Aberdeen International Airport upBEAT Magazine Autumn 2017

PEOPLE / TRAVEL / CULTURE / REVIEWS / BUSINESS / SHOPPING

> Shetland Midnight sun & winter fire

> Frightful Aberdeen

Spine-tingling suggestions

> Where shall we go this winter?

Four special winter destinations

> Bourgas

Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast

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Shetlands gems Celebrating Up Helly Aa!

Great ďŹ&#x201A;ight.

Great connection.

Great business.

From Aberdeen to all over the world

LH.com

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Successful meetings start with a relaxed mind. Begin your journey in the knowledge that with Lufthansa you can rely on perfect service, on time performance and stress free transfers. We take care of you and make sure you arrive relaxed for your meeting at any of our over 200 worldwide destinations from Aberdeen via our Frankfurt hub.

HIT THE SLOPES Fly from Aberdeen to Geneva twice a week from December

geneva

ÂŁ32 from

Travel to 24.3.18. Correct at 7.9.17. Credit card fees apply.

.99 one way pp two flying*

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> CONTENTS

CONTENTS

44

07

BUSINESS

07 Carol’s Viewpoint 08 Airport News 11 Terminal Transformation 20 VisitAberdeenshire update

20 12

PEOPLE

© Andrew J. Shearer - www.andrewjshearer.co.uk

12 VIP opening – Royal Seal of Approval 30 Chloe’s on the Move 38 ABZ Adventurers 40 Local Flavours – Fresh Mex 53 Hidden Disabilities with Fraser Bain

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TRAVEL

16 Shetland – Midnight sun and Winter fire 24 Bourgas – Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast 34 Connecting you to the world 36 Head for the sun 44 Winter is coming: where shall we go?

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COMPETITIONS & VOUCHERS

24 £25 off Balkan Holidays 50 The Beat Goes on

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SHOPPING

32 Let’s get Festive – fill your

stocking before you fly

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WELCOME <

EDITOR’S INTRO Welcome to the latest edition of upBeat, Aberdeen International Airport’s Magazine

how little a holiday in bulgaria can set you back...

We’ve looked at the secrets and traditions of Up Helly Aa, that blazing celebration that takes place at the end of January in the northernmost point of Scotland, the Shetland Isles (and a special mention to Andrew J. Shearer for his beautiful images); while a piece on Frightful Aberdeen is full of some of Aberdeen’s darkest moments, thrilling tales and ghostly events. Our retailers showcase some of their festive gift ideas, and a local volunteer taste tests Fresh Mex at the Adams Lounge.

holiday in Bulgaria can set you back, and Airport Duty Manager Fraser Bain explains why he’s so passionate about the Hidden Disabilities lanyard scheme.

Finally, we had a very special visitor in to officially open the Terminal Transformation!

© Newsline Media

In this upBEAT we are well and truly embracing the shortening days and looking forward to the change of season, but still with an eye on holiday destinations for next year.

We’ve chosen some of our favourite winter destinations as well as having a real look at how little a

Editorial JAN LEATHAM info@janleatham.co.uk Sales & Marketing CLARE FINDLAY clare@trendmagazine.co.uk Design LISA THOMPSON lisa@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 Media

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 (Oct 2017).

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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 NEW: Service 16 7 days a week service to Guild Street in central Aberdeen. Details at firstgroup.com or call +44 (0) 870 200 22 33

> 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

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.

Forbidden anywhere on board

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

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 & belts must be removed. > Laptops & mobiles to be presented separately.

Sharps: No blades over 6cm

100ml max: Liquids, gels & pastes

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.

AIRLINES & TOUR OPERATORS AER LINGUS AIR BALTIC AIR FRANCE AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS BALKAN HOLIDAYS BMI REGIONAL BRITISH AIRWAYS EASTERN AIRWAYS EASYJET FIRST CHOICE FLYBE ICELANDAIR JERSEY TRAVEL KLM LOGANAIR LUFTHANSA RYANAIR SAS TUI WIDERÃ&#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 icelandair.co.uk jerseytravel.com klm.com loganair.co.uk lufthansa.com ryanair.com flysas.com tui.co.uk wideroe.no/en wizzair.com

Carol’s

CAROLS WELCOME VEWPOINT <<

© Newsline Media

VIEWPOINT

W

e’re now heading into the winter months and on towards 2018, it’s great for me to be able to reflect and look back on our year so far. We have had cause for celebration, as we opened our terminal extension which forms the first phase of our three year transformation project. As the Aberdeen region looks to grow and diversify, and maintain the city’s position on the global stage, our improvements are designed to support the key role that the local airport plays in ensuring the easy access into and out of our city.

One topic that is often at the forefront of our passengers’ minds is how we manage our route network, and attract the airlines to fly to destinations that people in our region would like to be able to reach from their local airport.

Our Route Development team work diligently with existing and potential new airlines to ensure that we can offer the best choice of direct services to the most demanded destinations required. With a fairly modest population, or catchment area in our region (approx. 576k people living within a one hour drive of the airport), when compared to other major cities, we also cannot underestimate the

high importance of hub airports like Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt, in ensuring that people can get to most worldwide destinations with only one change. Business travellers in particular desire the flexibility which is offered by these hub connections which offer the opportunity to easily change travel plans, with most hub airlines operating several times per day.

In recent times, we have had a particular focus on leisure and sunshine routes, as we strive to increase our choice of holiday destinations that are available. However, during the last two years, we have also strived to retain our existing routes during a period of reduced load factors and yield for the airlines.

The cost and risk associated with the launch of a new route is high for airlines, and they therefore seek strong evidence of demand data, to support our claim that they will regularly see strong seat occupancy on every flight. Some low cost airlines cite required load factors of over 90% for a route to be deemed successful. We conduct passenger surveys routinely in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority to substantiate any business case which we present to an airline on a proposal for either a new

route, or to increase schedules for an existing route. This survey data shows how passengers currently reach their destination of choice, whether it is by using an indirect route from Aberdeen via a hub airport such as Heathrow or Amsterdam, or by making the three hour drive to Edinburgh or Glasgow, which we term as leakage, and calculates an estimated annual demand from our region, using postcode information.

Despite the challenges associated with developing the route network, we are proud to have an incredibly diverse choice of airlines here at AIA with 18 airlines and tour operators serving up to 50 direct destinations, giving Aberdeen passengers excellent connectivity to the rest of the world.

In the last few years we have had success with our ever-expanding international route network. We have introduced new services to Alicante, Faro, Malaga, Malta, Riga, Geneva, Gdansk, Warsaw and Reykjavik, Gran Canaria, Reus, Corfu, and Bourgas, which depending on demand are either yearround or seasonal. More destinations than most people appreciate, but we are always keen to understand which other routes are missing from our wish-list.

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> AIRPORT NEWS

Eastern Airways routes are now bookable through flybe.com Eastern Airways’ new alliance with Flybe will see all of its Aberdeen services adopt BE flight codes from 29 October 2017. Under the franchise partnership, Eastern Airways will operate its scheduled route network under the Flybe brand, further enhancing Flybe’s network from Aberdeen. Separately, Eastern Airways has provided four aircraft enabling Flybe to provide a continuation of its branded services on six existing Scottish routes, which includes Aberdeen – Sumburgh and Aberdeen – Kirkwall. Book now at flybe.com

Ryanair announce new route for 2018 We are delighted to announce that from March 2018, Aberdeen passengers will be able to fly direct to popular holiday destination Malta with Ryanair. The low cost airline announced the route launch in September with tickets going on sale later that month.

The new central Mediterranean route is the fourth scheduled service to be

Phase 1 arrived!

