and admire.
With 100 miles of coastline, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has a rich affinity with the sea and the award winning Maritime Museum, the Macduff Marine aquarium and Kinnaird Head at Fraserburgh, the first lighthouse to be built in Scotland in 1787, all celebrate the rich maritime tradition in this area. And in the best of British seaside traditions, Aberdeen’s sandy beach boasts a sea front with traditional ice cream parlors, cafés, fun fair and leisure complex.
For the history buff there is much to discover. The history of this area goes back many thousands of years with Iron Age Forts, Pictish standing stones, Neolithic stone circles and Bronze Age sites. Archaeolink, a multi award winning living history park and visitor attraction, provides a hands-on insight into life from Mesolithic times to a Roman Marching Camp.
The region also boasts the greatest concentration of castles in the whole of the Europe, from the dramatic stronghold of Dunnottar Castle – and views that will take your breath away - to the impressive ruins of Slains castle at Cruden Bay, the mystical fortress that inspired Bram Stoker to pen the blood curdling tale of Dracula. Further inland Craigievar is believed to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy tale castles.
Crathes Castle is also renowned for the horticultural displays in its spectacular gardens and grounds and, as a regular winner of the Britain in Bloom awards, Aberdeen is home to parks and gardens that can be enjoyed both summer and winter.
All of this and first class education, an excellent health service, a safe environment and a quality of life second to none …. Aberdeen City and Shire, a truly exceptional place to live.
Click on the link to visit the Aberdeen City and Shire website
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
hotel aberdeen scotland
If shopping tops the list of your favourite pastimes, then Aberdeen City and Shire won’t disappoint.
From designer boutiques to a host of high street names, you’ll find all the labels and top quality outlets you’d expect from a major city.
The city has for centuries been the main shopping destination for a huge catchment area, and a popular destination for European shoppers taking a weekend break. With its striking skyline, historical old town and impressive granite buildings this is a prosperous, cosmopolitan city.
The great range of excellent shopping centres ensures that you’ll always be able to find exactly what you're looking for and if it’s something more exclusive or a little quirky that you’re after, one of Aberdeen's independent retailers will be able to provide that too.
At a mile long, Aberdeen’s Union Street is Britain’s longest high street and is jam packed with a host of household names and high street favourites. At the upper end you'll find the newly opened Hugo Boss, G -Star Raw and Cruise, along with premium stores like Jaeger and Jones the Bootmaker.
Cruise, which opened in the autumn of 2007, is one of the UK’s leading independent luxury retailers with a fantastic reputation not only for designer brands, but as a showcase for fresh cutting edge fashion. Brands currently available at Cruise include Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Dior, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Fendi, Chloe and Jimmy Choo to name a few.
At the bottom end of Union Street, just before it meets the historic Castlegate, is The Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre.
Right in the heart of the city it has a fabulous range of stores and is the prime retailing area in Aberdeen. The biggest shopping centre in the city, it is split into two buildings and has three floors extending to 630,000 sq ft over two levels. Built in a serpentine shape to maximise shop unit frontage, it is covered by a barrel vaulted glazed roof with a 90-ft high glazed dome.
Flagship stores include New Look and Monsoon, one of the largest in Scotland, a large Boots and Woolworths and shops such as The Body Shop, River Island, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Ortak and Oasis. A new Costa Coffee will revive the most weary shopper, while the restaurants within the Upper Mall, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, located at either end of the Centre, remain a poplar rendezvous for a casual lunch and a catch-up with friends. And of course, there’s a Starbucks, with an outdoor sitting area, if you fancy a spot of cafe culture.
Just across from the city’s Union Terrace Gardens, The Mall Trinity is a great, one floor shopping centre with around 27 stores including Debenhams, Argos Extra, T-Mobile, HMV, Superdrug, Waterstones and a large Primark.
Cobbled Belmont Street, known for its trendy bars, cafes, and art house cinema, is also the location for The Academy shopping centre. Surrounding an Italianate style piazza, it has an excellent range of upmarket brands and individual shops, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, and the open-air piazza is often a focus for live entertainment throughout the summer months. Here the style conscious will find independent shops such as Attic, AB10 and Concept, which specialises in casual designer-ware for men. A true style leader in Aberdeen, Attic is constantly introducing new collections including U.A.R.M, Green Apple Tree and Six Pack. AB10 has everything from footwear to accessories, with many main stream brands including G-Star, Ted Baker, Miss Sixty, Replay, Firetrap and Gio-Goi.
Nicknamed ‘Little Chelsea’, the Thistle Street area of the city is the acknowledged style quarter of Aberdeen with a range of independent shops stocking everything from clothes, shoes and accessories, in addition to gift shops, delicatessens, French bakers, florists and art galleries. Bellino and Hamish Munro both have excellent ranges of shoes by continental designers, and if you need a dress for a big night out, try Frox - with everything from funky to formal, it’s evening wear with attitude. Esslemonts and Esslemonts 2 stock a stylish choice of menswear and women’s fashion from leading brands such as Camel Active, Tommy Hilfiger, Remus, Hobbs and Turnover.
Verdict, also on Thistle Street, stocks a wide range of really unusual designer clothing and accessories that are both wearable and glamorous. From contemporary evening wear and associated accessories through to casual jeans and edgy tops, Verdict was named by style guru Caryn Franklin as one of the top ten independents in Scotland.
For stylish, classic designs Kafka, just around the corner in Alford Place, has the latest from Armani, Burberry and Prada, while Kafka for men can be found on Rosemount Viaduct.
