Aberdeen International Airport Upbeat Magazine Summer 2018 issue

PEOPLE / TRAVEL / CULTURE / REVIEWS / BUSINESS / SHOPPING

10 Unusual Things to do in

> Aberdeenshire Make a bee-line for

> Manchester Time for some R&R in

> Rhodes

From Broadway to the runway

Read how Rory swapped stage lights for the bright lights of aviation

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> CONTENTS

Photo: Ronald Griffin

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> CONTENTS

CONTENTS

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08 BUSINESS 08 Terminal Transformation 12 Airport News

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PEOPLE

24 Spotlight on: Rory Williams Airfield Operations Officer 40 Local Flavours: Banffshire Coast 44 Gin: Spirit of the North-east 51 WH Smith: Summer reads 54 Diary

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44 insert antwerp image here?

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16 Antwerp: City of Revival 20 Time for some R & R in Rhodes 23 NE250 30 Taking the stress out of your airport experience 32 Connecting you to the World 34 Head for the Sun 36 Make a bee-line for Manchester 48 Ten Unusual Things to do in Aberdeenshire 52 Your Scottish adventure awaits

42 What’s on

TRAVEL

26 SHOPPING 26 Highland Park’s new travel collection

CULTURE

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COMPETITIONS

40 Win coffee and cake for two at Annie’s Cakery in Macduff 44 Win a bottle of Raven Gin 50 The Beat Goes on

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WELCOME <

Welcome to the summer edition of upBEAT In this issue we look at the delights of two brand new destinations for Aberdeen International Airport, Rhodes and Antwerp. Rhodes is perfect for a guaranteed sunshine break, and I took a trip to Antwerp to find out just what this fascinating city has to offer.

Rhodes is perfect for a guaranteed sunshine break

Local Flavours finds us on the gorgeous Banffshire coast and we’ve also looked out ten unusual things to discover in Aberdeenshire. Manchester is the domestic destination featured this summer, be prepared to be impressed by the wealth of experiences to be had there. There’s a feature on local gins, and we shine a spotlight on Rory Williams, Airfield Operations Officer.

people involved as well. Turn to the news pages to read all about Harley the airport therapy dog and our Employee of the Year.

As we know how much you all love a competition, this issue has a bottle of gin, coffee and delicious cake for two and £100 to spend in World Duty Free up for grabs – what are you waiting for?

As we are now into the next phase of the Airport transformation, we’ve taken some time to explain exactly what has changed and what to expect in the next phase, speaking to a few of the key

Editorial JAN LEATHAM info@janleatham.co.uk Sales & Marketing CLARE FINDLAY clare@trendmagazine.co.uk Design STACEY BARR stacey@trendmagazine.co.uk Publisher TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD PO Box 11858, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 9AN trendmagazine.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 344 481 6666 Email: feedback@aiairport.com Text: 80800 (start message with “Airport”, texts are FREE) Web: aberdeenairport.com Search 'Aberdeen Airport' Follow us @ABZ_Airport Follow us @aberdeen_airport Search 'Aberdeen International Airport' Scan to visit aberdeenairport.com

Print STEPHENS & GEORGE PRINT GROUP

Cover Image: © Newsline

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions of contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. upBEAT magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. All information correct at time of going to print (July 2018).

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>> BEFORE CONTENTS YOU FLY

> GETTING TO

ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TRAIN

Aberdeen and Inverness services stop at the local station at Dyce which is just a short taxi ride from the Airport. The mainline station is in Aberdeen City Centre where there are frequent services to all parts of Scotland.

For further information, please visit: travelinescotland.com

BUS

Regular bus services operate to the airport from Aberdeen city centre.

Jet Service 727 Aberdeen Airport terminal to Aberdeen Union Square bus station, right by the city centre bus and train stations. 7 days a week service, operating up to every 10 minutes throughout Monday - Friday.

Service 747 Weekday-only service running between Peterhead and Dyce via the airport Details at stagecoachbus.com or call +44 (0) 1224 597590

> BEFORE YOU FLY

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP

THE DAY BEFORE YOU FLY

For the best deals, book your carparking online: aberdeenairport.com/parking

1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Check the weight of your suitcase and prep your cabin bag. Decant any liquid, gels, etc. into a small plastic bag.

THE DAY YOU FLY

Order your currency online for easy collection when you get to the airport: aberdeenairport.com/currency.

Check all your travel documents and ensure your passport is current, that you have a visa (if required) and that you have noted the flight times on your tickets.

Allow plenty of time to get to the airport, to check-in and clear through security. > Check the rules on sharps! > Dispose of liquids above 100ml before reaching the security area. > Remember that jackets and belts must be removed. > Laptops and mobiles to be presented separately.

CAR

The access road to the Airport is signposted from the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road. The Airport is seven miles from Aberdeen City Centre. The main car park is located at the front of the terminal building for short-stay parking. If you are using a satellite navigation system, the Airport postcode is AB21 7DU

BY BICYCLE

Aberdeen International Airport is a relatively easy airport to get to by bike. There is a high quality off-road cycle route from the A947 (Dyce) roundabout onwards.

If travelling for a short break an option may be to leave your bicycle in the modern, covered cycle stand at the Airport.

Forbidden anywhere on board

Sharps: No blades over 6cm

100ml max: Liquids, gels and pastes

AIRLINES & TOUR OPERATORS AER LINGUS AIR BALTIC AIR FRANCE AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS BALKAN HOLIDAYS BMI BRITISH AIRWAYS EASTERN AIRWAYS EASYJET FIRST CHOICE FLYBE JERSEY TRAVEL KLM LOGANAIR RYANAIR SAS TUI VLM AIRLINES WIDERĂ&#x2DC;E WIZZ AIR

aerlingus.com airbaltic.com airfrance.co.uk airwaysholidays.com balkanholidays.co.uk bmiregional.com ba.com easternairways.com easyjet.com firstchoice.co.uk flybe.com jerseytravel.com klm.com loganair.co.uk ryanair.com flysas.com tui.co.uk flyvlm.com/en wideroe.no/en wizzair.com

CAROL'S VIEWPOINT <

Carol’s © Newsline Media

VIEWPOINT:

Wind of Change T he summer season is well underway, with hundreds of passengers leaving from their local airport based on our growing choice of leisure routes including, new for 2018, Malta and Reus.

at a considerable pace. Recent figures from RenewableUK show that the UK possesses the largest potential offshore wind market in the world. It’s clear that offshore wind presents this region with a huge opportunity.

As promised we are delighted to have opened phase two of our transformation project ahead of the peak summer holidays, and feedback from staff and passengers has been fantastic. Read more about it in our feature on page 8.

This is why Aberdeen International Airport is a key member of the newly formed North Sea Heliport Alliance. We’ve joined forces with our fellow heliports in Emden, Esbjerg, Humberside, Stavanger and Den Helder, to prepare for the upcoming roll-out of large-scale offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

With change comes opportunity, and as an airport it’s important we evolve, adapt and respond to the needs of our region and any challenges faced.

The UK offshore wind sector is growing

As a group, we’ve agreed to discuss how we can make sustainable

helicopter services an attractive part of offshore renewable logistics.

Wherever you are holidaying this summer, we hope you have a great time and enjoy reading this issue of UpBEAT.

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> TERMINAL TRANSFORMATION

FIND OUT THE LATEST ON OUR

Terminal Transformation Last month saw the unveiling of the second phase of the multi-million pound development taking place at Aberdeen International Airport.

A

s we all know, Security can be a stressful place to be in any airport, and the team behind Aberdeen’s redevelopment have focused on making this vital part of anyone’s journey through the airport as pleasant as possible.

I spoke to George Cowie, Head of Security at Aberdeen Airport.

He said, ‘The new Security area will be substantially larger and the tray conveyor system will be fully automated, including returning the trays once they’re empty. The rollers which transport the trays are rubberised, reducing noise for both staff and passengers. There’s an updated body scanner, meaning you can just stand in one place for the scan, plus an extra lane. There are four x-ray machines now, doubling the capacity, but retaining the same number of highly trained staff as there is now less manual handling.’

TERMINAL TRANSFORMATION WELCOME <

GEORGE COWIE, HEAD OF SECURITY

Leaving the airside part of the airport on arrival will be through a set of anti-backtrack doors instead of the previous revolving door, which will improve security and save time for both Domestic and International arrivals.’

Gareth Bristo, the airport’s Head of Capital Projects and Engineering, is responsible for overseeing the entire project, and some of the best moments for him have been on the design side of the development. ‘One of the highlights of this phase is the introduction of a ‘decompression area’ between Security and the shopping zone. Lighting has been used to transformative effect here, creating a Northern Lights effect to calm and refresh passengers after Security, create a sense of place as well as ensuring that every visitor to Aberdeen International Airport sees the Northern Lights at least once! This area also means that passengers get a chance to check flight information before arriving in the shopping area.’

Yvonne Birch, who is Head of Retail said, ‘The last two phases of the transformation are all about better retail spaces, new and bigger shops and a greater food and drink offer.

The new World Duty Free area is more than twice the current size and includes a brand new World of Whiskies specialist area, which will offer a personalised service and a tasting bar. Staff have specialist knowledge and are able to offer information on local products as well as brand favourites.

YVONNE BIRCH, HEAD OF RETAIL

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"...ensuring that every visitor to Aberdeen International Airport sees the Northern Lights at least once" GARETH BRISTO, HEAD OF CAPITAL PROJECTS & ENGINEERING

TERMINAL TRANSFORMATION <

We all feel this is a real step-change in what is being offered here, both in terms of passenger confidence and retail investment.’

World Duty Free Store Manager David Robertson and his team are looking forward to welcoming customers.