On 14 July our brand new domestic arrivals baggage reclaim hall opened to passengers for the first time as the last element of our new extension building to open. The new extension has added 50% additional space to the whole terminal building and accommodates our new Immigration, International Arrivals & Domestic Arrivals facilities, as well as our new Northern Lights Executive Lounge. The opening of these

state-of-the-art facilities has allowed our projects team to get underway with construction of phase 2 of our transformation project. Our new extension building was officially opened

by HRH the Duchess of Rothesay on 4 October. Turn to page 12 to read about our official opening. Find out more about our transformation project at aberdeenairport.com/ transformation

launched by Ryanair since returning to Aberdeen in early 2017. The Malta route joins the popular summer route to Faro, and all-year-round routes Malaga and Alicante. Take a look at our destination guides at aberdeenairport.com/destinations or turn to page 36 for our Head to the Sun feature.

AIRPORT NEWS <

Wizz Air add capacity for 2018

Thomson Holidays are changing to TUI Thomson Holidays have announced that from Autumn 2017 they will be operating under the TUI brand. The package holiday operator will still offer the same great quality holidays and services while bringing in their own, TUI branded, aircraft to Aberdeen

from 2018. This increases the number of seats they will be offering on their TUI routes including newly announced Bourgas and Reus. You can book your summer 2018 TUI holidays at tui.co.uk

Loganair launch new route to Durham Tees Valley Scotland’s local airline, Loganair, announced earlier this year that from September they would be flying solo from their franchise partners Flybe.

The airline are continuing to offer their Kirkwall and Sumburgh services as well as launching an all new route to Durham Tees Valley which offers passengers additional connectivity on to Norwich. The new Loganair fleet certainly can’t be missed with their new tartan tail fins brightening up the North-east skies. Available for booking now at loganair.co.uk

Low cost airline Wizz Air have announced they will be increasing their aircraft capacity on Aberdeen routes from November 2017.

Their Aberdeen to Gdansk route will benefit from increased seat capacity on larger aircraft, offering Aberdeen passengers more opportunities for great value city hopping. Visit wizzair.com

Aberdeen couple win ultimate air travel experience with AIA & Original 106 An Aberdeen couple were the lucky winners of our Original 106 radio competition. Nick Willox and his partner Nadeen Rose won two return tickets to London with easyjet, £100 World Duty Free vouchers, priority security and parking, £100 towards accommodation in London, and an annual Northern Lights Executive Lounge pass. Keep an eye out for future competitions at: Facebook. com/aberdeenairport.

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> CONTENTS

SCOT LOND Fly between Aberdeen and LONDON HEATHROW or LONDON CITY. We fly up to 3 times a day to London Heathrow, and up to 2 times a day to London City.

ABERDEEN

Book now at flybe.com

LONDON HEATHROW

LONDON CITY

flybe.com Subject to availability. Available for travel until 17.06.18. Please see flybe.com for full schedule details. Route information correct at the time of going to print. Flybe does not charge additional fees for the use of Debit Cards. Bookings made by American Express will incur a processing fee of 2.5% of the total transaction value. Bookings made with any other type of credit card or PayPal will incur a processing fee of 1%.

WELCOME <

Terminal Transformation Find out the latest on our Terminal Transformation Our new facility has now been in use since May, when the first international arriving passengers were welcomed by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, then the Northern Lights Executive Lounge opened at the beginning of July, followed by domestic baggage reclaim later that month. Her Royal Highness's visit was an opportunity for all involved in the construction and use of the new facilities to reflect on the part they have played in bringing this chapter of the airport's Terminal Transformation project to a successful conclusion.

Opening such a diverse range of facilities takes a real team effort and there isn't a single person at the airport who hasn't contributed in some way. From staff spreading the word throughout the city about the positive developments taking place at the

airport, to technicians shifting stock up and down stairs in preparation for the Lounge's opening morning, to baggage and ground handling agents becoming trained on new systems and procedures - everyone has played their part. For the airport, the official opening actually represents the beginning of the journey. While the new facilities are a marked improvement on what came before, they also enable wider enhancements across the rest of the terminal. With the construction of the second phase of the project now well underway, signs of this work are now apparent throughout the terminal.

Hoarding has now been erected to cover the space that was once occupied by International Arrivals, Customs and two airline lounges.

These areas have now been stripped

back to allow for the construction of our new central security area and World Duty Free retail space which will both open in 2018. Our central search will feature the latest automated equipment to speed passengers through into the new World Duty Free space, which will be double the size of the existing store, offering a number of exciting new brands.

Those travelling through the airport in the last few months may also have noticed that our old Special Assistance area has now been hoarded off, with the team being relocated to the other side of the terminal, near the Granite City Bar. We do ask our passengers to continue to be patient and understanding while these temporary hoardings are in place and construction is underway. We are committed to making any disruption during this construction period as minimal as possible for our passengers and we look forward to opening phase two of the transformation project in the coming months.

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> VIP OPENING

Official Opening

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL As I made my way to Aberdeen International Airport on Wednesday 4 October, I was delighted that the sun had decided to shine

I

was heading in for the much anticipated official opening event to mark the completion of Phase 1 of the airport’s ongoing major transformation. As Carol Benzie pointed out in a speech later in the day, this transformation project is part of the renaissance of the region, alongside other new developments such as the new exhibition centre, the AWPR and the new harbour. Making my way with other guests to the reception area, I was greeted by an animated robot, dancing to Justin Timberlake! Dubbed Abby Deen, the robot belongs to Ferrovial, one of the airport’s owners, and was certainly entertaining everyone she met.

After passing through security, we headed for the brand new Northern Lights Executive Lounge where I was able to meet the team behind the Terminal Transformation, representatives from airlines and partner companies, and the Lord Lieutenant’s team. This last piece will give you a clue as to the nature of the VIP – the Lord Lieutenant’s team always accompany a Royal visit, and we were all eagerly anticipating the arrival of Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay.

Her Royal Highness was keen to meet as many people individually as possible. She was lovely, very gracious and genuinely interested, engaging with everyone as we stood in front of the huge picture windows of the new lounge. Guests were then treated to a tour of the new facilities, including the International Arrivals hall, Border Control and Domestic

VIP OPENING <

HRH was keen to meet as many people individually as possible. She was lovely, very gracious and genuinely interested...

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> CONTENTS

VIP OPENING <

Baggage Reclaim, before making our way to the stainless steel plaque where we enjoyed the talents of local acoustic duo Ella Winter and Martin JJ Simpson, a nice touch as Martin is an employee at the airport.

The Duchess made a short speech saying how fond she is of this part of Scotland, and that Aberdeen ‘is her favourite airport’, then receiving a posy from Archie McLenan, age 7, Newmachar Primary School.

During her speech, HRH acknowledged the hard work that has already gone into the airport’s transformation project, noting that she was very much looking forward to seeing the next two phases come into fruition. In this, HRH is not alone as all at the airport and the wider region now look forward to the successful completion of the transformation project in 2019. HRH’s visit to Aberdeen International Airport was certainly a great celebration of, not just the physical expansion of the airport, but of brighter times ahead.

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© Visit Scotland

© Andrew J. Shearer - www.andrewjshearer.co.uk

16 > DOMESTIC

DOMESTIC <

THE SHETLAND ISLES... are Britain’s most northerly point, occupying the same latitude as Greenland and parts of Alaska. This intriguing archipelago is nearer to Bergen in Norway than it is to Aberdeen, a fact which is reflected in the celebration of Norse culture that is Up Helly Aa.

N

o ordinary festival, Up Helly Aa can trace its roots back to riotous brawling gangs of soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars to celebrate Yuletide and New Year. In its present form, with the figurehead of Guizer Jarl, the torchlight procession and the element of disguise ‘guizing’ dates back around 100 years.