Aberdeen's up and coming area, The Green, is home to a range of first class bistros and fine dining, and a number of trendsetting shops have also opened in the area, including Coco Violet, designs for the cool and trendy. It houses an eclectic collection of fashion for the woman that wants to stand out from the crowd, with stunning items you won’t find anywhere else in Aberdeen, let alone the UK. For shoes with a difference take a look at Fenner and Coburn at Netherkirkgate with an impressive collection of distinctive designs.
Meanwhile Zoomp, tucked away in Jopps Lane behind John Lewis, has a wide range of clothing covering everyday casual to Jimmy Choo and Matthew Williamson.
If it‘s a retro feel you’re after, head to The Closet in Jopps Lane for quirky, vintage retro – an Aladdin’s cave of retro finds and one off pieces , or nearby Retrospect, which was recently featured in Vogue magazine, while Vintage Phoenix in Chattan Place will tailor your finds to fit.
Jewellery, art and antiques
Aberdeen is not known as the Silver City for nothing – the sparkling granite buildings that make up much of the city are testament to that – however the city is also the home of some independent jewellers who can design that signature piece to celebrate a very special occasion.
Family-owned Finnies the jewellers, has Scotland’s largest stock of diamond jewellery – and biggest collection
of grandfather clocks. As well as over 26 watch brands, you’ll find unusual gifts including silver snooker chalk holders. Jamieson and Carry is another family firm, established in 1733. From pearls to pendants it’s a firm favourite with jewellery lovers. You can even commission a special piece to be individually designed and made in-house. Sandy Menzies Designer Jewellers present a constantly evolving range of contemporary jewellery. The design and production of commissioned pieces in precious metals and gemstones is also available, while George Kite on Holburn Street features a range of modern Scottish designers.
For antiques, head for the city’s West End, where you’ll find Elizabeth Watt on Thistle Street, specialising in ceramics, silver and jewellery while Rendezvous, on Forest Avenue, has great art deco finds as well as contemporary art. Thistle Antiques on Esslemont Avenue is the place to go for gorgeous antique mirrors and lamps, and Atholl Antiques on Great Western Road has quality furniture and paintings. For antique maps, go to Colin Wood on Rose Street, who carries a very fine range.
Gallery Heinzel specialises in contemporary Scottish art from its base in Aberdeen’s Thistle Street. The gallery hosts up to 10 exhibitions a year showcasing the work of established and emerging Scottish artists. The Carby Art Gallery, in a contemporary art space, offers a unique gallery experience. Resident artist Ian Carby, famed for his vibrant landscapes and shoreline scenes, exhibits alongside international and local artists with sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and photography
If you’re searching for that special gift that’s a little bit different from the run of the mill, Nova on Chapel Street has long been a favourite with Aberdonians. Its comprehensive gift selection ranges from the cool and funky to the classic while Annie Mo’s, on Holburn Street and the bottom end of Union Street, also stocks an unusual range of gifts along with some beautiful furniture.
Markets
Aberdeen's Country Fair is a monthly market with over 30 stalls of fresh farm produce, local crafts, home-baking, food and drink. The main market takes place on the last Saturday of every month and there's a smaller weekly version every Saturday at the Academy Shopping Centre. One of the largest markets in Scotland, it provides local farmers and crafters the opportunity to showcase their quality home-grown and handcrafted products. A typical Aberdeen Country Fair will feature everything from Aberdeen Angus beef, fish landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead Harbours, local fruit and vegetables, baking, cheeses, confectionary, Scottish whisky, wines and handmade
crafts.
Three or four times throughout the year, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you‘ll find Aberdeen’s popular International Market, one of the largest and most successful of its kind. The annual three-day event offers a wide range of European and British foods with 70 stalls including fresh French fruit and vegetables, French, Dutch, Scottish and English cheeses, hams from Spain, biscuits from Brittany, and a variety of French breads. You’ll also find an array of fine textiles, accessories, and arts and crafts on offer.
Shopping in the Shire
You don’t always need to visit the City for shopping, as Aberdeenshire also has a great range of shops. Quirky craft shops abound, and there are a number of stylish clothes shops that are well worth a visit. In Inverurie try Altro Designer Wear on North Street for D&G, Versace, Armani, Guess, Hugo Boss, and G-star. B’s Knees Too (and original B’s Knees in Oldmeldrum) carries a fabulous range of clothing and accessories from casual wear to exclusive evening wear and a wide range of bags, shoes and jewellery. A branch of Attic has recently opened in the town too.
Thirty minutes drive from Aberdeen City centre, Royal Deeside is a treasure trove of galleries, craft shops and exclusive outlets, many of them with Royal Warrants.
The royal village of Ballater has a good selection of individual shops and boutiques, many carrying the Royal seal of approval. There are a few surprises too, such as the Chocolate Box, which also sells Lulu Guinness handbags, and Foxy for an eclectic range of clothes, jewellery and furniture.
Future developments
Aberdeen will see huge changes in the next few years as part of the Bon-Accord Quarter Masterplan which will completely redevelop the city centre around the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Marischal College and St Nicholas House. This will involve building a second floor on the single-storey St Nicholas Centre and then connecting it to the Bon Accord Centre via an enclosed bridge across Schoolhill. Further phases of the Bon Accord Quarter scheme will see the total retail space expand to in excess of 1million sq ft. The plans include a glass walkway to connect the Bon Accord St Nicholas centres and an improved link to the John Lewis department store, which will form an anchor at the far end of the shopping mall, with Marks and Spencer at the Union Street end. The scheme is expected to be completed by 2010.