‘We’ve made the most of new space available to us and introduced a host of exciting new beauty brands including Urban Decay and By Terry.

We’ve also extended our sunglasses range, with the addition of brands such as Armani, Hugo Boss, Polaroid and Bloc. Other highlights in the World Duty Free store include the launch of a new gin from local supplier House of Elrick, called Old Tom. Customers can also take advantage of free services such as Reserve and Collect and Shop and Collect.’

Rolling Luggage is another new store, run by Samsonite selling good quality luggage as well as accessories.

Samsonite Retail Director - UK and Ireland Alex Willson enthused, ‘We are delighted that Aberdeen Airport is the first airport to open with our new look store concept, and we feel that bringing in our more premium brands, such as Tumi, is a good fit for both the passenger mix and airport alike’.

Eagle-eyed passengers may have noticed the new WHSmith arrivals

store located just before you leave the airport, perfect for a few essentials such as milk and papers.

There is also a new airside WHSmith Book Store, responding to the recent return to the look and feel of the printed page. Chris Welch, Business Development Manager for WHSmith airports is delighted with the new stores. ‘Customers shop differently in airports and the new stores are light, bright and filled with just the things you need before and after travel.’

Of course the completion of phase two means the beginning of phase three which is the most passengerfocused of all. Managing Director Carol Benzie welcomed VIPs to a preview of the second stage of the transformation saying, ‘We decided not to have a formal launch of phase two as we are moving straight on with the last and most complex phase of the project, and we feel that it is important to concentrate on improving the quality of flight experience, and working environment for staff here at the airport. We are excited to be part of all the new developments happening here in the city and look forward to completion ahead of Offshore Europe 2019.’

In the final phase, Dixons and Boots will both move to new and expanded stores in new locations, along with

CAROL BENZIE, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Travelex Bureau de Change, and an exciting addition is the Essence of Scotland, selling high-end locally crafted items, perfect for gifts. There will be two restaurants airside with the revamped Globe and The Kitchen transformed into The Distilling House, as well as an additional coffee shop.

Included in the revamped terminal area are improved toilet facilities, equipped with an adult changing facility. This new spacious changing room contains a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist, allowing passengers who cannot use standard accessible toilets to use the facilities in safety and comfort. This new offering is expected to open in October 2018.

Performers at the opening event

ABERDEEN BHANGRA CREW

JAVIER BURON

CHARLIE MCKERRON AND SANDY BRECHIN

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> AIRPORT PRECLEARANCE NEWS

New seating

The departure lounge has been fitted out with new seating. Passengers can now take advantage of in-seat charging points with duo-USB and plug sockets - ideal for charging your mobile devices and laptops on your travels.

Cabinet Secretary Derek Mackay stops by

Granite City Pub and Kitchen The Granite City Pub and Kitchen has been given a fresh new look by The Restaurant Group (TRG). The sitting area has been extended, providing the option for customers to sit in the terminal concourse, inside the restaurant or outside in the beer garden, always popular on a bright sunny day!

#MissingType We were proud to support the #MissingType campaign to raise awareness of the importance of blood groups. By dropping the As, Bs and Os from our social media profiles on Tuesday 12 June we aimed to highlight the low supply of A, B and O blood donors across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek Mackay paid a visit to the airport on the day we officially opened the next phase of our Terminal Transformation project.

Managing Director Carol Benzie took Mr Mackay on a tour of our upgraded facilities at Baggage Reclaim, Security Search and new retail offering. Mr Mackay said, ‘My congratulations to Aberdeen International Airport for having the vision and drive to invest in these facilities for the benefit of all passengers. The investment is clear

evidence that the airport, Aberdeen and the North-east have renewed confidence moving forwards.

The changes will streamline the security process so people can move through the airport quicker and the new retail facilities will improve the experience further.

Investing in this way will encourage more people to use the airport, providing an even stronger basis for attracting new routes in the future.’

Harley, our therapy dog Harley, our therapy dog, visited the airport for the second time in May. We had a wonderful reaction on social media and Harley became a minor media sensation. Harley’s mission is to help reduce passengers’ anxieties. If you see him next time you are in the airport, come and give him a hug.

AIRPORT NEWS <

ABZ Celebrates The airport’s employee of the year was announced among other awards at a glitzy, Oscar-themed celebration for staff at the Jury’s Hotel. Leigh-Ann Scott, a Security Supervisor was the well-deserved recipient of the employee of the year award for the fantastic service she provided for a family travelling through the airport with their son who is on the autistic spectrum. See our diary section at the end of the magazine for more pictures of the event! £2,300 was raised on the night for our official airport charity, Befriend a Child.

Antwerp launch We celebrated the launch of the brand new Antwerp service with VLM Airlines on Monday 4 June by providing free waffles for visitors to Aberdeen city centre as well as at the airport for passengers and staff. Northsound 1 breakfast show co-host Lauren Mitchell joined the launch party at the airport and was on hand to draw the winner of two return flights to the airport’s newest destination, Belgium’s second city. Flights operate three times a week with a direct service on a Monday and via Birmingham on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Alzheimer Scotland/ Dementia Friends Training On Monday 21 May, Alzheimer Scotland visited the airport to increase awareness of dementia among passengers and staff, fundraise and put some of our team through Dementia Friends training, equipping them with useful skills for use both at home and at work assisting passengers.

Airport Safety Week The airport participated in UK Airports Safety Week, a national event developed and co-ordinated by the Airport Operators Association (AOA), held between 14 and 20 May. We hosted safety awareness events, sessions and even displayed safetythemed posters created by pupils from Kinellar and Turriff primary schools. Airport staff took part in sessions including first aid awareness, hazard perception training and aircraft refuelling demonstrations. Winter operation and Fire Service vehicles were paraded, runway safety tours were provided and birds of prey used for bird management were on display at the front of the terminal. A Police Scotland drug detection dog showed off his skills and staff had the opportunity to fly a drone and discuss drone safety.

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14 > CONTENTS > AIRPORT NEWS

Fly pieces..

‘Do the Right Thing' Our Security team have been the first recipients of our in-house ‘Do the Right Thing’ training sessions which focus on the choices we make in terms of our attitudes and behaviours at work and the impact this has on customer service and safety. The team immediately bought in to the concept and were reinvigorated to keep providing great service to our passengers.

Closure of railway track From May 12 until 20 August 2018, the railway line between Aberdeen and Dyce will be closed to allow engineers to double the track through the area and carry out bridge upgrades and signalling enhancements. A replacement bus service is in operation.

Familiarisation tour for flying phobia A familiarisation tour was recently provided for a lady who has a phobia of flying. The very thought of stepping on to an aeroplane had previously been too much for Cheryl Ramsey until she plucked up the courage to contact the airport and arrange a tour. The visit which included going on board a British Airways aircraft between flights was a big success. Cheryl said, ‘The tour was exactly what I needed to put some worries I had to rest.

On my way home we have been talking about booking a holiday for September, so all things going well I could be on my first flight sooner than I thought.’ Familiarisation tours can be arranged with the airport team by contacting abzadm@aiairport.com

BA Lounge opening The new British Airways lounge, which opened in May this year, is located within the recently completed extension of the airport. The lounge is the second to open under the airline’s new design concept and includes bespoke furniture and fittings such as the feature walls, lighting and marble topped tables. The feature piece of the lounge is the beautifully crafted granite topped bar, enabling customers to enjoy a drink from the wide range of beverages on offer.

Midnight dash at airport Runway Run More than 300 runners took part in the Aberdeen International Airport Runway Run, raising thousands for three selected charities. On Saturday 30 June at midnight into Sunday 1 July, runners ran two lengths of the runway, equalling a distance of 3.5km.

Befriend a Child, Veterans with Dogs and Sue Ryder will equally benefit from the total raised at the event, organised by CHC Helicopter Captain Ryan Broadhurst and the airport. The final total raised is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to exceed more than £30,000.

Carol Benzie, Managing Director Aberdeen International Airport said, 'We were delighted to host an event of this scale at our runway in collaboration with CHC Helicopter.

The event gave runners the rare opportunity to experience the runway first hand. We are committed to supporting local charities and we are pleased to have helped three fantastic causes with their fundraising efforts.' A huge well done to airport firefighter Jim Tole who crossed the line first with an impressive time of 11 minutes, 27 seconds.

WELCOME <

Fly direct from Aberdeen to Esbjerg, Oslo and Bristol. Book now at flybmi.com

flybmi.com

Explore three great maritime cities.

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> INTERNATIONAL CONTENTS

Magnificent was the word that came to mind as I got off the bus at Central Station on Koningin Astridplein.

Lovers of architecture in general, train stations or just soaring ceilings and marble balustrades will be equally awestruck by this massive ‘railway cathedral’ commissioned by King Leopold.

Still a working transport hub, the lavishly decorated building along with the actual Cathedral dominate the city’s skyline. Since I was staying the night opposite in the Radisson Blu Hotel, I had that view to look forward to every time I opened the curtains.

VIEW FROM THE RADISSON BLU

INTERNATIONAL <

M

y guide for the day was Ariane from Visit Antwerp, and we set off into the old city through cobbled streets and attractive squares, frequently rounding a corner to be greeted by the towering spire of a stunning church, previously hidden by the narrow streets.

Antwerp does many things well, and excels at food and drink. We visited two artisan chefdoms that morning, first the Chocolate Line, inside the baroque townhouse that once belonged to Napoleon. Giant painted walls frame a Wonka-like array of chocolates, from tomato and balsamic to praline and popping candy. This is the bean to bar brainchild of master chocolatier Dominique Persoone, just a delicious taste of the breadth of gastronomic excellence in Antwerp. Next stop was Goossens, the oldest bakery in the city, famous for their pastries as the queue outside evidenced.