The name ‘Up Helly Aa’ means Up Holy (Day) All, and is a general term that refers to all the fire festivals held throughout Shetland from January to March.

Much of the preparation for the main event in Lerwick is done in secret, from choosing the identity of the procession figurehead Guizer Jarl and which character from Norse legends he will represent; to the building of the sacrificial galley or longship, and the selecting of the Jarl’s 800 henchmen or ‘squads’. Shipwrights and carpenters start work in the Galley Shed in St. Sunniva Street as early as October, along with the making of more than 1,000 torches for the lit procession.

© Andrew J. Shearer - www.andrewjshearer.co.uk

For the Guizer Jarl and his squads it’s a long day, with marches and receptions and visits to schools, but the main event begins at 7.30pm when a signal rocket is fired, hundreds of torches are lit, the band strikes up and the blazing procession begins, headed by the Jarl at the helm of his doomed longship, followed by half a mile of Viking squads. When the longship reaches its destination, the torches are hurled into the galley, igniting four months of craftsmanship and prompting the assembled masses to accompany the awesome sight with a rendition of ‘A Norseman’s Home’.

Visitors can watch the morning march as well as the torch-lit procession and the galley burning as these are all public events, and there are some tickets available for the Town Hall party afterwards. If you aren’t lucky enough to get one of these, there are another eight fire festivals throughout the winter in various Shetland districts, from the Scalloway Fire Festival on 12 January to the Delting Up Helly Aa on 16 March.

© Andrew J. Shearer - www.andrewjshearer.co.uk

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> DOMESTIC

STUNNING SCENERY Shetland is made up of more than 100 islands and boasts nearly 1700 miles of coastline, studded with natural harbours, quiet beaches and dramatic cliffs. For memorable beach days head for St. Ninian’s Ayre which is a sand tombolo with both a north and a south beach; Meal Beach on West Burra for deep white sand and a safe paddling slope or Levenwick for rockpooling. Artists and photographers should make a point of visiting Norwick on the Isle of Unst and the dramatic sweep of Banna Minn.

ISLAND HOPPING There are 15 inhabited islands to explore either by car or bus, bicycle, boat or on foot; by yourself or with a guide. With an excellent inter-island ferry service, bus services and inter-island flights from Tingwall airport, plus bike hire shops in Lerwick and Unst, there is really no excuse not to experience as much island life as possible. Try the lovely Fair Isle of knitwear fame, which has a bird observatory with accommodation and a chance to accompany the bird wardens; head for Whalsay, otherwise known as the ‘bonnie isle’ for the most northerly game of golf in Britain; or marvel at the wildlife that abounds among the huge cliffs on Foula.

Images: © Visit Scotland

Unst is the most northerly inhabited island and was once home to the Saxa Vord RAF base and radar station. The base has been converted into a range of holiday options; from self-catering houses to a seasonal Sergeants’ Mess Hostel and restaurant. Saxa Vord is also home to several thriving businesses including Shetland Distillery Co., makers of Shetland Reel Gin which has a unique taste thanks to the

inclusion of apple mint from Unst Market Garden; Valhalla Brewery who are responsible for the hoppy local Simmer Dim ale, as well as Foords Chocolates and Unst Cycle Hire.

RICH IN HISTORY The islands are home to many fascinating historic and archaeological sites, including the virtually complete Broch of Mousa, the ruins of two castles from the 1500s, and Neolithic sites at Old Scatness and Jarslhof, the latter of which has a visitor centre and is open all year. There are also fabulous opportunities to dive at wreck sites around the islands, which also benefit from great visibility and rich marine life.

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND Shetland’s unspoilt landscape means you actually get a chance to get away from it all, and once you set foot on this memorable archipelago, the opportunities to be at one with nature are endless. Many roads are quiet and relatively flat, making cycling a pleasure.

Walking is also popular, with 19 Marilyns (hills of any height with a drop of more than 150ft on all sides) to be conquered, as well as fascinating geology, plant life and scenery. The shetland.org website has handy route finders to help you match your ability with the length and difficulty of your walk or cycle.

Yachts have unrestricted access to all the islands and visiting crews are welcome in weekly races at local clubs.

Surfers benefit from North Atlantic and North Sea swells, with the best sport being found in the south. Sea kayaking is a real treat, with endless stacks, arches and sheltered inlets to explore.

DOMESTIC <

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Local produce is a prized commodity on an island, and Shetland is no exception to this. From the two AA rosettes at the Scalloway Hotel to Frankieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fish and Chips on the shores of Busta Voe, island food businesses concentrate on freshness and seasonality. There are lots of small bakeries, several smokehouses, two breweries and a distillery, giving visitors plenty of chances to support the local economy whilst sampling delicious produce. How about a steaming dish of reestit mutton soup with bere meal bread after a day on the hills?

Daily flights to Shetland are available with Flybe and Loganair, for information visit: flybe.com loganair.com

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> LOCAL

Visit Aberdeen

Family-friendly Winter Fun

Christmas Village

WORDS BY: Stevie Brown | VisitAberdeenshire

A

s we approach the end of the year, like it or not, it seems our attention becomes fixated on one thing, Christmas. They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, which inspires colourful festive villages to pop up in cities around the world, where streets come alive with bright fairy lights, the sound of Christmas carols and the smell of hot mulled wine fill busy streets. But if you’re not quite ready to feel the festive cheer, then worry not, because as well as Santa and his reindeer, a magical world of spooks and great balls-of-fire swoop into the Aberdeen region this winter, and promises to provide an unforgettable experience for all of the family.

This Halloween weekend, experience a frightening tour of the Peterhead Prison Museum on selected dates from 25 to 31 October. If you’re brave enough, you’ll tour the prison cells that once harboured the North-east’s most dangerous criminals, and you may even encounter a ghost or two along the way.

From frightening spooks to a festive spectacular, Aberdeen city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland from Friday 17 November to Sunday 31 December, as the Christmas Village arrives on Broad Street and Marischal College, providing visitors with festive fairground rides, live entertainment, an outdoor ice rink and traditional market stall themed chalets. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a festive feast fit for a king, and the Aberdeenshire larder is regarded as one of the best in the world, so where better to get your all-important Christmas dinner ingredients than from the Belmont Street market. Bringing the finest local producers together in one place, providing everything from fish, meat and cheese to Scottish wines, ciders and craft beers. The market will be in place on the last Saturday of the month in October and November and every Saturday in December.

Jerry Lee Lewis called it ‘Great Balls of Fire’, in the North-east it’s called the Stonehaven Fireballs. It’s a tradition

Chrstmas Tree, Castlegate

Peterhead Prison Museum

LOCAL <

For more information and to see a full list of family friendly winter events, visit www.visitabdn.com, where you can plan your own unique winter trip by using the itinerary builder facility.

Images: Š Visit Aberdeenshire

thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over 150 years-old, and attracts visitors from around the world who make the trip to the north-east of Scotland to experience the unique celebration marking the start of the New Year. Every Hogmanay 45 local people line-up in Stonehaven town centre to swing handmade fireballs.

Constructed from a wire cage attached to a chain and filled with combustible materials, the swingers twirl their flaming beacons around their bodies and heads to ward off the evil spirits of the past year as they parade through the town. The spectacular fire show lasts for around 25 minutes, before the swingers finally throw their balls of flames into the sea. The parade reaches a spectacular climax with a fireworks display marking the completion of the ceremony.

AB DN

VisitAberdeenshire

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Fly to Bristol, Esbjerg, Norwich or Oslo.

Enjoy the convenience of our all-inclusive service. Stress free from check-in to landing.

With four great destinations direct from Aberdeen to choose from, bmi regional is the only airline to consider when booking your next flight.