The Bon Accord Centre will also see a new entrance being built at Gallowgate with another wing added to house more retail units. This is currently under construction and is due for completion next year, and will include a huge new Next, the largest in Scotland.
A new retail centre on the corner of Market Street/Union Street is also proposed. This will refurbish and reconfigure existing properties, including Aberdeen’s Indoor Market, to create modern retail space and it will also provide improved access to the historic Green area of the city.
Due to be completed in 2009, the Union Square project will provide Scotland's second-largest shopping centre, complete with a multiplex cinema and links to a new transport hub at the nearby Aberdeen railway station and the Guild Street bus station.
The new developments are expected to bring a number of new stores to the city and will confirm Aberdeen’s position as the premier shopping centre in the North of Scotland.
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
From designer boutiques to a host of high street names, you’ll find all the labels and top quality outlets you’d expect from a major city.
The city has for centuries been the main shopping destination for a huge catchment area, and a popular destination for European shoppers taking a weekend break. With its striking skyline, historical old town and impressive granite buildings this is a prosperous, cosmopolitan city.
The great range of excellent shopping centres ensures that you’ll always be able to find exactly what you're looking for and if it’s something more exclusive or a little quirky that you’re after, one of Aberdeen's independent retailers will be able to provide that too.
At a mile long, Aberdeen’s Union Street is Britain’s longest high street and is jam packed with a host of household names and high street favourites. At the upper end you'll find the newly opened Hugo Boss, G -Star Raw and Cruise, along with premium stores like Jaeger and Jones the Bootmaker.
Cruise, which opened in the autumn of 2007, is one of the UK’s leading independent luxury retailers with a fantastic reputation not only for designer brands, but as a showcase for fresh cutting edge fashion. Brands currently available at Cruise include Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Dior, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Fendi, Chloe and Jimmy Choo to name a few.
At the bottom end of Union Street, just before it meets the historic Castlegate, is The Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre.
Right in the heart of the city it has a fabulous range of stores and is the prime retailing area in Aberdeen. The biggest shopping centre in the city, it is split into two buildings and has three floors extending to 630,000 sq ft over two levels. Built in a serpentine shape to maximise shop unit frontage, it is covered by a barrel vaulted glazed roof with a 90-ft high glazed dome.
Flagship stores include New Look and Monsoon, one of the largest in Scotland, a large Boots and Woolworths and shops such as The Body Shop, River Island, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Ortak and Oasis. A new Costa Coffee will revive the most weary shopper, while the restaurants within the Upper Mall, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, located at either end of the Centre, remain a poplar rendezvous for a casual lunch and a catch-up with friends. And of course, there’s a Starbucks, with an outdoor sitting area, if you fancy a spot of cafe culture.
Just across from the city’s Union Terrace Gardens, The Mall Trinity is a great, one floor shopping centre with around 27 stores including Debenhams, Argos Extra, T-Mobile, HMV, Superdrug, Waterstones and a large Primark.
Cobbled Belmont Street, known for its trendy bars, cafes, and art house cinema, is also the location for The Academy shopping centre. Surrounding an Italianate style piazza, it has an excellent range of upmarket brands and individual shops, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, and the open-air piazza is often a focus for live entertainment throughout the summer months. Here the style conscious will find independent shops such as Attic, AB10 and Concept, which specialises in casual designer-ware for men. A true style leader in Aberdeen, Attic is constantly introducing new collections including U.A.R.M, Green Apple Tree and Six Pack. AB10 has everything from footwear to accessories, with many main stream brands including G-Star, Ted Baker, Miss Sixty, Replay, Firetrap and Gio-Goi.
Nicknamed ‘Little Chelsea’, the Thistle Street area of the city is the acknowledged style quarter of Aberdeen with a range of independent shops stocking everything from clothes, shoes and accessories, in addition to gift shops, delicatessens, French bakers, florists and art galleries. Bellino and Hamish Munro both have excellent ranges of shoes by continental designers, and if you need a dress for a big night out, try Frox - with everything from funky to formal, it’s evening wear with attitude. Esslemonts and Esslemonts 2 stock a stylish choice of menswear and women’s fashion from leading brands such as Camel Active, Tommy Hilfiger, Remus, Hobbs and Turnover.
Verdict, also on Thistle Street, stocks a wide range of really unusual designer clothing and accessories that are both wearable and glamorous. From contemporary evening wear and associated accessories through to casual jeans and edgy tops, Verdict was named by style guru Caryn Franklin as one of the top ten independents in Scotland.
For stylish, classic designs Kafka, just around the corner in Alford Place, has the latest from Armani, Burberry and Prada, while Kafka for men can be found on Rosemount Viaduct.
Aberdeen's up and coming area, The Green, is home to a range of first class bistros and fine dining, and a number of trendsetting shops have also opened in the area, including Coco Violet, designs for the cool and trendy. It houses an eclectic collection of fashion for the woman that wants to stand out from the crowd, with stunning items you won’t find anywhere else in Aberdeen, let alone the UK. For shoes with a difference take a look at Fenner and Coburn at Netherkirkgate with an impressive collection of distinctive designs.
Meanwhile Zoomp, tucked away in Jopps Lane behind John Lewis, has a wide range of clothing covering everyday casual to Jimmy Choo and Matthew Williamson.
If it‘s a retro feel you’re after, head to The Closet in Jopps Lane for quirky, vintage retro – an Aladdin’s cave of retro finds and one off pieces , or nearby Retrospect, which was recently featured in Vogue magazine, while Vintage Phoenix in Chattan Place will tailor your finds to fit.