Lunch was at Frites Atelier for gourmet fries, with serve yourself dipping sauces courtesy of Sergio Herman, another celebrity chef.

Diamonds are just as synonymous with Antwerp as chocolate or beer, a fact perhaps not quite as well known. There are lots of shops to choose from, and I was warned to look out for the Antwerp’s Most Brilliant stamp of approval when searching for reputable vendors. Make time for DIVA, the interactive museum which brings the diamond story to life. Something else the city is famous for is fashion, largely due to the exhibition by the Antwerp Six in the 80s, including Dries van Noten. Today, graduates from the School of Art still prefer to ply their trade close to home, with the result that you find tiny ateliers and boutiques round every cobbled corner, bursting with originality and creativity. Head to main drag Meir for high street names, and make time for Stadfeesstzaal, a vaulted ceiling over lots of smaller stalls, but leading to four floors of designer names and diamond shops, all under cover.

If you visit just one museum in Antwerp, make it MAS. Don’t get me wrong, there are many fascinating and fine collections, it’s just that if you have limited time, MAS offers eight floors of constantly changing exhibitions plus a 360˚panorama from the tenth floor (there are escalators...).

Currently Antwerp is undergoing a revival, and this chimes perfectly with the Baroque festival taking place in the city as part of the Flemish Masters two year event in Belgium. Peter Paul Rubens painted many masterpieces for the city during the Baroque period which was a time of joyous revival

All images ©VisitFlanders

The city has three breweries: Huisbrouwerij ‘T Pakhuis in the Zuid district where you drink only freshly brewed beers; Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie which has resurrected Seefbier, originally brewed in the working class neighbourhood of Seefhoek; and the De Koninck city brewery which has its own iconic glass (the ‘bolleke’), and a visitor centre which has its own butcher, baker, cheesemonger and chocolatier.

After a day on the pavements, my dinner destination was Dock’s Brasserie on the riverside near the Steen or Castle. Superb seafood in a buzzy setting with faultless service, and I was glad of a reservation as many of the restaurants I saw were full even on a Monday night. The jawdropping seafood platter I saw making its way to other diners’ tables was enough, by itself, to make

me want to return to Antwerp in the very near future. Bedtime in one of the recently renovated business rooms at the Radisson Blu was delightful, all huge marshmallowy pillows and cool midcentury styling.

VLAEYKENSGANG

BARS AROUND THEATRE TEMPLE DE BOURLA

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> INTERNATIONAL

for the city after the Reformation, and his work amongst many others is celebrated in Antwerp Baroque 2018: Rubens Inspired. Until January 2019, the city celebrates the joy of Baroque, with many historic buildings open just for the festival. There is a feast of events, street art, newly commissioned art, exhibitions galore, concerts, tours and more.

sunrise view and tips on early-opening coffee shops. A great way to see the city at any time of day is to walk under the River Schelde through the vintage St. Anna Tunnel which still has working wooden elevators, to the Linkeroever or left side from where you get a superb view of the city skyline.

The city has its share of green spaces too - next to the railway station is Antwerp Zoo, one of the original city zoos, but right up to date with educational talks daily alongside breeding and conservation projects behind an Art Deco gate and gorgeous gold mosaic frescoes. Get out of the city centre and head for Park Middelheim, which has a world-renowned collection of outdoor sculpture and until 23 September is hosting the exhibition Experience Traps as part of the Baroque Festival.

As someone who doesn’t know their east from their magnetic north, I was hugely appreciative of the orange and grey fingerposts at every possibly confusing junction throughout the city.

The most popular way to get around this multi-cultural city is by bike, and if you’d like to join them, there are red city bikes called Velos which are perfect for short trips. Public transport options include trams, buses and the subway, and an Antwerp City Card not only provides free and discounted entry to lots of attractions, but scores you free transport too.

There are many tours to take you round the city, including a vintage bus or self-guiding with an app. Visit Antwerp’s website is full of suggestions for itineraries, including one for early risers, which includes spots for the best

Apart from gawping at the stunning architecture, I noticed something else whilst standing in Central Station, there are so many places you can get to extremely easily from Antwerp, including several other lovely cities in

Belgium. You are under an hour’s train ride from Brussels, an hour from Ghent and 90 minutes from Bruges, making the city a perfect hub to visit the rest of the Flanders region.

Antwerp is a small, personal and friendly airport, attributes that were also evident on the two-hour flights. Flying in on VLM Airlines felt like a privilege, since the smaller plane has very comfortable leather seats and tons of legroom, plus snacks and drinks are included in the ticket price as well as 23kg hold luggage on top of your carry on pieces.

Fly direct every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Aberdeen with flyvlm.com. visitantwerpen.be antwerpbaroquefestival.com visitflanders.com radissonblu.com/astridhotelantwerp

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> INTERNATIONAL CONTENTS

INTERNATIONAL <

Rich with medieval, Ottoman and Italian influences, Rhodes is nevertheless Greek to the core and offers just the sun-drenched getaway that we dream of at our desks. The largest in the Dodecanese archipelago, south-east of Greece and facing Turkey, Rhodes is the island where the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas meet.

Wonder of the World

Mandraki Harbour was once home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes.

The massive bronze statue of the sun god Helios was almost the size of the Statue of Liberty and was built in 280 BC, only to be felled by an earthquake 54 years later.

Taste of Rhodes

©iStockPhoto/Vladimir_Timofeev

There are many tavernas and cafés to punctuate your holiday with, but if you fancy spoiling yourself, then Rhodes has plenty to offer.

For a romantic night out, try the Marco Polo Café inside the Marco Polo Mansion, which recreates an Ottoman vibe with luxurious fittings and an exotic garden filled with fruit trees and tropical flowers; or head to Lindos for Restaurant Arhontiko, set in the preserved and restored house of a sea captain. Dine in the courtyard or on the roof terrace which looks out onto the Acropolis. Hatzikelis is a worldclass seafood restaurant; try their shrimps in ouzo sauce whilst celebrityspotting. Kerasma offers local twists on traditional dishes for the more adventurous palate, while Axia Ixia

offers a wide variety of cuisine from sushi to burgers and tapas, served next to a poolside bar with a great cocktail menu.

It’s worth looking for the acronym CAIR on wine lists – this Rhodian wine co-operative was established in 1928 and produces an extensive range of local wines.

Day trips

The delightful island of Symi is a couple of hours away from Mandraki harbour, where you can relax on a quiet beach, recharge at a local café amongst the traditional houses reaching up the hillside, or climb the Kali Strata stone steps to the inland village of Horio.

Little Halki is the smallest inhabited island in the chain with just a few hundred inhabitants, and like many other islands, still retains fishing as a way of life. Just an hour away from Rhodes, the pretty journey will guarantee your appetite for some of the local catch. There is plenty of accommodation on both islands if you fancy an overnight stay.

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> INTERNATIONAL

The best of the half-ruined coastal castles is Kastéllo Kritinías from where you have a splendid view of the Aegean Sea and half a dozen other islands. The gothic Palace of the Grand Masters, once the HQ of the Knights, is now an atmospheric museum with exquisite marble features, and has three galleries covering Rhodian history from 3 BC to the Ottoman conquest. The Lindos Acropolis is on a 116m high rock, and can be reached by steps from Lindos town, see the reconstructed Athena temple and catch views 60 miles along the coast. Thárri Monastery is one of the best painted churches on the island, and if you’re looking for the Aphrodite of Rhodes, she’s in the Archaeological Museum.

Family focus

If you love a bit of wildlife spotting, then head for Petaloúdes between June and August to see hundreds of Jersey Tiger Moths who flock there, attracted by the oriental sweetgum trees that cloak the valley.

The area is a well laid out nature reserve, with paths around ponds and over streams, views of waterfalls and lovely views from the 18th century chapel at the top of the valley.

Stop at the village of Psinthos for a refreshment at a local tavern.

©iStockPhoto/Bennian

The Knights of St. John, or Knights Hospitaller came to Rhodes in 1309 and ruled for 200 years, during which time they built more than 30 castles and set up home in the Street of the Knights in Rhodes Town, creating seven inns or palaces along the street, divided by nationality. Of those, four remain along the imposing and austere cobbled street, flanked by huge sandstone walls.

If you’re traveling with children, Agathi and Tsampika beaches are ideal, as they have sand and shallow waters. For the best windsurfing and kitesurfing, head for Ialysos on the western coast near Rhodes Town and Prasonisi on the island’s southern end. Afantou and Stegna have some great tavernas where you can enjoy a meal after your swim. For people-watching and water sports fun, Faliraki and Kolymbia are your best bet. For absolute peace and calm, head to Mavros Kavos and Aghios Georgios on the southeastern coast. To end your day with an aperitif in idyllic surroundings, choose either Kallithea or St. Paul in Lindos. These beaches are also great for snorkeling as they have rocky seabeds.

Although resorts can be busy during summer, it’s worth noting that many of the islands and Lindos town operate a no cars policy, meaning that the pace of life just has to slow down. Public transport will take you from Rhodes to all the other towns on the island, and boats will take you to all the resorts around the coast.

©iStockPhoto/allou

Which beach?

Weekly flights on a Wednesday from Aberdeen to Rhodes are available with TUI from May 2019.

Visit tui.co.uk

The Water Park at Faliraki is large and well-run with thrill rides such as Kamikaze and Freefall, the more chilled Lazy River and a giant wave pool, plus a generous little kids’ area.