Bags fly free

Complimentary drinks and snacks

30 Min Check in

Direct Flights

YOUR DIRECT CONNECTION FROM ABERDEEN AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE UP TO EVERY 10 MINUTES fREE fREE wI-fI wI-fI usb usb charging charging ports ports lIVE lIVE tRACKING tRACKING ON ON THE THE STAGECOACH STAGECOACH APP APP Plan your journey with the Stagecoach app or online at

> INTERNATIONAL

BULGARIA’S

BLACK SEA COAST Bourgas is a province and a city in south eastern Bulgaria on the reliably sunny Black Sea Coast, which stretches from Romania in the north to Turkey in the south. The coastline stretches for 378km, about a third of which is lined with golden sandy beaches. Bourgas airport is a transport hub for various seaside resorts such as Nessebar, Sozopol and Varna.

© Thinkstock/Klug Photo

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Bulgaria has retained its own currency whilst still being in the EU, and as a result the Post Office have officially awarded it the best value for money, European destination, for the fourth year running.

How great does this sound – a three course meal with wine for £10?!

WELCOME < INTERNATIONALL

“THE FOOD IS GOOD, WITH LOTS OF LOCAL DISHES, GREAT SEAFOOD AND BAKERIES EVERYWHERE”.

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> INTERNATIONAL CONTENTS

A few years ago we went to Nessebar for a week, having never heard anything about Bulgaria before.

We had an early morning flight from Aberdeen airport to Bourgas with a flight time of approximately 4 hours, and we arrived to glorious sunshine and a half hour trip to our hotel. Fig, cherry and avocado trees were all visible from our balcony, and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

We were in the new part of Nessebar, but less than a kilometre’s walk from the Old Town, over a thin manmade spit of land to what used to be a separate island, now guarded by a huge ancient wooden windmill. The Old Town is a designated World Heritage site, and there are also lots of little cobbled streets often with open air markets and music playing.

We went on a few organised trips whilst we were there, as we find them a great way to see a lot of the country in a short space of time. First we travelled to Jheravna and the Blue Mountains, where we went on a guided tour around a pretty working village, looking at local wool spinning and lace making. The highlight of the trip was getting the opportunity to float down the mountainside on a cable car that once belonged to a communist official’s holiday home. Another day we went on

a jeep safari into the hills just half an hour from Nessebar, led by some retired army guys in ancient Russian jeeps who knew the countryside incredibly well, naming plants, trees and birds as we trundled along over the bumpy terrain.

The food is good, with lots of local dishes, great seafood and bakeries everywhere. Some of our favourites were: shopska salad a tasty staple of Bulgarian menus with chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, parsley and sheep’s cheese; banitsa a baked pastry filled with egg, onion and potato and tzatza little fried whitebait served with fries. The overall flavour is a cross between Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisine – and cheap as chips!

The affordability of non-Euro Bulgaria extends to museum and art gallery entries, food and drink (particularly if you go off the beaten track) and souvenirs. Accommodation and transport are also very affordable, so you can add on a trip to the capital Sofia for a couple of days, or perhaps into the Rila Mountains, either by train, bus or internal flight.

Book now for Summer 2018 with: balkanholidays.com tui.co.uk

© Thinkstock/ WaffleBoo

INTERNATIONAL <

BOURGAS

SOFIA [

ONE HOUR FROM BOURGAS]

Sofia is under an hour’s flight from Bourgas, and a chance to visit another culture, from beautiful domed churches like St. Alexander Nersky Cathedral to fascinating museums such as the Museum of Socialist Art, where you can see all of the removed statues of Lenin along with old propaganda films.

Sofia has lots of affordable restaurants, and an upsurge of small craft and artisan shops and boutiques in the city centre, as well as the usual large malls.

© Thinkstock/valio84sl

© Shutterstock/Naskopi

Bourgas itself is a spacious university city with a pedestrianised centre, some of the best restaurants in the area and a relatively quiet beach. There is a beautiful Maritime Park, with a small zoo and open air theatre, miles of paths and great views of the sea. A bike share programme means you can check out a bike using a magnetic card whenever you need it. The city is also surrounded by the largest wetland system in Bulgaria, comprising four lakes which are home to more than 260 bird species.

DUNI

VARNA

Duni was designed as a stylish Austrianstyle vacation village, and now after renovation has several mini-complexes offering 3, 4 and 5 star accommodation whilst still showcasing the romance of the old way of life. The beach is 4.5km long and more than 100m wide at low tide, situated in a natural bay which is perfect for watersports, and surrounded by forests and natural parks.

£25 OFF

FROM BALKAN HOLIDAYS

Varna is a working city and Bulgaria’s main port. The centre has a Mediterranean feel with tree-lined avenues leading to a treasure trove of cafes and restaurants. Free walking tours around the city and be sure to visit the skeletons adorned with gold Thracian jewellery at the Archeaology Museum.

SOZOPOL Sozopol means town of refuge, and is a beautiful seaside town with a traditional fishing culture. Charming cobbled streets with old wooden houses and a bustling marina add to the lure of the lovely sweeping bay.

One hour from Bourgas.

You are entitled to £25 off your summer 2018 Balkan Holiday* when flying from Aberdeen International Airport, if booked before 30 November 2017. Once you have booked your holiday, phone RESERVATIONS at Balkan Holidays on 0207 543 5555, quote your booking reference and BHABZ25. *For summer 2018 package holidays only, excludes flight only or accommodation only bookings.

Not to be combined with other offers. e.g. 5% Loyalty Bonus, Free Child Places or Group Discount.

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> CONTENTS

Destinations > International

aberdeenairport.com/destinations

> Domestic

UNITED KINGDOM BULGARIA > BOURGAS Balkan Holidays, > BELFAST CITY Flybe TUI & First Choice > BIRMINGHAM Flybe > BRISTOL bmi regional DENMARK > CARDIFF Eastern Airways > COPENHAGEN SAS > DURHAM TEES VALLEY Eastern Airways, Loganair > ESBJERG bmi regional > HUMBERSIDE Eastern Airways FRANCE > JERSEY Jersey Holidays, Flybe > PARIS Air France > KIRKWALL Flybe & Loganair GERMANY > LEEDS BRADFORD Eastern Airways > FRANKFURT Lufthansa > LONDON CITY Flybe GREECE > LONDON GATWICK easyJet > CORFU TUI & First Choice > LONDON HEATHROW British Airways & Flybe ICELAND > LONDON LUTON easyJet > REYKJAVIK Icelandair > MANCHESTER Flybe IRELAND > NEWCASTLE Eastern Airways > DUBLIN Aer Lingus > NEWQUAY Flybe LATVIA > NORWICH bmi regional, Eastern Airways & Loganair > RIGA airBaltic > SOUTHAMPTON Eastern Airways & Flybe MALTA (New 2018) > STORNOWAY Eastern Airways > LUQA Ryanair > SUMBURGH Flybe & Loganair NETHERLANDS > WICK Eastern Airways > AMSTERDAM KLM NORWAY > BERGEN Eastern Airways, & Widerøe > OSLO bmi regional & SAS > STAVANGER Eastern Airways, SAS & Widerøe POLAND DUBLIN > GDAŃSK Wizz Air > WARSAW 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 At 1,750 acres, Phoenix Park TURKEY is twice the size of New York’s > DALAMAN TUI & First Choice Central Park. It’s also home to Dublin Zoo and the best Segway tours and concerts.

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

SALOU

ROLLERCOASTER IN EUROPE

The Red Force at brand new Ferrari Land is 367ft tall and reaches a terrifying 112mph.