Jewellery, art and antiques
Aberdeen is not known as the Silver City for nothing – the sparkling granite buildings that make up much of the city are testament to that – however the city is also the home of some independent jewellers who can design that signature piece to celebrate a very special occasion.
Family-owned Finnies the jewellers, has Scotland’s largest stock of diamond jewellery – and biggest collection
of grandfather clocks. As well as over 26 watch brands, you’ll find unusual gifts including silver snooker chalk holders. Jamieson and Carry is another family firm, established in 1733. From pearls to pendants it’s a firm favourite with jewellery lovers. You can even commission a special piece to be individually designed and made in-house. Sandy Menzies Designer Jewellers present a constantly evolving range of contemporary jewellery. The design and production of commissioned pieces in precious metals and gemstones is also available, while George Kite on Holburn Street features a range of modern Scottish designers.
For antiques, head for the city’s West End, where you’ll find Elizabeth Watt on Thistle Street, specialising in ceramics, silver and jewellery while Rendezvous, on Forest Avenue, has great art deco finds as well as contemporary art. Thistle Antiques on Esslemont Avenue is the place to go for gorgeous antique mirrors and lamps, and Atholl Antiques on Great Western Road has quality furniture and paintings. For antique maps, go to Colin Wood on Rose Street, who carries a very fine range.
Gallery Heinzel specialises in contemporary Scottish art from its base in Aberdeen’s Thistle Street. The gallery hosts up to 10 exhibitions a year showcasing the work of established and emerging Scottish artists. The Carby Art Gallery, in a contemporary art space, offers a unique gallery experience. Resident artist Ian Carby, famed for his vibrant landscapes and shoreline scenes, exhibits alongside international and local artists with sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and photography
If you’re searching for that special gift that’s a little bit different from the run of the mill, Nova on Chapel Street has long been a favourite with Aberdonians. Its comprehensive gift selection ranges from the cool and funky to the classic while Annie Mo’s, on Holburn Street and the bottom end of Union Street, also stocks an unusual range of gifts along with some beautiful furniture.
Markets
Aberdeen's Country Fair is a monthly market with over 30 stalls of fresh farm produce, local crafts, home-baking, food and drink. The main market takes place on the last Saturday of every month and there's a smaller weekly version every Saturday at the Academy Shopping Centre. One of the largest markets in Scotland, it provides local farmers and crafters the opportunity to showcase their quality home-grown and handcrafted products. A typical Aberdeen Country Fair will feature everything from Aberdeen Angus beef, fish landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead Harbours, local fruit and vegetables, baking, cheeses, confectionary, Scottish whisky, wines and handmade
crafts.
Three or four times throughout the year, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you‘ll find Aberdeen’s popular International Market, one of the largest and most successful of its kind. The annual three-day event offers a wide range of European and British foods with 70 stalls including fresh French fruit and vegetables, French, Dutch, Scottish and English cheeses, hams from Spain, biscuits from Brittany, and a variety of French breads. You’ll also find an array of fine textiles, accessories, and arts and crafts on offer.
Shopping in the Shire
You don’t always need to visit the City for shopping, as Aberdeenshire also has a great range of shops. Quirky craft shops abound, and there are a number of stylish clothes shops that are well worth a visit. In Inverurie try Altro Designer Wear on North Street for D&G, Versace, Armani, Guess, Hugo Boss, and G-star. B’s Knees Too (and original B’s Knees in Oldmeldrum) carries a fabulous range of clothing and accessories from casual wear to exclusive evening wear and a wide range of bags, shoes and jewellery. A branch of Attic has recently opened in the town too.
Thirty minutes drive from Aberdeen City centre, Royal Deeside is a treasure trove of galleries, craft shops and exclusive outlets, many of them with Royal Warrants.
The royal village of Ballater has a good selection of individual shops and boutiques, many carrying the Royal seal of approval. There are a few surprises too, such as the Chocolate Box, which also sells Lulu Guinness handbags, and Foxy for an eclectic range of clothes, jewellery and furniture.
Future developments
Aberdeen will see huge changes in the next few years as part of the Bon-Accord Quarter Masterplan which will completely redevelop the city centre around the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Marischal College and St Nicholas House. This will involve building a second floor on the single-storey St Nicholas Centre and then connecting it to the Bon Accord Centre via an enclosed bridge across Schoolhill. Further phases of the Bon Accord Quarter scheme will see the total retail space expand to in excess of 1million sq ft. The plans include a glass walkway to connect the Bon Accord St Nicholas centres and an improved link to the John Lewis department store, which will form an anchor at the far end of the shopping mall, with Marks and Spencer at the Union Street end. The scheme is expected to be completed by 2010.
The Bon Accord Centre will also see a new entrance being built at Gallowgate with another wing added to house more retail units. This is currently under construction and is due for completion next year, and will include a huge new Next, the largest in Scotland.
A new retail centre on the corner of Market Street/Union Street is also proposed. This will refurbish and reconfigure existing properties, including Aberdeen’s Indoor Market, to create modern retail space and it will also provide improved access to the historic Green area of the city.
Due to be completed in 2009, the Union Square project will provide Scotland's second-largest shopping centre, complete with a multiplex cinema and links to a new transport hub at the nearby Aberdeen railway station and the Guild Street bus station.
The new developments are expected to bring a number of new stores to the city and will confirm Aberdeen’s position as the premier shopping centre in the North of Scotland.