©iStockPhoto/Vladimir_Timofeev

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Words by: Sally Gale

T

he North East 250 is the best way to see everything Scotland is famous for in one amazing road trip. It is a circular driving route where you can explore a beautiful, diverse and less discovered region of Scotland which is full of fantastic experiences and hidden gems.

Easily completed over a long weekend, but don’t rush, stretching the North East 250 out to a 8-10 day trip will enable you to enjoy everything the North-east of Scotland has to offer. Whatever your timescale, there are accommodation options to suit all budgets.

The East Coast and Moray Firth Coast stretches of the North East 250 run parallel to the North Sea and the Moray Firth. Stop off at the wide open beaches, coastal fishing villages, interesting museums and heritage

centres, rugged coastal cliffs, beautiful rock formations and multiple locations from which to spot the local dolphin population.

and exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, climbing, mountain biking and snow sports where all levels of experience are catered for.

Travelling through Speyside, you can immerse yourself in Malt Whisky country.

Meet the whisky masters and learn about the ancient trade of the cooper, a skill passed down from generation to generation. Book a tour of your favourite whisky distillery and be taken around to experience the sight, smell and taste of Scotland’s national drink and biggest export.

Royal Deeside is among the most beautiful places in Scotland and contains wonderful walks in unspoilt, mountainous habitat which is home to many of the UK’s rarest species. With Balmoral Castle as its centrepiece, there are many other castles and historic properties to visit on Deeside. During the summer months, Royal Deeside comes alive with world-famous Highland Games, an ever popular summer event with both locals and visitors.Friendly locals, endless adventures, memorable experiences and a warm North-east Scots welcome awaits you on the North East 250. We hope you have a great summer!

The Cairngorms part of the North East 250 road trip lets you fall in love with the great outdoors. Stop and stare in awe at the spectacular vistas provided by the larger-than-life Cairngorm National Park, a special place for outdoor adventurers. Experience exhilarating

Spotlight on...

Rory Williams, Airfield Operations Officer

BEHIND THE SCENES <

Have you always worked in an airport?

Far from it, in a previous life I was involved in musical theatre in London - singing, dancing, acting, you name it! My longest job was with Starlight Express, performing every night for 10 years, then I began training other actors to roller skate, branched out into some stunt co-ordination, I was really a jack of all trades. I met my wife at the Edinburgh Festival and we had a very busy work life in London, commuting for hours every day.

What brought you to Aberdeen?

We just got into our caravan one day 14 years ago and set off up the road. We found a house in the middle of nowhere near Alford that we loved, surrounded by countryside and birdsong and realised that this was somewhere we wanted to put down roots. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d always been self-employed and worked all hours, but we were looking for a better work/life balance, so I applied for a job at the airport as a baggage handler and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been here ever since.

What was the route into your current role?

My first role at Aberdeen Airport was as a baggage handler back in 2004, this gave me my first taste of working in aviation which I loved.

I had always been keen to understand what the Airside Operations team did at the airport and after some investigations I decided this was the role for me. I joined the team in 2009 and I have really enjoyed my time within the department.

What kind of things is an Airside Operations Officer responsible for?

The job is hugely varied, which is one of the things I love. For instance on any given day we can be managing bird hazards on and off the airfield, reacting to extreme weather, operating snow ploughs, marshalling aircraft onto stands, inspecting the runway, removing FOD (items that may cause hazard to aircraft) from the airfield and checking lights (Aberdeen Airport has more than 1,000 outside lights). The Airside Operations Team is based in the Control centre from where we regularly monitor security and Airside Compliance through a sophisticated CCTV system.

We also allocate stands for aircraft, which works a bit like a giant game of draughts, making sure all the pieces end up in the right place.

What do you like best about the job?

I like nature, so the bird hazard management is really interesting. We have to be able to identify and record sightings of over 40 different species of birds and their potential habitats at the airport, especially during crucial times like the breeding season.As there is just one main runway, we have to make sure it is safe and clear at all times, so we use a 4x4 to perform speedy but thorough checks of the whole airfield regularly, and we have to be alert and focused.

We work with lots of different people too, including the emergency services, pilots and aircrew, and the baggage handling agents, so keeping up a good rapport is also important.

One of the best aspects of the role is that you have to shift tasks regularly and adapt to the situation, whilst keeping an eye on the bigger picture, almost like stage management!

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A TRIBE APART.

> RETAIL

SINCE 1798

HIGHLAND PARK BARES ITS VIKING SOUL WITH A STUNNING NEW TRAVEL RETAIL COLLECTION

Join our tribe at highlandparkwhisky.com

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21/06/2018 15:54

Highland Park, the awardwinning Orkney single malt with Viking soul, has developed a new collection of four whiskies exclusively for travel retail.

H

ighland Park’s island home of Orkney belonged to a vast Viking kingdom for over 600 years and this influence continues today with the whisky being made by modern day descendants of Vikings.

The new collection is inspired by the animals that held iconic status for the Vikings. Created by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, each expression in the collection showcases different aspects of Highland Park’s distinctive flavour profile.

SPIRIT OF THE BEAR 1 LITRE Smoky & Bold The smoky and bold SPIRIT OF THE BEAR pays homage to a creature admired for its resilience and independence. Its intense aromatic smokiness is produced by Highland Park’s unique, woodless Orkney peat, hand-cut from Hobbister Moor, only seven miles from the distillery. With a natural colour of bright golden straw driven entirely by the casks, SPIRIT OF THE BEAR is primarily matured in sherry-seasoned American Oak casks and bottled at 40% ABV. Tasting notes: smoky peat, root ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, sweet vanilla pods

14 YEAR OLD LOYALTY OF THE WOLF 1 LITRE Sweet & Complex

18 YEAR OLD VIKING PRIDE TRAVEL EDITION 70cl Intense & Balanced

The second expression in the series, 14 YEAR OLD LOYALTY OF THE WOLF displays a fine balance of contrast but reflects the character of the wolf with which the Vikings felt tremendous affinity. Naturally light golden in colour driven entirely by the casks, this expression is matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak casks and ex-Bourbon casks and bottled at 42.3% ABV. Tasting notes: vanilla sponge cake, baked apples, cinnamon, light smoky peat

The pinnacle of the collection, 18 YEAR OLD VIKING PRIDE TRAVEL EDITION offers the opportunity to try our existing 18 year old at its marrying strength of 46%, which delivers a naturally darker whisky with a fuller flavour. Still matured primarily in European oak, sherry-seasoned casks.

Tasting notes: cherry conserve, rich dark chocolate, heather honey, aromatic peat smoke

16 YEAR OLD WINGS OF THE EAGLE 70cl Spicy & Elegant A central figure in Viking legends, the Eagle also sits at the heart of the new range; 16 YEAR OLD WINGS OF THE EAGLE is a spicy and elegant whisky, with layers of flavour derived from its complex combination of whiskies matured in both sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks. 16 YEAR OLD WINGS OF THE EAGLE is a naturally glowing amber colour and bottled at 44.5% ABV. Tasting notes: sweet figs and apricots, warm nutmeg, chocolate coated marzipan, aromatic peat smoke

SPIRIT OF THE BEAR, 14 YEAR OLD LOYALTY OF THE WOLF and 16 YEAR OLD WINGS OF THE EAGLE are available in the World Duty Free Store in Aberdeen Airport from July 2018 with 18 YEAR OLD VIKING PRIDE TRAVEL EDITION launching later.

There will also be another special launch from Highland Park in Aberdeen this September; details will be released on our website and social media channels in August. aberdeenairport.com/shoppingand-eating/shops/world-duty-free/

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> CONTENTS

Our Destinations aberdeenairport.com/destinations

> International

> Domestic

BELGUIM > ANTWERP FlyVLM (New - June 2018) BULGARIA > BOURGAS Balkan Holidays DENMARK > COPENHAGEN SAS > ESBJERG bmi FRANCE > PARIS Air France GREECE > CORFU TUI & First Choice > RHODES TUI & First Choice (New - Summer 2019) IRELAND > DUBLIN Aer Lingus LATVIA > RIGA airBaltic MALTA (New 2018) > LUQA Ryanair NETHERLANDS > AMSTERDAM KLM NORWAY > BERGEN Widerøe & SAS (New for W18) > OSLO bmi & SAS > STAVANGER SAS & Widerøe POLAND > GDAŃSK Wizz Air PORTUGAL > FARO Ryanair SPAIN > ALICANTE Ryanair > IBIZA TUI & First Choice > GRAN CANARIA TUI & First Choice > MÁLAGA Ryanair > PALMA TUI & First Choice > REUS TUI & First Choice > TENERIFE TUI & First Choice SWITZERLAND > GENEVA easyJet TURKEY > DALAMAN TUI & First Choice

Routes are correct at time of publication but are subject to change. Please check with your airline before travelling.

UNITED KINGDOM > BELFAST CITY Flybe > BIRMINGHAM Flybe > BRISTOL bmi > CARDIFF Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > DURHAM TEES VALLEY Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > HUMBERSIDE Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > JERSEY Jersey Holidays, Flybe > KIRKWALL Loganair > LEEDS BRADFORD Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > LONDON CITY Flybe (operated by Eastern Airways from 7 May 2018) > LONDON GATWICK easyJet > LONDON HEATHROW British Airways & Flybe > LONDON LUTON easyJet > MANCHESTER Flybe > NEWCASTLE Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > NEWQUAY Flybe > NORWICH Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > SOUTHAMPTON Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > STORNOWAY Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways > SUMBURGH Loganair > WICK Flybe, operated by Eastern Airways

ALGARVE

6

The Algarve is home to 6 of Portugal's 14 Michelin starred restaurants

Amsterdam Image: © iStock/Noppasin Wongchum Algarve Image: © iStock/EunikaSopotnicka

AMSTERDAM

1281

There are 1,281 bridges and 165 canals in Amsterdam

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> TRAVEL CONTENTS SERVICES

AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

W

ho said airports were stressful? Most of the airport stress can be avoided if you book the many services offered online before you even make your journey, leaving you to enjoy your time at the airport.