Fly to nearby Reus direct from Aberdeen

Salou Image: © Thinkstock/TeodorStefanov

TALLEST FASTEST

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> TRAVEL CONTENTS DIARY

I

am an advocate of lone-travelling and, for me, nothing is more exciting (and admittedly sometimes terrifying) than getting on a plane and heading off on your own solo adventure. My first solo trip was in the form of a three month long volunteering project in Costa Rica, Central America. My first flight (of three that day) into LHR was perfectly timed for my connection to Miami. I remember my Miami to San José flight was amusingly empty – with just myself and two other backpack donned girls hopping aboard the dinky American Airlines aircraft. The extra connection kept the price down surprisingly low whilst also giving me a chance to stretch my legs, update my social media pages, and make ‘friends’ with a very nice Miami lady who had evidently taken pity on me wandering around the departure lounge alone. I avidly told her of my forthcoming adventure into the world of GVI, Global Vision International, a volunteering abroad organisation whose Costa Rican ‘Teach English’ project had jumped out and grabbed me.

Arriving into Costa Rica, I was met by my project leader who took me to our hostel for the night, where I was able to get a VERY quick sleep before heading out on a three day long excursion. The two teams based in Costa Rica were holding a fundraising ‘source to sea’ rafting and kayaking excursion and I had, somewhat naively, agreed to join them on my first morning after landing the night before. Within 24 hours of leaving my house I was sitting on a raft on the Pacuaré River in Costa Rica. The experience was incredible, the white water rafting was exhilarating and the day long kayak down calmer waters that followed was absolutely breath-taking. We took time to stop and jump off boulders into the rapids below; explore hidden waterfalls and mysterious ‘alien’ rocks that the forest had hidden away, and climbing out of our crafts we floated down the river, staring up at the tree-covered cliffs above. Possibly the highlight of this excursion, for me, was during my first night in our treetop base-camp, as I was taking

TRAVEL DIARY <

within 24 hours of me leaving my house I was sitting on a raft on the Pacuaré River

time to breathe in the reality of where I was and what I was doing, something caught my eye across the forest. I remember the involuntary gasp that escaped me as I watched the canopy glitter and come alive in almost an instant: fireflies! I sat and watched those fireflies dance around the night’s sky for I don’t know how long, absolutely awestruck with the reality of this incredible new situation that I found myself in.

For the next three months I worked on a project in a small island community called El Cocal in Quepos, near Manuel Antonio on the pacific coast. I was assigned a class, Grade 2, in which I was to stand as a teaching assistant and English teacher during the mornings, and then run lessons and activities for the local children throughout the afternoons. Our house was full of fellow volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, some of whom were only staying for two weeks, some had been

there for almost a year, and everyone in between. Our days were filled with teaching and playing with the children, with our evenings and weekends spent enjoying everything that Costa Rica had to offer. We’d head out on excursions to hidden waterfalls, local beaches, the ‘cloud forests’, and, to my delight, a visit to the sloth sanctuary (the sloths even have cuddly toys for nap time!).

Our local beach at Manuel Antonio was like something out of a film. The waves were perfect for surfing, swimming, snorkelling, or just floating around; the sand was soft and the beach never too crowded. My fellow volunteers and I were suddenly living the Pura Vida and, as we soon found out, the ‘pure life’ is pretty hard to shake. After returning back from my trip to Costa Rica it wasn’t long until I was day dreaming of my next trip. britishairways.com gvi.co.uk

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> RETAIL

Fitbit

All available at World Duty Free

Introducing Fitbit Ionic - the first health & fitness smartwatch that guides and coaches you to reach your goals with personalised insights and guided workouts, built-in GPS and continuous heart rate tracking. Stay motivated by storing and playing 300+ songs and get inspired by a global fitness community. Plus, get convenient access to popular apps, payments on your wrist, and a battery life of 4+ days.

GoPro

HERO6 Black transforms your adventures into incredible QuikStories right on your phone. With its all-new GP1 chip, next-level video stabilization and 2 x the performance, looking good has never been so easy.

Add voice control and a durable waterproof design, and HERO6 Black is the ultimate GoPro for sharing life as you live it.

All available at Dixons Travel

We beat online prices, so we continually check the prices of Amazon, John Lewis, Argos and Jessops to ensure we offer you the lowest price* Why not reserve before you fly? Call us on 01224 729102

RETAIL <

W

ith hundreds of gift ideas all under one roof, at World Duty Free you can complete your Christmas shopping whilst waiting for your flight! In store you’ll find everything from single malt whiskies, craft gins, and champagnes to fragrances, cosmetics and stunning Pandora jewellery – all with great savings against the average UK high street price.

Our beautiful fragrance gift sets are the same price as the individual bottle of fragrance. With hundreds of top name designer brands to choose from, you’re sure to find something to delight everyone on Christmas morning.

And if you’re worried about fitting all of this into your carry on luggage, why not take advantage of Aberdeen Airport’s fantastic Shop & Collect service. Your shopping can be securely stored for you to collect at Arrivals on your return journey (available only to those travelling within the EU). Ask in store for more details.

RESERVE & COLLECT Save precious time at the airport by reserving your shopping online. Browse thousands of products now at WorldDutyFree.com. Reserve online.

Collect before you fly.

This Christmas, drop into Joes for the ultimate cup of comfort! We’re brewing up indulgent gingerbread lattes and hot chocolate orange for a wonderful winter treat. And if you’re hungry, we’ve got a piping hot brie and cranberry panini for full festive immersion! Available from Joes Coffee House from 1 November 2017.

Bose

QuietComfort® 35 wireless headphones II are engineered with world-class noise cancellation. And now they’re even better.

With your Google Assistant built in, you can control music, send & receive texts, and get answers using just your voice.

Be free from wires by connecting to your devices with Bluetooth® and NFC pairing, and enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless listening per charge. *Find the product cheaper at Amazon, John Lewis, Argos and Jessops (Third party sellers excluded)and we’ll discount double the difference instantly at the till.

Applies to Apple products, tablets, laptops, cameras, mobile phones, all speakers and premium headphones (£100+). Excludes Black Friday promotions, Boxing day and membership only prices.

Celebrate the season with our sparkling pomegranate prosecco, a festive mix of prosecco, pomegranate syrup and real fruit gems. If you’re looking to fill up before the flight, we’ll also be offering a delicious turkey and bacon sandwich with winter slaw and mustard & parsley mayo, served with a side of chunky chips.

Find our full festive range at The Globe from 1 November 2017.

Meaty, smoky and piping hot , our pigs in blankets are an all-time Christmas favourite. Share this snack with your travel companions, or keep it all to yourself for just £5.95. And if you’re looking for some more festive flavours, treat yourself to our chicken burger topped with pigs in blankets and cranberry mayo. Available from The Kitchen from 1 November 2017.

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HONG KONG

WITH LUFTHANSA

Hong Kong is a big-city jungle on the South China Sea. Crowded, overwhelming, and intoxicating: these all apply to Hong Kong. A thicket of skyscrapers set against a jade-green sea and the odd rural village, and flanked by mountains, China’s cosmopolitan powerhouse is a place of jarring contradictions. At the same time, it’s a brilliant place to shop, it boasts incredible places to eat, among them the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, and it dissolves into organised, neon-lit chaos come nightfall. A visit to Hong Kong is one you certainly won’t forget in a hurry. Fly via Frankfurt. Book at LH.com

TORONTO

WITH ICELANDAIR

Toronto is Canada’s dynamic metropolis with soaring skyscrapers situated on the bank of Lake Ontario. Toronto has activities to suit everyone from the famous Niagara Falls to the iconic CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere. Designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, adventure-seeking visitors can now do an EdgeWalk around its outside ledge. It is also home to the Toronto Eaton Centre - the busiest mall in North America, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, which is one of the most distinguished art museums in the world. Fly via Reykjavik. Book at Icelandair.co.uk

LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS <

CAPE TOWN

WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS

Known as the most cosmopolitan city in Africa, Cape Town has a special buzz which draws visitors back time and again. Whether it’s the distinctive backdrop of Table Mountain, the hugely varied menu or vibrant mix of arts and culture, this city is simply irresistible.