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Monday, December 20, 2010
map aberdeen scotland
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire’s buoyant local economy is continuing to grow despite the credit crunch hitting the rest of the UK. Figures from Aberdeen’s John Lewis store show that sales are generally ahead on like for like sales, compared with the same period last year.
Gavin Gourlay, merchandising manager for the store in the city’s Bon Accord Centre said: "There is no sign of a slowdown in footfall or sales. In particular we’ve had extremely good sales on beauty products and designer hand-bags, up ten per cent, while this week’s mini-heatwave has caused a 167 per cent rise in sales of designer sunglasses." Homes and furnishings are also doing well, up six per cent, while the sale of TVs has risen by 24 per cent.
"Visitors are certainly still spending," said Frank Sutherland, manager of Aberdeen’s Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres, the region’s shopping hub. "In general we have not seen any decline at all. Aberdeen is continuing to buck the national trend. Retailers are generally doing well on the level of sales per head.”
Average weekly earnings in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire are well above the national average (£481, Scotland - £432, GB £448.6), and well-heeled Aberdonians have amongst the highest disposable income in the UK, with 70 per of the Aberdeen’s core catchment spending well above the Scottish average in a number of key categories. More than half of the region’s spenders are ABs and C1s, compared with the Scottish average of round 45 %, and within this group the number of high spenders is almost double the Scottish average (11% versus 6%).(Sources: Behind the Granite, Aberdeen City Key Facts 2007/8; NSLSP 2006, CES).
"Aberdeen City and Shire does have its own economic climate, to a certain extent," said Louise Scott, head of corporate communications at Aberdeen City Council , who is leading Aberdeen City and Shire’s regional identity campaign. "Our vibrant business community is of course, fuelled by the buoyant oil industry. However, the region is also the primary producer for Scotland’s food and drink industry, we have the highest concentration of life science companies in Europe and are also very strong on research and development, led by our world-class universities."
The high disposable income enjoyed by many in the region means that despite the credit crunch, Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire are currently on the brink of something of a retail renaissance. The recent arrival on Union Street of Cruise/Boss, G-Star Raw and High and Mighty, have all raised the bar and given
a boost to the area - a welcome development for the Aberdeen’s many fashionistas who in the past had to take trips to other cities to get their retail fix.
There are also a number of new retail opportunities opening in the next few years in Aberdeen with the new Union Square development and further phases of the Bon Accord Quarter scheme which will see a dramatic increase in the total retail space.
The regeneration of the historic Green area of the city is also continuing. A number of new hotel developments are in the pipeline for Aberdeen city centre, including a 107 bedroom hotel which will also be the centrepiece of the £30 million City Wharf development near Union Street. And in the West End, £7 million is being spent refurbishing a hotel into a cutting-edge Malmaison.
Meanwhile around £30 million could be spent on two new hotels’ near Aberdeen’s airport. The international Hilton chain proposes a 175-room Hilton Garden Inn at Dyce, and the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Scotland is also planned.
Despite the wealth within the region however, it seems to be the simpler things in life that are the attraction for the many families moving to the area.
Aberdeenshire recently come out top in Scotland for quality of life, according to Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) research.
A range of factors in the local authority were measured, and the low levels of crime and traffic coupled with high employment meant it was the only Scottish local authority in Scotland to make the list. Aberdeenshire also boasts healthy residents, high life expectancies and larger than average houses.
Aberdeenshire also topped the HBOS quality of life list in education, boasting the smallest class sizes in the UK. The state and private school sectors in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire all perform consistently highly in the league tables throughout Scotland, with both state and private schools appearing in the Top 10, ranked according to examination achievements.
"The perfect work/life balance is the holy grail of modern times," said Jim Knowles, head of economic development at Aberdeenshire Council. "The out-door lifestyle of the region is cited most often as a deciding factor by people who choose to stay on here, often following a corporate move from elsewhere in the UK or overseas. However we are also fortunate that we have a robust local economy that can withstand much of the current economic uncertainty."
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Gavin Gourlay, merchandising manager for the store in the city’s Bon Accord Centre said: "There is no sign of a slowdown in footfall or sales. In particular we’ve had extremely good sales on beauty products and designer hand-bags, up ten per cent, while this week’s mini-heatwave has caused a 167 per cent rise in sales of designer sunglasses." Homes and furnishings are also doing well, up six per cent, while the sale of TVs has risen by 24 per cent.
"Visitors are certainly still spending," said Frank Sutherland, manager of Aberdeen’s Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres, the region’s shopping hub. "In general we have not seen any decline at all. Aberdeen is continuing to buck the national trend. Retailers are generally doing well on the level of sales per head.”
Average weekly earnings in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire are well above the national average (£481, Scotland - £432, GB £448.6), and well-heeled Aberdonians have amongst the highest disposable income in the UK, with 70 per of the Aberdeen’s core catchment spending well above the Scottish average in a number of key categories. More than half of the region’s spenders are ABs and C1s, compared with the Scottish average of round 45 %, and within this group the number of high spenders is almost double the Scottish average (11% versus 6%).(Sources: Behind the Granite, Aberdeen City Key Facts 2007/8; NSLSP 2006, CES).
"Aberdeen City and Shire does have its own economic climate, to a certain extent," said Louise Scott, head of corporate communications at Aberdeen City Council , who is leading Aberdeen City and Shire’s regional identity campaign. "Our vibrant business community is of course, fuelled by the buoyant oil industry. However, the region is also the primary producer for Scotland’s food and drink industry, we have the highest concentration of life science companies in Europe and are also very strong on research and development, led by our world-class universities."