PRIORITY SECURITY Skip the queues and try out our new security equipment by booking your pass online.

CAR PARKING Did you know that you can save a significant amount on your on-site airport parking by booking online in advance? Save up to 60% just by booking the day before you fly! But even better, if you book more than seven days before you travel you can enjoy the lowest and best prices guaranteed.

NORTHERN LIGHTS EXECUTIVE LOUNGE The perfect way to start your trip. Enjoy locally sourced food and drink as well as the delights of our whisky and gin wall whilst you relax in the most comfortable setting with runway views.

We make it easy for you to book everything you need online. Our swift booking process means you can choose your car park, pay and confirm your booking in less than one minute. We accept all payment methods including PayPal and Apple Pay. Simply arrive on the day and the automatic number plate recognition will let you access the car park of your choice. No need to pay before you leave - everything is already taken care of by then!

Book now with exclusive code UPBEAT15 at https://book. aberdeenairport.com/book/ABZ/ Parking

https://book.aberdeenairport.com/ book/ABZ/Purchase

Book online and save code UPBEAT15 at aberdeenairport.com/ northernlights TRAVEL MONEY Pre-order your travel money online before you travel and choose from over 45 currencies and select either cash or a Travelex Money Card.

Select to have your chosen currency delivered to your home or collect in store when you arrive at the airport.

You can then relax, knowing that your travel money has been taken care of by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading foreign exchange specialist.

Visit https://travelmoney.travelex. co.uk/ to order your currency.

RESERVE AND COLLECT AT WORLD DUTY FREE No more rushing around the airport, you can browse the range on our website at a time that is convenient for you, select your chosen items and then leave the rest to World Duty Free. When you get to the airport, all you need to do is visit the World Duty Free store in the departure lounge and head to the till point to pick up and pay for your order. Â By ordering several days in advance of your flight, you can now choose from an even wider range of products, many of which may not be available in your airport departure store. Make sure you check the website regularly as new products and brands are added every week.

Visit http://abz.worlddutyfree.com/ to find out more and browse the product catalogue.

THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS You can now book flights to far away destinations like New York and Singapore with Worldwide by easyJet! We can connect you with our partners so you can book travel across Europe and around the world in one handy place.

Book your flights on easyJet.com

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> LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS

SAINT MARTIN

WITH KLM

Treat yourself to an unforgettable escape in the Caribbean.

Green hills, beautiful bays and stunning beaches make Saint Martin a dream destination. Enjoy French and Creole cuisine in a buzzing restaurant scene, and check out the colourful market in Marigot. Climb up to Pic Paradis for a panoramic view and hang out on Maho Beach before heading out to enjoy some legendary nightlife.

Fly with KLM via Amsterdam Schipol.

Book at klm.com

MAURITIUS

WITH AIR FRANCE

Spend lazy days on idyllic tropical beaches and be pampered in the luxury resorts of Grand-Baie. If you prefer something more active, explore a landscape of rugged mountains and marvel at the cascading Tamarind Falls. Mauritius is a paradise for beach lovers and thrill seekers alike.

Fly with Air France via Paris.

Book at airfrance.co.uk

LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS <

ORLANDO

WITH AER LINGUS

Orlando offers the family holidays that dreams are made of. With a dozen theme parks including Disney World and Universal Orlando, there is an adventure for everyone.

Rides opening this summer include Toy Story Land and Infinity Falls at Seaworld Orlando, and of course this is also the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

For thrills of a different kind, head to the Florida Keys for boat rides in the Everglades or to the Kennedy Space Centre for tales of life in space. There are also beaches galore, fantastic golf courses and summer-long sunshine, just perfect for a family getaway.

Fly with Aer Lingus via Dublin.

Book at aerlingus.com

DUBAI

WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS

This breathtaking city doesn’t do anything by halves. Whether you’re shopping in the giant Dubai Mall or sipping tea in a 7-star hotel, you will be impressed. Shopping is something Dubai does well, ranging from fascinating souks selling gold, spices and textiles to designer spotting in the Mall of the Emirates, you are sure to find something memorable. Take the high-speed elevator to the viewing platform in the Burj Khalifa and you’ll be treated to the most spectacular view. The IMG World of Adventure is the world’s biggest indoor theme park, with rides based on the Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10 as well as Marvel superheroes and dinosaurs. Visit the brand new Etihad Museum to learn about the UAE, or escape the city for a few days on a luxurious desert spa break.

Fly with British Airways via London Heathrow.

Book at ba.com

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NEWQUAY WITH FLYBE Newquay is the surfing capital of the UK and its laid back charm makes for the perfect summer escape. Famous for a stunning coastline with soft sandy beaches and striking blue waters, Newquay is a little slice of paradise at home. Each beach offers something different, whether you are looking for somewhere for the whole family to play all day or somewhere to surf the impressive Atlantic waves, you will find it in Newquay. Weekly flights on Saturdays until September. flybe.com

BOURGAS WITH BALKAN From the 8km long Sunny Beach with its buzzing seaside promenade complete with bars, restaurants, water sports, aqua parks and fairground, to the UNESCO world heritage site of Old Nessebar with its 3000 years of history, Bulgaria’s golden Black Sea coast has something for everyone in the summer.

Great value for money is what Bulgaria does best, once again named as the best value for money resort in Europe in the 2018 Post Office Travel Money survey. You can still buy an evening meal for around £10 and pint of beer for under £1. Weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays until the end of July, and then Fridays until September. balkanholidays.com

SUMMER DESTINATIONS <

JERSEY WITH JERSEY TRAVEL

FARO WITH RYANAIR With its incredibly long beaches, friendly locals and lively nightlife, Faro is one of the best places to get an introduction to Portugal's seaside playground, the Algarve. Whatever time of year you book flights to Faro you can be guaranteed some of the warmest weather in Europe.

Explore the Algarve’s beautiful old towns or catch a boat to the Rio Formosa nature reserve, a lagoon that stretches into Spain and is perfect for flamingo spotting. Whether you want to sip cocktails at sunset, rent a kayak in the National Park, walk the walled Cidada Velha, or discover the weird and wonderful Capela dos Ossos (The Chapel of the Bones), Faro is the perfect gateway to a holiday in the Algarve.

Weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays until October. ryanair.com

IBIZA WITH TUI Ibiza’s pretty towns – full of cream-coloured houses – have earned it the nickname of the White Isle. This Spanish island’s a hit with families and couples alike, thanks to its beaches, the cobblestone old town, and its nightlife. The flight time from Aberdeen is approximately three hours, making it an easy choice for a short break. Plus, the Mediterranean climate means you can expect scorching summers and mild winters. Weekly flights on Wednesdays until October. tui.co.uk

Jersey: An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle the coast and feed the land. An island that's small on size, but big on personality, where country lanes open to cliff top views and the sea is never more than ten minutes away. An island of rediscovery, packed with activities to experience and explore. From beach walks and coastal driving routes to memorable food experiences overlooking the sea, summer holidays in the fresh salt air and boat trips with stunning views, live Jersey’s island life to the full.

Enjoy #theislandbreak this summer! Weekly flights on Saturdays until September. jerseytravel.com/abz

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> MANCHESTER

a bee-line for... e k a M Party

This year Manchester celebrates more than 40 years of their Caribbean Carnival in August, which this year is themed ‘Windrush Bacchanal’ and is held in the city’s Alexandra Park. Expect huge headgear, two parades, steel drums and lots of live entertainment and Caribbean street eats.

Award-winning Manchester Pride Festival takes place over four days in August, celebrating LGBT+ life with a parade, candlelit vigil and the Superbia Weekend, which is a dry celebration, focusing on wellbeing.

SPICEUP is a touring exhibition of all things Spice Girls at Manchester Central from 24 August to 5 September.

Discover

From this year until 2020, the city is marking the Suffragette Centenary with Radical Manchester. There will be events and exhibitions in lots of city venues including the Pankhurst Centre (home of Emmeline Pankhurst who was born in Moss Side), and a themed garden in at the RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park 18-22 July. Fans of the Wild in Art citywide public art trails should take note, Bee in the City takes a familiar striped fellow from the coat of arms and sees 85 two metre high bees

JODIE SILVERMAN BEE IN THE CITY ©David Oates

Search for what to do in Manchester and your mind will quite literally be blown.

This multi-coloured city has space dust in its veins, carnival in its soul and a kaleidoscopic imagination. In the words of Oasis, just one of Manchester’s incredible line-up of successful bands, we are madferit.

STOCK EXCHANGE BUILDING ©iStockPhoto/kellingo

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37

MANCHESTER <

Stay

Former Manchester United football giants Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville have redeveloped the Edwardian Baroque style Stock Exchange into a boutique hotel with two exciting new eating spaces with wunderkind chef Michael O’Hare at the stove: The Man Who Fell to Earth is in a grand Parisian ballroom style with food to match, while Our Friends Electric is the more casual sibling with rooftop dining and a chance to watch the chefs plating up. Cow Hollow Hotel has suites in the hipster Northern Quarter combining hi-tech with colonial Victorian majesty, expect complimentary evening champagne and an antipasti cart; while Roomzzz Manchester offers aparthotel living with access to 14 restaurants within the old Corn Exchange building.

Eat

The Mackie Mayor market building has been resurrected and repurposed into a home for the incoming tide of superb street food vendors including Tender Cow, Baohouse, Wolfhouse Kitchen,

Nationale 7 and Black Jack Brewery.