Spend a day in the gorgeous Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, or kayak round to Boulder Bay where penguins parade. Hop on a guided tour through the winelands or explore the delights of the Garden Route.

Explore more of the country on a luxury rail trip aboard the Pride of Africa, admiring the Big Five from the windows of your 5 star woodpanelled carriage. Or relax in a restaurant at the water’s edge and see if you can spot a whale or two. Fly via London Heathrow.

Book at britishairways.com

Ch

ris Ma

jor s

NAIROBI

c to ks

k/

©

in Th

WITH AIR FRANCE

Fly to Nairobi and explore the stunning natural environment for which Kenya is so renowned. You won’t have to travel far to see memorable wildlife: lions, elephants and zebras can be spotted in Nairobi National Park, as the skyline of the city glistens in the background. The capital of Kenya also holds The National Museum, perfect to learn about the country's flora, fauna, culture and history. The Karen Blixen Museum will transport you to another era and is a must for anyone who loved ‘Out of Africa’. Do not leave without trying some Kenyan food: fresh fruit at the Central Market and a bit of ugali – their most famous dish- will certainly make you feel like a local. Fly via Paris. Book at airfrance.co.uk

VANCOUVER

WITH KLM

Vancouver is a big city that manages to feel very close to nature. Hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, water sports and whale-watching - there's always something to do in the typicallyCanadian rugged wilderness that encircles the city. It's hard to get tired of Vancouver with its thriving cultural heart of museums and galleries. There's also a fantastic nightlife with an exciting bar scene, and a bevy of restaurants: from trendy oddball offerings to five-star specialities, all replete with jawdropping views of the beautiful Vancouver skyline.

Fly via Amsterdam. Book at klm.com

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> CONTENTS

Summer Destinations

© Thinkstock/Rostislavv

© Thinkstock/Anna_Jedynak

HEAD FOR THE SUN

CORFU | WITH TUI

© Thinkstock/Petroos

Boasting 217 kilometres of coastline, Corfu is the perfect destination for snorkelling, scuba, watersports or just enjoying the sun and sea. Inland, the Greek Island is dotted with palaces, gardens and castles, olive groves and orchards. Head up to the north-west coastline of the island and visit the beautiful village of Paleokastritsa, where you’ll find no less than six whitesand beaches bathed in turquoise waters. Corfu Town, meanwhile, offers a cosmopolitan city lifestyle with great shopping, countless restaurants serving up the island’s best food, as well as a thriving night life. tui.co.uk; firstchoice.co.uk

SUMMER DESTINATIONS <

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GRAN CANARIA | WITH TUI When it comes to beaches, Gran Canaria has over and above the basic rations. More than 120 miles of coastline surrounds the island, and its beaches are broken up into everything from endless stretches of sand to blink-and-you’ll-miss-them coves. And, when it comes to where to stay, there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all rule in Gran Canaria. From the larger-than-life coastal resorts of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, to the sleepier towns of Puerto Mogan, Bahia Feliz and Puerto Rico, you’ll find a spot that suits you.. tui.co.uk; firstchoice.co.uk

Enjoy a summer holiday in the sun without leaving the British Isles!

Jersey offers the very best of Britain and France within a couple of hours’ flight from home. Jersey is a top holiday destination with golden beaches, fascinating cultural heritage and some of the best local food in Europe. Enjoy doing as much or as little as you feel like, and experience Jersey’s lifestyle relaxing on the beach or actively seeking some thrills with sea kayaking, coasteering or abseiling.

Direct flights will depart from Aberdeen every Saturday from 5 May – 15 September 2018. jerseytravel.com/ABZ

MALTA | WITH RYANAIR

© Thinkstock/ZoltanGabor

Malta is the largest island of the Maltese archipelago which is situated in the central Mediterranean just south of Sicily. The narrow, meandering streets of Malta’s towns and villages lead visitors to the island’s intriguing 7000 year history which is reflected in some of the oldest known man-made structures in the world. This, along with the island’s superbly sunny weather, thriving nightlife, and stunning beaches makes Malta a unique and exciting destination for your next summer getaway. ryanair.com

© Thinkstock/Allard1

JERSEY | WITH JERSEY TRAVEL

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> ABZ ADVENTURERS

DAVE MOSELEY & EMMA CRUICKSHANK FROM: LONDON TRAVELLING TO STAVANGER, NORWAY We’re work colleagues travelling together to Stavanger. Emma: I always take antihistamines with me whenever I travel, my best winter holiday was trekking in Nepal and my top travel tip would be – if you want a window seat, book it, never mind that people will have to get up to let you out. Dave: I always have a book with me, I had an amazing winter holiday cycling in the Scottish Highlands, and my tip is have a sleep on the plane.

DEREK & DIANE ADAMS FROM: ABERDEEN TRAVELLING TO MIAMI VIA HEATHROW

JAY BUCHAN FROM: PETERHEAD TRAVELLING TO KRISTIANSUND, NORWAY

Diane would never leave home without her toilet bag (and the things in it!) and I always take my American satnav that I bought specially for travelling there. Our best winter break was to Las Vegas, we just love the buzz of the place and last time we saw Celine Dion.

Our travel tip is be prepared, then relax and enjoy.

I’m travelling for work today, which is a trip I’ve done before. I would always take my laptop away with me, whether for work or leisure. The best trip I have ever taken in wintertime is to Trinidad for the sunshine. Headphones are my must-have for any journey, perfect for helping me to zone out.

THERESA & BALA KUNJAN FROM: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA TRAVELLING TO OSLO, NORWAY

SANDRA & LOURDES SOGAS FROM: BARCELONA TRAVELLING TO KIRKWALL, ORKNEY

This is the first time we’ve been to Norway. Theresa never travels in Europe without a raincoat, and I always have a bottle of whisky in my luggage.

Our favourite winter holiday was to Lisbon, we thought it had a great atmosphere. Our travel tips would be, travel light, you will always want a souvenir, hydrate and keep moving about on long haul flights.

My mother is a photographer, so that’s why we’re going to Orkney. She would never leave home without her camera.

The best trip we have ever been on was to Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean.

My recommendation for travelling well is menthol essential oil to rub on your temples.

ANCHORAGE

VANCOUVER SEATTLE

EDMONTON

PORTLAND

ICELAND

ABERDEEN

GLASGOW MANCHESTER BELFAST BIRMINGHAM LONDON HEATHROW & GATWICK

DENVER MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL

CHICAGO DALLAS

TORONTO CLEVELAND

MONTREAL

BOSTON WASHINGTON D.C. PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK

HALIFAX

JFK & NEWARK

TAMPA

ORLANDO

TO ICELAND AND NORTH AMERICA Anchorage I Vancouver I Edmonton I Seattle I Portland I Denver I Halifax I Chicago I Toronto I Boston I Tampa Bay Washington D.C. I Philadelphia I New York (JFK & Newark) I Cleveland I Minneapolis I Montreal I Orlando I Dallas Fly direct from Aberdeen to Iceland with easy connections to 20 destinations in North America.

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> LOCAL FLAVOURS

LOCAL FLAVOURS

FRESHMEX IS A FAST CASUAL EATERY AND FOOD STALL THAT BRINGS TEX-MEX STREET FOOD TO THE NORTH-EAST.