The high disposable income enjoyed by many in the region means that despite the credit crunch, Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire are currently on the brink of something of a retail renaissance. The recent arrival on Union Street of Cruise/Boss, G-Star Raw and High and Mighty, have all raised the bar and given
a boost to the area - a welcome development for the Aberdeen’s many fashionistas who in the past had to take trips to other cities to get their retail fix.
There are also a number of new retail opportunities opening in the next few years in Aberdeen with the new Union Square development and further phases of the Bon Accord Quarter scheme which will see a dramatic increase in the total retail space.
The regeneration of the historic Green area of the city is also continuing. A number of new hotel developments are in the pipeline for Aberdeen city centre, including a 107 bedroom hotel which will also be the centrepiece of the £30 million City Wharf development near Union Street. And in the West End, £7 million is being spent refurbishing a hotel into a cutting-edge Malmaison.
Meanwhile around £30 million could be spent on two new hotels’ near Aberdeen’s airport. The international Hilton chain proposes a 175-room Hilton Garden Inn at Dyce, and the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Scotland is also planned.
Despite the wealth within the region however, it seems to be the simpler things in life that are the attraction for the many families moving to the area.
Aberdeenshire recently come out top in Scotland for quality of life, according to Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) research.
A range of factors in the local authority were measured, and the low levels of crime and traffic coupled with high employment meant it was the only Scottish local authority in Scotland to make the list. Aberdeenshire also boasts healthy residents, high life expectancies and larger than average houses.
Aberdeenshire also topped the HBOS quality of life list in education, boasting the smallest class sizes in the UK. The state and private school sectors in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire all perform consistently highly in the league tables throughout Scotland, with both state and private schools appearing in the Top 10, ranked according to examination achievements.
"The perfect work/life balance is the holy grail of modern times," said Jim Knowles, head of economic development at Aberdeenshire Council. "The out-door lifestyle of the region is cited most often as a deciding factor by people who choose to stay on here, often following a corporate move from elsewhere in the UK or overseas. However we are also fortunate that we have a robust local economy that can withstand much of the current economic uncertainty."
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
real estate aberdeen maryland
campaign to encourage the people of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to make the most of their weekends by taking part in more activities and outdoor pursuits has been launched by the Aberdeen City and Shire Regional Identity team.
Under the slogan ‘Don’t Lose Your Weekend, Use your Weekend,’ the campaign will highlight the range of leisure facilities and attractions available within Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.
Speaking at the official launch of the campaign which took place today (November 24) at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, former Miss Scotland Nicola Jolly and local entrepreneur Garreth Wood pledged their support for the initiative.
Garreth Wood, director of the Signature pubs group, is a former junior champion cyclist, racing for Scotland with the Deeside Cycling Club. Garreth still cycles, regularly plays golf, is a keen skiier and particularly enjoys adventure based sports such as climbing and abseiling. “I love being outdoors, and enjoy just getting out of the house, whether it’s a hill walk or just to walk the dog. It’s so easy to take up a sport within the region, and there is the added bonus that we have such beautiful countryside as a backdrop.”
Nicola Jolly, now a TV presenter and model says she has always been keen to stay fit, particularly if there was a chance to be outdoors. “As a child I was horse-riding mad and still ride whenever I can. Enjoying the outdoors is not only important from a health point of view and to keep in shape, but also for its positive mental health benefits as it’s a great mood enhancer.”
Fronting the
campaign will be the new Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire mascot – Deen. In the form of a six inch high flexible blue man, he gets his name from the nickname - The Deen - used by locals to refer to the city. Deen will be used to highlight some of the activities that can be enjoyed in Aberdeen City and Shire.
“It’s a waste to stay indoors in front of a TV or computer screen when we live in this wonderful environment with a fantastic array of activities on our doorstep, many of them absolutely free,” said Emma Watt, brand manager for Aberdeen City and Shire. “You can bag a few munros, go mountain-biking, kayaking or sailing, climbing, surfing, wind-surfing, and even kite surfing too.
“Indoors there are a range of indoor sport centres which cater for everything from climbing, swimming, gym and racquet sports to bmx-ing and skateboarding at Transition Extreme, Aberdeen’s award-winning extreme sports centre.
“We are also one of the few places in the UK where you can easily take part in snow sports in the winter, when conditions allow - and when they don’t, we have Aberdeen Snowsports Centre to brush up your boarding and skiing techniques.
“There is also world class golf, with no fewer than 50 courses throughout Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, and another three planned to open within the next few years, and no fewer than 45 outstanding parks and gardens to visit so you should never be short of somewhere to go for a picnic, or to kick a ball about.”
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Under the slogan ‘Don’t Lose Your Weekend, Use your Weekend,’ the campaign will highlight the range of leisure facilities and attractions available within Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.
Speaking at the official launch of the campaign which took place today (November 24) at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, former Miss Scotland Nicola Jolly and local entrepreneur Garreth Wood pledged their support for the initiative.
Garreth Wood, director of the Signature pubs group, is a former junior champion cyclist, racing for Scotland with the Deeside Cycling Club. Garreth still cycles, regularly plays golf, is a keen skiier and particularly enjoys adventure based sports such as climbing and abseiling. “I love being outdoors, and enjoy just getting out of the house, whether it’s a hill walk or just to walk the dog. It’s so easy to take up a sport within the region, and there is the added bonus that we have such beautiful countryside as a backdrop.”