The Real Junk Food Project offers pay-as-you-feel meals made using quality assured food that would otherwise be wasted from a pop-up unit in Oxford Street; and Hatch comprises repurposed shipping containers with a rotating line-up of indy traders every 12 weeks under the famous Mancunian flyover.

The vegetarian movement has its roots in Greater Manchester and the city is showing its groundbreaking credentials by holding #PlantPoweredSundays, UK’s first all vegan weekly street food festival. Also entirely vegan are dessert parlour Ice Shack and Zad’s pizzeria amongst a growing trend.

Drink

Do the Piccadilly-Victoria beer mile, sampling just a fraction of Manchester’s small brewery beers as you go; or make sure you’re around for the annual Beer and Cider Festival in January. For some golden glamour, make a bee-line for the Alchemist, a high velocity venue known as the ‘golden spaceship’ completed at the end of last year on Salford Quay, with an outdoor terrace looking over to Media City’s BBC and Coronation Street studios, as well as the Lowry and Imperial War Museums. Get out of the city with the East Lancashire Rail Trail, and explore some of the Irwell Valley’s most beautiful locations and real ale pubs with professional guides.

Trip

Manchester is within two hours of just about everywhere, and there is lots of scope for day trips from the city.

Head to Stockport for a 1930s art deco cinema and no menu concept restaurant Where the Light Gets In; or Stokeon-Trent for potteries, parks and nearby Alton Towers. Both the Lake District and Peak District are within reach, as are Blackpool, Chester, Sheffield, Liverpool and York.

Tour

Manchester Sightseeing Tours run trips to all of the aforementioned locations, using rail and bus travel.

Scranchester Food Tours are four hour food and drink experiences with eight scrumptious tastings and insights into the city’s foodie past and present.

BBC and CBBC Tours (for ages 6-11) are affordable and interactive, you even get to make your own news and weather bulletin. Manchester Music Tours bus you round places significant to The Smiths, Oasis and The Stone Roses to name but a few of the mighty names borne out of the city’s music scene; and there is also the thrilling sounding Gangs of Manchester Tour.

Do

Junkyard Golf has upped the crazy in golf with three 9-hole courses made out of scrapyard slides and binned bathtubs.

Under 18s can play before 7pm and afterwards there are cocktails and DJs. Manchester Three Rivers Gin Tours show you round their distillery, invite you to taste their perfect serve and then help you to create your very own bottle of gin.

No trip to a city so famous for football would be complete without a trip around the world famous National Football Museum, where you can test your skills and visit the Hall of Fame, then head to Old Trafford for a stadium tour.

Move

Even getting around is fun in this city, start with a trip on a WAXI or Manchester Water Taxi, introduced just last year to take advantage of the city’s waterways network. Take a trip on the East Lancashire Railway and watch the world go by, or be educated and entertained on a Manchester Taxi Tour. If you’re all about saving the planet, get the Mobike app and take advantage of the city’s bike sharing service.

Fly to Manchester with Flybe, up to six times daily. flybe.com

JHatch image ©Hatch Manchester Pride image ©Pride Mancherster

decorated by up and coming artists and placed around the city from 23 July to 23 September. Manchester was awarded UNESCO City of Literature status last year – find out why at the Literature Festival 5-21 October.

> ADVERTISEMENTS

FLY TO BALI

£599

FROM

38

RETURN FROM ABERDEEN

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Receive a £50 discount off your booking when you make a pre-arranged appointment at STA Travel. Offer can only be redeemed if the appointment is booked online and the offer is mentioned at the beginning of your consultation. A qualifying booking must contain a flight departing from the UK, and at least £500 of land product (for example tours, hotels, insurance, bus pass or campervan). One discount per booking. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other STA Travel promotion and has no cash value. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.

18/04/2018 13:53

ADVERTISMENTS <

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39

LOCAL FLAVOURS TAKE TIME OUT TO ENJOY THE

BANFFSHIRE COAST

Macduff

Competition

Every time I visit the northernmost coast of Aberdeenshire, it reminds me of the diversity of landscapes we have available to us for days out without leaving our very own shire.

Banff is a pretty town and the vista of a huge sweeping beach and dramatic Macduff across the bridge is quite unique. We visited on a gorgeous sunny day and found a warm welcome.

Banff

The Kelpie Café

When you discover the Kelpie Café, it feels like you have made the most extraordinary find. Set in the grounds of Banff Castle and accessed just off the main street, this social enterprise serves delicious homemade fare with a smile. There are tables outside (a rarity on the north coast), a raised sensory garden, a grass labyrinth, play area and stop-worthy views across to Macduff.

Baird’s Bistro

(above Baird’s Pharmacy) Taken over by an enthusiastic new team in February, this popular spot is accessed through the back of the

Win cake and coffee for two at Annie’s Cakery by answering this question:

Q: What is the name of the shop that Annie’s Cakery sits within?

To enter go to aberdeenairport.com/competitions Terms and Conditions apply

chemist’s, and is a light and airy space on the upper floor. Due an imminent revamp, the staff and cakes impressed us nonetheless. We tried a raspberry and mango sponge which was a revelation, and there are countless other homemade delights such as Biscoff cheesecake, and several varieties of soups and scones on daily.

Munch café

(above Strachan’s Pharmacy) Continuing a theme of tasty finds above chemist shops, the Munch Café sees a bustling regular trade for its tasty homemade menu and melt in the mouth scones (try the cheese and onion). A typical lunch menu is tattie soup, stovies and baked rice with

LOCAL FLAVOURS <

pears, and there were some serious cakes on display. An added bonus is the view out onto a small garden, which is somehow quite unexpected.

Granny Bakes

Chatting to proprietor Angela Wiseman, we discovered that in a lifetime of cooking, her most memorable experience was cooking for holidaymakers staying at the Bird Observatory on Fair Isle. Now she champions the FODMAP diet in this tiny bakery, making bread and other gluten products using a long and slow process. She makes gorgeous macarons, from orange and mango to strawberry and balsamic, brownies, shortbread, and loads of other goodies, and is planning to launch a takeaway cream tea service in the near future.

She is also proud to use only Scottish grains in her baking, including spelt from a local farm.

Duff House Tea Room

Just walking up to Duff House makes you want to get married so you can stand on that magnificent staircase for your photos. Inside there is a spacious tea room decked out in purple and gold with some lovely comfy seats and a timeline of the house’s history on the wall. We had tasty homemade soup, one of which is always Cullen Skink – my companion loved the huge chunks of fish in the local delicacy. They also have an impressive range of teas, including blood orange rooibos and elderflower and lemon.

Macduff

The Seafront Café

Driving across the bridge to Macduff you are drawn by the imposing skyline cast by the church and graveyard on the hill overlooking the working harbour town. The brightly painted Seafront Café has a fine range of soups, filled rolls and paninis and home bakes on offer for the lunchtime rush, plus a small seated section at the side.

Cornerstone Café

One of the must-visits in Macduff is the Aquarium, but after a trip round the tanks, the staff recommend all the places we visited including the Cornerstone Café just round the corner, a spotlessly clean eatery with daily changing specials, all day breakfast and a particularly fine apple pie and cream.

Annie’s Cakery

If you want views, Annie’s has them in spades. Located within the Platform shop on the hill above Macduff, you can indulge in a mouthwatering array of cakeage whilst spotting a dolphin or two. They make their own jams and curds, offer a takeaway afternoon tea service and make extremely popular celebration cakes as well as adorable macaron wedding favours. If I just say two more words, they would have to be ‘popcorn cheesecake’. You’re welcome.

ANNIE'S CAKERY

Just outside

Boyndie Visitor Centre

Just minutes outside Banff on the road to Portsoy, there is an absolutely delightful detour you must make. The Boyndie Visitor Centre is open all year from Wednesday to Sunday and houses a large restaurant with stacks of locally sourced and homemade produce; surrounded by a lovely garden with plant sales and wooden products such as bird boxes and planters; as well as woodland walks to the Boyndie Wind Turbines. The centre is run for adults with learning difficulties and has a welcome that is hard to beat.

Eden Watermill Five minutes outside Banff on the A947 is the Eden Watermill, open Thursday to Monday and offering a lovely rural setting for your fly cup. On chilly days they have a woodburner, or during the summer you can sit out on the deck of this lovely wooden building, enjoying the homemade fare including scones and home bakes. There is also a range of craft items, some of which are made on the premises.

BOYNDIE VISITOR CENTRE

DUFF HOUSE TEAROOM

BAIRD'S BISTRO

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42

> WHAT'S ON

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on?