S

tarted in May 2015 as a pop-up catering firm by young Aberdonians Calum Wright and Robbie Moult, FreshMex began as a stall at farmers’ markets and private events. People were quick to share the news of the freshly prepared street food, and FreshMex now has a food residency at the Adams Lounge in the city centre, St. Machar bar on Aberdeen University’s Old Aberdeen campus, and recently at the Balmoral Bar in Ballater. Open seven days a week, the Adams, St Machar and the Balmoral Bar are the first foray into FreshMex fixed outlets – pairing their Tex-Mex inspired food with a great selection of beers, wines and spirits from the comfort of local family run bars.

They serve their own take on Tex-Mex style dishes including burritos, fajitas, nachos & tacos – which can all be fully customised with any combination of their handmade fillings and toppings.

With vegan, dairy free, gluten free and even fat free options available, they guarantee you’ll find something that will leave you feeling fully satisfied… and you can sit-in or takeaway as well as Deliveroo..

At the Adams 145 Holburn Steet, Aberdeen AB10 6BN Tel: 07452 818918

At the St Machar 97 High Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3EN Tel: 07452 737437

At the Balmoral Bar 1 Netherley Place, Ballater AB35 5QE Tel: 07468 417000

LOCAL FLAVOURS <

MELT is a top notch melted cheese miracle on Holburn Street, offering the quintessential comfort food – the cheese toastie in combinations to make your head spin. The Meltmobile takes the popular shop out and about to local festivals and Donald Sutherland is a fan. @meltaberdeen 01224 211426

REVIEW

BY DEREK BROWN, VOLUNTEER FOR BEFRIEND A CHILD We booked table for two for my first visit to Fresh Mex at the Adams Lounge.

They have a small but varied menu serving Mexican fare. After viewing the menu, we both decided to order the Mexican Cheeseburger and Fries, and whilst we waited for our food, I placed a drinks order at the bar. There is an extensive gin collection and the barman was very knowledgeable and helpful, pointing out locally produced bottles.

There are also various Mexican beers and soft drinks available.

Then the food arrived and we were not disappointed. The skinny fries were piping hot and the tasty cheeseburger was filled with a variety of toppings. We had really enjoyed the meal so far, so decided to squeeze in a dessert, which was a double chocolate brownie and a chilli chocolate brownie to finish off our meal.

As it was Friday evening after work, the lounge filled very quickly, and shows that this is a popular venue to visit. We found the staff very friendly and attentive.

Ransacked Black Oven is a wood-fired oven fitted into an old-style Landrover Discovery, serving freshly baked, Persianinspired sourdough flatbreads with winning combinations: bacon, mozzarella and potato or caramelised banana and chocolate just for starters. They cruise local festivals but also stay put on a Friday at the Boat Inn in Aboyne. @ransackedblackoven 013398 86137 Muchacho’s mission is to capture the authentic flavours of Mexican street food served from their take-away in Rose Street.

Also serves jarritos (Mexican fizzy drinks) and coffee from Mexico too. Oh, and they have 3 for 2 Taco Tuesdays. @MuchachoHQ 01224 639574 Maggie’s Grill is a barbeque restaurant in Holburn Street, dedicated to serving ‘soul food’ inspired by America’s Deep South, with an emphasis on marinating, smoking and curing – served up with love and soul. @MaggiesGrill 01224 582167 SHACK is a global street foodstyle buffet on Union Street, with freshly made dishes from the Far East, Asia and the U.S.A. All you can eat menu. @SHACKABERDEEN 01224 467877

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> WHAT’S ON

What’s on?

OCTOBER

Aberdeen comedy festival Various venues, Aberdeen 05 - 15 Dancelive Festival of contemporary dance, various venues 12 - 18 Braemar creative arts festival Braemar, Aberdeenshire 18 - 22 The Gruffalo’s child HMT, Aberdeen 19 - 21 Aberdeen creative conversation Six degrees North Aberdeen 25 Sound Scotland’s festival of new music, various venues 26 – 12 Illuminator night trail half marathon+ Glen tanar, Aberdeenshire 28 & 29 Halloween ghost tours HMT, Aberdeen 29 & 30

Scottish Opera: La Traviata 02 - 04 HMT Aberdeen Toy Fair 04 Peterhead Prison Museum, Aberdeenshire Wishbone Ash 11 Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Sleeping Beauty 12 Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen flock 18 - 19 Christmas contemporary craft & design fair, Woodend Barn, Aberdeenshire Christmas Tree Switch On 23 Aberdeen

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© Visit Aberdeenshire

NOVEMBER

05

04 02

WHAT’S ON <

DECEMBER 01 - 27 Twelve Days of Christmas: Wooden Sculptures Trail Various locations Aberdeen 02 Dec - 07 Jan Aladdin Pantomime HMT, Aberdeen 05 - 24 Flutter Lemon Tree, Aberdeen 07 A Winter Chorale: Concerts by candlelight St. Machar Cathdral, Aberdeen 11 Michael Ball & Alfie Boe AECC, Aberdeen 16 The Bloody Marys Xmas Show Lemon Tree, Aberdeen 26 - 31 Sigur Rós* Harpa Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland 31 Hogmanay Show Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen

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© Visit Scotland

02 30

16 JANUARY 2018 12 The Skids Lemon Tree, Aberdeen 13 Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Chaos & Creation HMT, Aberdeen 17 - 20 Scottish Ballet: The Nutcracker HMT, Aberdeen 20 - 21 Your Wedding Exhibition AECC, Aberdeen 20 - 4 Feb Red Bull King of the Air* Extreme kiteboarding, Cape Town, South Africa 27 Burns Ceilidh Woodend Barn, Aberdeenshire 30 Up Helly Aa* Lerwick, Shetland

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> CITY BREAKS

© Thinkstock/standret

| WINTER IS COMING |

CITY BREAKS <

FOUR SPECIAL LOCATIONS THAT YOU CAN FLY TO DIRECT FROM ABERDEEN FOR A MAGICAL WINTER GETAWAY.

Iceland

Iceland has all the ingredients for a winter break – stunning scenery, fabulous knitwear and an obsession with light festivals. Where else can you experience ice fields, glaciers, frozen waterfalls and ice caves? Take a guided tour to the blue ice caves near Vatnajökull glacier and experience these natural phenomenon that reform every winter, or dip into the geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon close to Keflavik airport. If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, then winter is the best time to visit. Stop by the soaring steeple of the Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral to hear the organ play, then climb to the top of the 70m tower for great views.

Culture and design are at the heart of Iceland, often inspired by the stunning scenery and heritage, and two must-see destinations are the National Gallery of Iceland and Reykjavik Art Museum-Hafnarhús. Lovers of the ethereal Icelandic music sound should try the Icelandic Airwaves Festival at the beginning of November; and there is a Winter Lights Festival at the beginning of February with an open museums night followed by a pool night, allowing visitors free access to many baths and hot tubs. If you go to Iceland this winter, it will be impossible to leave without purchasing a Lopi jumper, perhaps from the Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik, so you can keep cosy for the rest of the winter. icelandair.co.uk

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> CITY BREAKS

Geneva Geneva is a great winter destination, with Lake Geneva at its heart and surrounded by the Jura mountains to the east and the French Alps to the west. There are several ski resorts reached in under an hour, with Chamonix and Morzine just beyond. Geneva has a pretty old town with lots of independent shops and cosy cafés. Every overnight visitor to the city is entitled to a free public transport pass for the duration of their stay, and that includes buses, trams, trains and the yellow taxi boats, and the train journey ride from the airport to the city centre takes just six minutes!

A Swiss holiday isn’t complete without a cheese fondue, and the most famous place to have one is in Geneva’s oldest restaurant Café du Soleil.