Nicola Jolly, now a TV presenter and model says she has always been keen to stay fit, particularly if there was a chance to be outdoors. “As a child I was horse-riding mad and still ride whenever I can. Enjoying the outdoors is not only important from a health point of view and to keep in shape, but also for its positive mental health benefits as it’s a great mood enhancer.”
Fronting the
campaign will be the new Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire mascot – Deen. In the form of a six inch high flexible blue man, he gets his name from the nickname - The Deen - used by locals to refer to the city. Deen will be used to highlight some of the activities that can be enjoyed in Aberdeen City and Shire.
“It’s a waste to stay indoors in front of a TV or computer screen when we live in this wonderful environment with a fantastic array of activities on our doorstep, many of them absolutely free,” said Emma Watt, brand manager for Aberdeen City and Shire. “You can bag a few munros, go mountain-biking, kayaking or sailing, climbing, surfing, wind-surfing, and even kite surfing too.
“Indoors there are a range of indoor sport centres which cater for everything from climbing, swimming, gym and racquet sports to bmx-ing and skateboarding at Transition Extreme, Aberdeen’s award-winning extreme sports centre.
“We are also one of the few places in the UK where you can easily take part in snow sports in the winter, when conditions allow - and when they don’t, we have Aberdeen Snowsports Centre to brush up your boarding and skiing techniques.
“There is also world class golf, with no fewer than 50 courses throughout Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, and another three planned to open within the next few years, and no fewer than 45 outstanding parks and gardens to visit so you should never be short of somewhere to go for a picnic, or to kick a ball about.”
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Friday, December 10, 2010
aberdeen apartment maryland
Aberdeen City and Shire will position itself as the new mecca for global golf tourism at Visitexpo 09, building on the news that three championship golf courses are to go ahead and supported by a hotel boom in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire which will see a range of luxury and tourist-category hotels open in the next few years.
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire’s bedroom accommodation will increase by around 25 per cent this year alone, thanks to the development of hotels in and around Aberdeen city. The additional hotel occupancy opening this year will support a wide variety of themed events celebrating the year of Homecoming across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire throughout 2009, culminating in a North-East Clan Fortnight, which will coincide with The Gathering in Edinburgh from July 18 to August 3.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland has started work on transforming the Menie estate, on the Aberdeenshire coast, into what Donald Trump has promised will be “the world’s greatest golf course.” The £1billion golf resort will comprise two golf courses, a 450-room 5-star hotel, a conference centre, 36 golf villas and 950 holiday homes.
Also in Aberdeenshire plans are going ahead for a £115m golf resort, with a hotel and conference centre and championship course designed by former
open champion Paul Lawrie, while a £40m development at Ury Estates will be the home of a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and luxury hotel.
The ambitious new developments, totalling 757 rooms in the city, and a further 700 rooms in Aberdeenshire, will all come on stream in the next few years, adding substantially to hotel stock in Aberdeen City and Shire.
Highlights of Homecoming in Aberdeen City and Shire include a March of the Clans at Aboyne Highland Games; Scotland’s biggest two-day event, The Turriff Show; evening entertainments featuring plays and ceilidhs; and the National Trust for Scotland’s North East Clan Ball at Haddo House. There’ll also be the opportunity to learn more about the history of the region, take a blue guide tour, and delve in to the archives at the Family History Centre.
A series of heritage fairs will take place across the region to promote the wealth of culture to be found in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Also continuing the Homecoming theme will be the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy in July, while the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh will raise awareness of the Scottish influence in lighthouse design.
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire’s bedroom accommodation will increase by around 25 per cent this year alone, thanks to the development of hotels in and around Aberdeen city. The additional hotel occupancy opening this year will support a wide variety of themed events celebrating the year of Homecoming across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire throughout 2009, culminating in a North-East Clan Fortnight, which will coincide with The Gathering in Edinburgh from July 18 to August 3.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland has started work on transforming the Menie estate, on the Aberdeenshire coast, into what Donald Trump has promised will be “the world’s greatest golf course.” The £1billion golf resort will comprise two golf courses, a 450-room 5-star hotel, a conference centre, 36 golf villas and 950 holiday homes.
Also in Aberdeenshire plans are going ahead for a £115m golf resort, with a hotel and conference centre and championship course designed by former
open champion Paul Lawrie, while a £40m development at Ury Estates will be the home of a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and luxury hotel.
The ambitious new developments, totalling 757 rooms in the city, and a further 700 rooms in Aberdeenshire, will all come on stream in the next few years, adding substantially to hotel stock in Aberdeen City and Shire.
Highlights of Homecoming in Aberdeen City and Shire include a March of the Clans at Aboyne Highland Games; Scotland’s biggest two-day event, The Turriff Show; evening entertainments featuring plays and ceilidhs; and the National Trust for Scotland’s North East Clan Ball at Haddo House. There’ll also be the opportunity to learn more about the history of the region, take a blue guide tour, and delve in to the archives at the Family History Centre.
A series of heritage fairs will take place across the region to promote the wealth of culture to be found in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Also continuing the Homecoming theme will be the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy in July, while the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh will raise awareness of the Scottish influence in lighthouse design.
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Sunday, December 5, 2010
aberdeen map maryland
Aberdeen City and Shire is backing local swimming champion Hannah Miley, one of the region’s brightest stars for the 2012 Olympics, by funding a sponsorship package through Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University Sports Scholar Scheme.