JULY

Antwerp Baroque 2018: Rubens Inspires Antwerp, Belgium Until Feb 2019 * Wednesday Midnight Swims Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Aberdeenshire 11 Jul-15 Aug Stonehaven Highland Games Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 15 Sarah Millican: Control Enthusiast HMT, Aberdeen 19-21 Peterhead Scottish Week Peterhead, Aberdeenshire 21-29 Denis Law Corporate 7S Football Tournament ASV, Aberdeen 25** Banchory Agricultural Show Banchory, Aberdeenshire 28 Little Mix Outdoors AECC, Aberdeen 28

AUGUST Sessions Beer Festival Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen 3-5 Banchory Beer Festival Banchory, Aberdeenshire 10-12 Jersey Boys HMT, Aberdeen 14-23 Manchester Pride Festival Manchester 24-27* Techfest Various Venues, Aberdeen 25-Sep 22 BRG Coastal Challenge Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire 25 RHSA Summer Show Duthie Park, Aberdeen 25-26 Simply Health Great Aberdeen Run Aberdeen 26

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*Airport destinations **Business

SEPTEMBER

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WHAT'S ON <

1 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Orlando, Florida* 1 Braemar Gathering Aberdeenshire 8-16 North East Open Studios (Neos) Various Venues Aberdeenshire 14-15 G2Gin Festival Trinity Hall, Aberdeen 15-16 Aberdeenshire Doors Open Days Various Venues, Aberdeenshire 20-23 True North Festival Various Venues, Aberdeen 27 Northern Star Business Awards Aberdeen** 28-30 Tarland Food & Music Festival Tarland, Aberdeenshire

OCTOBER

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4 Reginald D Hunter Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen 4-13 Aberdeen Comedy Festival Various Venues, Aberdeen 6-7 Drum Castle Craft & Food Fair Meet The Makers Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire 11-27 Dancelive Festival Various Venues, Aberdeen 16-20 Evita HMT, Aberdeen 21 The Tina Turner Experience Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen 24 Oct-3 Nov Sound Festival Various Venues, Aberdeen 27 The Illuminator Night Trail Race Aboyne, Aberdeenshire

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spirit

> GIN DISTILLERIES

of the North-east

Gin is no longer associated with expats and the ruin of mothers, in fact this very humble spirit has had a stratospheric rise to mass popularity in recent years, challenging even whiskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fame here in the North-east of Scotland.

WELCOME <

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nter a speciality drinks emporium and you will be greeted by rows of gin bottles, some of them small batch, handmade, artisanal items lovingly created by one or two passionate gin lovers, some of them with an international market and an operation to match. As we discover that 70% of gin consumed in the U.K is made in Scotland in upwards of 20 distilleries, and counting, we take a look at just a few of the gins being made here on our doorstep.

keeping it local. They say, ‘Esker is best over ice with a good tonic and a twist of orange, but it can also be enjoyed neat. Its smooth, luxurious taste profile gives a decadent character to any gin cocktail and delivers the quintessential martini’. eskerspirits.com

Raven Gin

One of the newest kids on the block, this spirit was dreamt up after a tour of Botanist Gin at the Bruichladdich Distillery in Islay. Brothers Callum and Peter Sim took over a year to craft the final recipe of their slow-distilled gin which features classic juniper and spice with the unexpected addition of mandarin. The intriguing name and design comes from Callum’s lifelong interest in Norse Mythology, in particular the two ravens of Odin, who were called Huginn and Muninn which translated means Thought and Memory. Peter describes what he refers to as a journey of taste, ‘It starts with the classic juniper that soon melds into a deep and intense taste of mandarin, before ending in a warm spice wrap that finishes with a peppery firecracker’. ravengin.com

Esker Gin

This multi-award winning gin distillery is based in Royal Deeside, which is also where their ‘secret’ ingredient and USP also comes from. Owners Steve and Lynne Duthie who started Esker in 2015, get the Scottish birch sap that they use in their gin from the estate where the spirit is produced, challenging traditional botanicals and gin recipes and most definitely

Teasmith Gin

The husband and wife team behind this Aberdeenshire gin have chosen the area’s historical links with the tea trade as their ‘ginspiration’. When they discovered that a local young man named James Taylor grew the very first tea plantation in British Ceylon, they sourced a special hand-picked and handrolled tea from the Amba Estate in Sri Lanka, which they distil their spirit with. Finalists in three categories at the 2018 Scottish Gin Awards, they had this to say about the gin’s unique taste. ‘When distilled, the tea provides fabulous citrus notes of blood orange along with a minty sweetness. These flavours are paired with classic gin botanicals such as juniper, coriander seed and dried orange peel to create a smooth and fresh juniper-led gin with a citrusy lingering sweetness.’ teasmithgin.com

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Eenoo Gin

This gin comes from the Lost Loch Distillery at the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The word eeNoo comes from the old Scots tongue, and means ‘just now’, reflecting the current whirlwind of interest in gin. This spirit is distilled with Royal Deeside honey, which has a flavour profile unique to the local area, made up of heather, willow herb and clover pollen. They forage for some of the brambles, raspberries and rosehip from the Deeside area and water from an ancient spring in the Cairngorms National Park is added to the mix, making this gin connected to the countryside in more ways than one. lostlochdistillery.com

Indian Summer Gin

Huntly-based Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has its own saffron-infused gin called Indian Summer Gin. The flavour comes from botanicals including almonds, coriander seed, lemon and orange peel and is said to evoke the feel of an Indian summer. They suggest drinking it as a classic G&T with ice and lemon or lime or add it as a cocktail ingredient. indian-summer.com

Granite North Gin

Founder and head distiller Sandy Matheson always enjoyed the old Highland stories that he heard as a child. It was only later that he discovered the link between the tales of illicit stills hidden in the mountains and the distillers’ use of local ingredients to create a drink that was a forerunner to today’s modern gin. A keen hillwalker, Sandy has always been inspired by the dramatic landscape of the Cairngorms and the idea to create his own gin came to him while climbing Braeriach in the heart of the Cairngorms.

Ingredients include grapefruit, lemon, bayleaf and grand fir needles. granitenorthgin.com

Natalie Reid, founding partner of The Gin Co-operative based in Oyne, Aberdeenshire believes the rise in popularity hasn’t peaked. ‘People talk about a gin ‘bubble’, but we’re not seeing any sign of the demand slowing down. Scottish gin is an exciting sphere to be involved in and there is a real concentration of independent producers here in the North-east’. The Gin Co-operative has created a map of Scottish gins and a bottle poster to download from their website so you can cross off each one when you’ve tried it! thegincooperative.com

competition in here too.

Competition

Win a bottle of Raven Gin Q: Who did the ravens belong to?

To enter go to aberdeenairport.com/competitions Terms and Conditions apply

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> LOCAL

10 Unusual Things TO DO IN ABERDEENSHIRE

See a pyramid Walk amongst the forests of the Balmoral Estate to visit the cairns erected by Queen Victoria. These were mostly built for her family members, often to celebrate a marriage, but the most impressive one is a huge granite pyramid, built to commemorate the death of her husband Albert. Make sure the current Royal Family aren’t in residence and you can walk right up to the impressive monument, testament to great love and skilled craftsmanship.

The inscription reads, ‘To the beloved memory of Albert the great and good, Prince Consort. Erected by his broken hearted widow Victoria R 21 August 1862.’

Swim outdoors from May to September Enjoy the warm water in Stonehaven’s open air art deco pool. The historic lido is heated to 29˚C all summer long, making it balmier than the Mediterranean! Check the website for

all sorts of water-based fun, including aqua Zumba, midnight discos and an aqua ceilidh. stonehavenoutdoorpool.co.uk Visit Scotland’s Alcatraz Get a taste of life inside one of Scotland’s bleakest prisons from the Victorian era to the present day.

Fascinating audio tours lead visitors around HM Convict Prison Peterhead Museum, showcasing what life was like for both prisoner and inmate in the former jail. Visit ‘Gentle’ Johnny Ramensky’s cell, a war hero and safe breaker who gained celebrity status after escaping the jail five times; and relive the SAS siege to free veteran warder Jackie Stuart in 1987. Watch out for special events such as the petrifyingly atmospheric Halloween tours. peterheadprisonmuseum.com Visit a pumpkin farm Udny Pumpkins is a family run pumpkin

patch near the village of Udny Green in Aberdeenshire, about nine miles north of Aberdeen. Visitors are encouraged to grow and harvest their own pumpkin whilst spending time with the family’s sheep, lambs, turkeys and a flock of hens and ducks. There are also four pigs who prepare the pumpkin field. There are bales to play on, fields to run in and a colouring competition.

See great balls of fire Every Hogmanay in the town of Stonehaven just before midnight, about 45 strong locals walk through the streets whirling huge fireballs around their heads, behind a lone piper playing Scotland the Brave.

The spectacle, which is watched by upwards of 12,000 people, ends at the harbour when the fiery balls are thrown into the sea.

See a salmon leap At the Falls of Feugh just outside Banchory, salmon can be seen leaping

All images © Visit Aberdeenshire Peterhead image © Peterhead Prision Museum

LOCAL <

up the apparently unscalable rocks, amidst an often raging torrent, compelled by instinct to return to their spawning grounds further up the river.

The best times to see the mighty fish are September to November (winter run) and February to March (spring run), but visitors often catch a glimpse outside these times.

Visit a fairytale castle In the middle of the farming countryside around Alford, there is the most enchanting turreted pink castle that would look at home in any Disney princess movie. In fact Craigievar is said to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Check the website for opening times and tours in a castle that has no artificial lighting above the ground floor, set in beautiful gardens with woodland trails. www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/ craigievar Scramble inside an Ice Age pothole The Burn O’Vat on the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve is a 13 metre deep granite hole scoured out during the Ice Age. Wander along tranquil pathways in a beautiful nature reserve until you come upon a narrow gap above a stream full

of rocks. Squeeze through and you will find yourself at the bottom of a steep stone-sided cauldron, surrounded by dripping water and giant ferns.

Remember wellies if it’s been raining.

Break a record (or just eat a scone…)

The Dinnie Stones are two giant boulders that sit outside the Potarch Café and Restaurant between Aboyne and Banchory in Aberdeenshire. The stones weigh 144.47kg and 188.02kg and in 1860 legendary Scottish strongman Donald Dinnie famously carried them both with his bare hands across the width of nearby Potarch Bridge - a distance of more than 17ft (5m). Recently James Crossley, who was Hunter in the 90s series Gladiators managed to lift the stones for

34.58 seconds, creating a new world record – fancy giving it a go next time you drop in for a scone?