Hannah (19), from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is the current European record holder and British champion for the 400m individual medley and the British champion for the 200m breast stroke and 200m individual medley. Earlier this month she won gold in the 400m individual medley at the Barcelona and Canet legs of the Mare Nostrum Tour, breaking a new meeting record in Canet. She also clinched a gold in the 200m individual medley in Barcelona and was placed third in the 200m freestyle at Canet. Hannah also competed in the Beijing Olympics last year where she was placed sixth in the 400m individual medley.
The four-year sponsorship will enable Hannah to continue training for her medal quest at the 2012 Olympics, while studying for a degree in sport and exercise science at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen as an RGU:SPORT scholar. The sponsorship will also contribute towards Hannah’s travel, accommodation and additional costs when competing in events in the lead-up to the Olympics.
Hannah said: “The sponsorship is a dream come true for me as it enables me to have fantastic training facilities, but remain in Aberdeen City and Shire, which is just a great place to be. Many sports scholars choose to move to America for their training, and I had been made some tempting offers, but I chose Robert Gordon University because I love being at home. The pool is really first class and an ideal environment for training, and it’s so easy to fit in the training schedule with my lectures. The facilities in the region have allowed me to get this far, and with the added support of Aberdeen City and Shire regional identity sponsorship, I hope I can go all the way in my swimming career.”
To coincide with the announcement of the sponsorship package, a poster campaign featuring
an image of Hannah with the slogan ‘Aberdeen City and Shire backing Hannah Miley to 2012’ will be launched so that a high level of regional pride can be built around the rising star.
Emma Watt, brand manager for Aberdeen City and Shire, said that Hannah would be an ideal international ambassador for the region: “We believe it is vitally important to invest in our young talent, and Hannah’ s dedication and positive attitude, not to mention her winning performances, will act as a real inspiration to other youngsters in the area. We also wanted to encourage Hannah in her decision to stay on her home territory – she absolutely loves living in the region, and Robert Gordon University provides the elite training facilities which are already helping Hannah show she is the best swimmer in the country. We hope that the region sends out a really powerful message that if you want to achieve, it is possible in Aberdeen City and Shire”
Hannah will benefit from a package of tailor-made programmes devised to support her needs, sport discipline and academic course requirements within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. She will also have access to a private lane in the swimming pool at RGU:SPORT whenever she needs it and a private room close to the pool.
Director of Aberdeen’s RGU:SPORT, Filippo Antoniazzi commented: “I think it’s great that Hannah has not only chosen Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen City and Shire against going to the USA, but also that she has chosen us above some of the bigger sports-focused universities in England. We now have a growing pool of young elite sportsmen and women who are recognising that we have the facilities needed to equip them to compete on a world class stage. Youngsters like Hannah, and Laura Murray, our golfing star, currently ranked number two amateur in Scotland, will only help our growing reputation as one of the premier sports universities in the UK.”
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
Hannah (19), from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is the current European record holder and British champion for the 400m individual medley and the British champion for the 200m breast stroke and 200m individual medley. Earlier this month she won gold in the 400m individual medley at the Barcelona and Canet legs of the Mare Nostrum Tour, breaking a new meeting record in Canet. She also clinched a gold in the 200m individual medley in Barcelona and was placed third in the 200m freestyle at Canet. Hannah also competed in the Beijing Olympics last year where she was placed sixth in the 400m individual medley.
The four-year sponsorship will enable Hannah to continue training for her medal quest at the 2012 Olympics, while studying for a degree in sport and exercise science at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen as an RGU:SPORT scholar. The sponsorship will also contribute towards Hannah’s travel, accommodation and additional costs when competing in events in the lead-up to the Olympics.
Hannah said: “The sponsorship is a dream come true for me as it enables me to have fantastic training facilities, but remain in Aberdeen City and Shire, which is just a great place to be. Many sports scholars choose to move to America for their training, and I had been made some tempting offers, but I chose Robert Gordon University because I love being at home. The pool is really first class and an ideal environment for training, and it’s so easy to fit in the training schedule with my lectures. The facilities in the region have allowed me to get this far, and with the added support of Aberdeen City and Shire regional identity sponsorship, I hope I can go all the way in my swimming career.”
To coincide with the announcement of the sponsorship package, a poster campaign featuring
an image of Hannah with the slogan ‘Aberdeen City and Shire backing Hannah Miley to 2012’ will be launched so that a high level of regional pride can be built around the rising star.
Emma Watt, brand manager for Aberdeen City and Shire, said that Hannah would be an ideal international ambassador for the region: “We believe it is vitally important to invest in our young talent, and Hannah’ s dedication and positive attitude, not to mention her winning performances, will act as a real inspiration to other youngsters in the area. We also wanted to encourage Hannah in her decision to stay on her home territory – she absolutely loves living in the region, and Robert Gordon University provides the elite training facilities which are already helping Hannah show she is the best swimmer in the country. We hope that the region sends out a really powerful message that if you want to achieve, it is possible in Aberdeen City and Shire”
Hannah will benefit from a package of tailor-made programmes devised to support her needs, sport discipline and academic course requirements within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. She will also have access to a private lane in the swimming pool at RGU:SPORT whenever she needs it and a private room close to the pool.
Director of Aberdeen’s RGU:SPORT, Filippo Antoniazzi commented: “I think it’s great that Hannah has not only chosen Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen City and Shire against going to the USA, but also that she has chosen us above some of the bigger sports-focused universities in England. We now have a growing pool of young elite sportsmen and women who are recognising that we have the facilities needed to equip them to compete on a world class stage. Youngsters like Hannah, and Laura Murray, our golfing star, currently ranked number two amateur in Scotland, will only help our growing reputation as one of the premier sports universities in the UK.”
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire visit:
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