Spot a gannet RSPB Troup Head is the only gannet colony on mainland Scotland, and therefore one of the best places to see these magnificent birds nesting and diving for food. Northern gannets are the largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, with a wingspan of up to 2m and able to dive from a height of 30m, achieving speeds of 100 kilometres per hour as they strike the water, enabling them to catch fish much deeper than most airborne birds.

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> BEAT CONTENTS GOES ON

Janet Camilleri, Blue Grotto Caves, Malta

Jiro Mukai, Tokyo, Japan

Warren Pratt, Nicaragua

Jonathan Graham, Mozambique

Cromar Collie, Kerala, India

to spend at World Duty Free, at Aberdeen International Airport.

See how far and wide you can take your copy of upBEAT - go on, be creative!

Send your photo to ABZupbeat@aiairport.com. Please submit high resolution images, at least 1MB in size at 300dpi print resolution.

See the winning picture in the Autumn 2018 upBEAT - it could be yours!

(Deadline: 21st September 2018).

Ron McConnachie, Space Museum, St Petersburg, Russia Judith Jordan, Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus Kate Ellison, Javea, Spain

BOOKS <

Sizzling Summer Reads Summer Reads by WHSmith

For Kids

For Him

For Her

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your bookshelf, 10 more horrendously hilarious stories about the absolute worst children ever! From tenyear old Hank and his endless pranks on his poor, long-suffering family, to Tandy and her titanic tantrums – this brand new collection is the perfect companion to the World’s Worst Children books 1 and 2 and an ideal gift for the worst children in your life!

A road that leads to murder…

‘Myself and Hugh… we’re taking a break.’

‘A city-with-fancy-food sort of break?’

If only. Amy's husband Hugh says he isn't leaving her.

David Walliams, World’s Worst Children 3

This compendium of catastrophically horrid boys and girls is brought to you by the phenomenal number-one bestseller David Walliams, and every story is illustrated in glorious and gruesome colour by the artistic genius Tony Ross.

Stuart MacBride, The Blood Road

Logan McRae’s personal history is hardly squeaky clean, but now that he works for Professional Standards he’s policing his fellow officers.

When Detective Inspector Bell turns up dead in the driver’s seat of a crashed car it’s a shock to everyone. Because Bell died two years ago, they buried him. Or they thought they did.

As an investigation is launched into Bell’s stabbing, Logan digs into his past. Where has he been all this time? Why did he disappear? And what’s so important that he felt the need to come back from the dead?

But the deeper Logan digs, the more bones he uncovers – and there are people out there who’ll kill to keep those skeletons buried. If Logan can’t stop them, DI Bell won’t be the only one to die…

Marian Keyes, The Break

He still loves her, he's just taking a break - from their marriage, their children and, most of all, from their life together.

Six months in South-East Asia and nothing she says can stop him.

But when does a break become a break up?

For a lot can happen in six months. And it's enough to send Amy and her family of gossips, misfits and troublemakers teetering over the edge.

When Hugh returns, if he returns, will he be the same man she married?

Will Amy be the same woman?

Because if Hugh is on a break from their marriage, then isn't she?

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> CONTENTS Words by: Stevie Brown, VisitAberdeenshire

Your Scottish adventure awaits in

Aberdeenshire Scotland is known for its spectacular natural landscapes, glorious gastronomy, fascinating heritage and hospitable welcome. And yet as these words appear on the page, they seem to fall short of doing it justice. For it is Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to remain a place of discovery and adventure, allowing its people and visitors alike to stray far from the beaten track and experience something so unique, that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

CROVIE

All images Š Visit Aberdeenshire

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espite its size, Scotland’s plentiful cultural attractions can make a visitor’s choice of where to go and what to do when they arrive a difficult one. The attractions in the capital continue to be a major draw, with the likes of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile packed with visitors from around the world. In the Highlands, Loch Ness sees tour buses line the edge of the beautiful 22-milelong loch, as eager visitors hope to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the mythical monster said to live in its waters.

There is however a lesser-known cultural destination captivating visitors from around the world thanks to its authentic Scottish experience.

Aberdeen is quickly establishing itself as a cultural destination that can rival even the most established of visitor destinations. For decades Aberdeen was best known as a European energy hub, but now that infrastructure allows visitors to easily explore the region, from castles, coastline and mountains to city. It is the North-east’s compact and easily negotiated landscape which sets it apart from other Scottish destinations.

The British Royal family has been visiting Aberdeenshire for over 100 years as their summer holiday destination of choice. Located within the largest national park in the UK, the Royal Deeside area presents visitors with a backdrop of panoramic mountain views which reflect on the mirror-like lochs that lay

beneath them. It is little surprise that in a list of 20 of the most relaxing holiday destinations in the world by travel publication Rough Guides, the Cairngorm National Park ranks as one of the best.

Royal Deeside is a place that remains close to Prince Charles’s heart, and when storms damaged Ballater, a local village located just six miles from Balmoral Castle, the Prince wanted

to support the local community and opened a new restaurant and luxury gift shop to help rejuvenate the community. The result is a restaurant which in just a few years has been recognised as the North-east of Scotland Restaurant of the Year, and gained entry into the Michelin Guide.

Just over 40 miles east of Balmoral lies one of the last great coastlines in the world. A 165-mile-long strip which includes golden sandy beaches, hidden caves and rugged cliffs. Described by National Geographic as ‘one of the world’s outstanding coastlines’ thanks to its areas of natural beauty, featuring puffins, seals and dolphins, set against an unblemished backdrop of big skies and deep blue seas. Traditional fishing villages punctuate the coastline, built between the sea and cliffs. Take a step back in time at Crovie village located on the Banffshire Coast area

of Aberdeenshire. Often regarded as the best preserved traditional fishing village in Europe, Crovie is perched between the base of a cliff and the sea, where there are no shops or roads in the village which consists of a single row of houses.

Perched on a cliff edge, overlooking the North Sea, the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle offers unrivalled panoramic coastal views. As

spectacular as this castle is, it’s just one of 263 in Aberdeenshire, the home to the longest castle trail of anywhere in Europe. Each castle has its own unique story to tell, many of which have inspired some of the greatest stories ever told in films, books and legends.

Less than 50 miles north of Dunnottar, Slains Castle near Cruden Bay on the east coast is said to have provided Bram Stoker with the inspiration to write the iconic horror story Dracula, with experts confirming the floor plans of the ruined castle exactly match the description of Dracula’s lair.

The Aberdeen region is an authentic Scottish experience made personal, where you have the freedom to experience the place as you want to see it. From breath-taking panoramic vistas, to reliving selfies taken with highland cows, or that moment you tasted haggis for the first time. It’s a place that allows you to explore and discover Scotland in your way, and one you will never forget.

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> CONTENTS

01 02 ABZ Celebrates 01 The World Duty Free team celebrates at the airport’s biggest party of the year.

02 The 'Team of the Year' celebrates their collective award for their hard work relating to the royal opening of the new terminal extension.

03 Security and World Duty Free colleagues enjoyed the night.

04 The team from Sixt toast success at ABZ Celebrates.

05 Westhill Academy pupils gear up for a trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas.

06 Deeside Rugby Club Under 14s and Under 15s (13) on their way to Martignas in South West France via Amsterdam. Martignas-sur-valle is twinned with Aboyne and the lads played a rematch after hosting the French side last year.

07 Security Officer Lowri Cameron fulfilled a dream and long-time goal of completing the London Marathon in April and raised a significant amount of money for the MS Society. Lowri completed the race in memory of her mum.

08 Stonehaven Youth Girls Under 13s Football team in their kits funded by the Airport’s Community Fund.

09 Graham Moar, Airside Operations Supervisor, completed the ‘Devil O Deeside’ challenge where he tackled a 5K, 10K, 15 mile trail race and duathlon, which included a 6K run, 16k bike and then a 5K run – all over one weekend!

10 Members of the Scottish National Kettlebell Sport team passed through the terminal as they prepared for the World Championships in Milan.

11 Guide Dogs in training Queenie, Jaco and Rupert were given familiarisation of the airport environment by their owners.

12 Noel Gallagher drops by the Northern Lights Executive Lounge.

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# W A T C H B E Y O N D # O N N DD # W W A A T C H B E Y O # W A T C H B E Y O N D

BR 0 3 - 9 2 NIGH TLUM

www.bellross.com

BR 0 3 - 9 2 NIGH TLUM BR 0 3 - 9 2 N I G H T LU M BR 03-92 NIGHTLU M

www.bellross.com w w w. b e l l ro ss. co m

www.bellross.com

George Street, Aberdeen. Tel (01224) 636632

Free UK delivery or click and collect from 219-223 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HY. Tel: 01224 636632. www.finnies.com www.finnies.co.uk George Street, Aberdeen. Tel (01224) 636632

Free UK delivery or click and Open: collectMon,Tues,Wed,Fri,Sat from 219-223 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HY. Tel: 01224 636632. www.finnies.com 9-30am-5.30pm, Thurs 9-30am-7.00pm www.finnies.co.uk GeorgeStreet, Street, Aberdeen. Tel George Aberdeen.

Tel (01224) (01224)636632 636632 delivery click and collectfrom from219-223 219-223George George AB25 1HY. 636632. www.finnies.com FreeFree UKUK delivery or or click and collect Street, Aberdeen Aberdeen AB25 1HY.Tel: Tel:01224 01224 636632. www.finnies.com www.finnies.co.uk Open: Mon,Tues,Wed,Fri,Sat 9-30am-5.30pm, Thurs 9-30am-7.00pm www.finnies.co.uk Open:Mon,Tues,Wed,Fri,Sat Mon,Tues,Wed,Fri,Sat 9-30am-5.30pm, 9-30am-5.30pm, Thurs Open: Thurs9-30am-7.00pm 9-30am-7.00pm