Alternatively, head for Bains des Pâquis, once a public swimming baths and now a lakeside spa that turns into fondue heaven in the winter, often accompanied by special events. Swing by 5* Hotel Kempinski for a sundowner and unbeatable views across the lake. L’Escalade is the top event in Geneva’s family festival calendar and takes place over a weekend in December with parades, demonstrations, music, cannon fire, loads of chocolate, vegetable soup and hot wine, most of which is free. easyjet.com

© Thinkstock/sam74100

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LOCAL INTEREST <

Copenhagen Copenhagen is known as the home of ‘hygge’ and the most chilled out people on the globe, putting Denmark high on our list of great winter destinations. Shop for that festive feeling at the Hans Christian Andersen market at Axeltorv and special Christmas food markets at Vesterbro and Papirøen; visit the magical fairy-lit Tivoli Winter Gardens or skate on the ice rink in front of Frederiksberg Have. Copenhagen is easy to get around, hire a bike or jump on a canal tour for different ways to see the city, or nip across the majestic Öresund bridge in Nordic Noir style to Malmö in Sweden for the day.

Strøget provides keen shoppers with a kilometre of pedestrianised shopping, whilst Visit Carlsberg attracts families with imaginative tours and activities during the winter. Nip up to the top of the 106m high Christiansborg Palace Tower for panoramic views, or book a family day out at Copenhagen Zoo where you can get to know polar animals in their Arctic Ring. Treat yourself to a warming glass of gløgg and homemade snowballs filled with marzipan at the beautifully-lit Hotel d’Angleterre, or party the night away at some of the city’s vibrant night clubs and cocktail bars. At just under an hour and a half away from Aberdeen, Copenhagen is a perfect winter choice. flysas.com

Dublin

Dublin’s reputation precedes it as a warm and friendly city, and wintertime is no exception. There are cosy bars, stylish restaurants and lively music events everywhere, in fact choosing a venue is often the hardest thing you will have to do! If your trip is around Halloween, make time for a visit to the Crypt at Christchurch Cathedral, as well as coinciding with the (Dublin-born) Bram Stoker Festival at the end of October. If it’s Dublin’s literary history you’re after, why not pay your respects at the James Joyce Centre and raise a pint to Leopold Bloom at Davy Byrne’s pub. The kids will adore the National Leprechaun Museum with guided tours accompanied by a storyteller, through the Giant’s Causeway and a room full of giant furniture.

Christmas is big with several large markets including the Flea Christmas Market, the Designer Christmas Market and German-themed Christkindlmarket. To get you in the festive spirit, book tickets to hear Chamber Choir Ireland in a Christmas concert at Christchurch Cathedral, or Dublin Gospel choir at the Civic Centre. Dublin’s New Year Festival has gained an international reputation, with the People’s Procession of Light and the Dublin Big Brunch in the square at Temple Bar just for starters, gaining the city a place in the Lonely Planet’s top 5 places to go at New Year. aer.lingus.com

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> LOCAL INTEREST

Murder History Tours

Poisoned Cocktails

It’s always interesting to see the place you live from an entirely different angle, although maybe you wouldn’t choose to linger in the shadows and dark alleys after twilight... but that’s what we did recently on one of Dr. Fiona-Jane Brown’s Hidden Aberdeen tours. Ours was titled Burkers and Bodysnatchers, and there are several other seasonal tours to choose from: ‘Ghosts and Ghouls of the Old Town’ or ‘Blood and Granite: the Murder History Tour’. Our guide was well versed in the underbelly of old Aberdeen, regaling us with stories and facts interwoven to keep us spellbound. At various points we were surprised by characters from the past, including an unfortunate victim of student bodysnatchers, who claimed he had woken up on the anatomist’s table, not dead after all, but dead drunk! The tour lasted two hours and covered an area no more than a mile square, but I’m positive that I will never look at these places in the same way again. hiddenaberdeentours.co.uk

If you loved last year’s Granite Noir festival debut, then you’ll be delighted that the crime-writing festival is back in February 2018, premiered with a Poisoned Cocktail Party launch event at HMT on Sunday 26 November at the 1906 restaurant at His Majesty’s Theatre. The festival programme, which explores the enduring appeal of stories that ‘plunge us into the heart of darkness’, will be revealed whilst you are treated to three bespoke cocktails, each containing some of Agatha Christie’s favourite poisons… aberdeenperformingarts.co.uk

Dracula’s Castle A haunting sight on the cliff tops just beyond Cruden Bay, Slains Castle was the grand home of the Earls of Errol for hundreds of years. In the late 1800s, the 19th Earl of Errol entertained many celebrities at the castle including Dublinborn Bram Stoker, who loved Cruden Bay (or Port Errol as it was then) returning many times, and is believed to have used the atmospheric setting for Dracula’s Castle.

LOCAL INTEREST <

Tolbooth Museum The Tolbooth Museum occupies the building under the right hand spire above the Town House, and was once the city’s jail. The claustrophobic spiral staircases and reinforced doors immediately bring the 17th century jail to life, although the tiny space originated in a time when public humiliation and banishment from the city environs was considered a fate far worse than incarceration. Criminals would often just be kept for a short while before execution on the Gallow Hill. Inside the museum are several arresting exhibits, including one which brings a group of Jacobites’ fate to life – one of the prisoners begins to speak as you enter the room.

Another room has six of the prison’s most notorious residents, guilty of anything from infant murder to the wearing of tartan. Perhaps the most shockingly memorable is the story of Peter Williamson or ‘Indian Peter’ who was snatched as a child playing around the harbour, stored with other kidnapped children (often in the Green or the Tolbooth, with musicians playing to cover the children’s cries) then shipped to Philadelphia via a shipwreck. Peter eventually made his way back, paying his passage by telling the vivid stories of his capture and adventures, only to be imprisoned then banished for slander once he returned to Aberdeen. The magistrates and merchants responsible for the trade were not pleased to be exposed!

Books for bedtime If you like to be kept up at night by your holiday reading, try Blood and Granite by the late true crime writer Norman Adams, a spine-chilling chronicle of the most notorious homicides committed in Aberdeen over the last century; or Hangman’s Brae by the same author, which explores the underworld of the North-east, featuring criminals who met their premature ends by the noose or the Maiden, a gruesome decapitator pre-dating the guillotine. Bloody Scottish History: Aberdeen is written by Elma Mcmenemy and reveals tales of plague, pirates, invasions and murders. Hidden Aberdeen by Dr. Fiona-Jane Brown uncovers stories such as the Slaughter of Sacrist Downie, where a grumpy janitor is frightened to death at the University, and the raid of heretics on the medieval friary in the Green.

Kirkyards & Watchtowers Traces of the ‘resurrectionists’ (as the body-snatchers were also known) can be seen in various kirkyards across Aberdeenshire, and there are good examples of watchtowers in Banchory on Deeside, St.Fitticks in Torry and Culsalmond in Garioch.

PETERHEAD PRISON MUSEUM HALLOWEEN TOURS: 25 – 31 OCTOBER. Guided tours in the darkened corridors and cell blocks that will chill the blood and get your heart racing. Hear the screams of inmates from the 1800s echo through the buildings and come face to face with ghostly images of the past.

Over 18s only – booking online peterheadprisonmuseum.com CASTLE FRASER FAMILIES HOCUS POCUS DRIVE-IN CINEMA: FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER CRATHES CASTLE FAMILIES OUTDOOR SCREENING OF CASPER SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER THE STOATS CREEPY CRAWL 27 – 29 OCTOBER Eight spine-chilling challenges including Apple Dooking, Grave Grabbing and the Enormous Neep Heap, wear your best costume and bring a story or poem for the ‘guising’ competition.

GHOULISH GHOST TOURS THROUGH THE CASTLE 26, 28 AND 31 OCTOBER Over 18s - Outdoor screening of Cabin in the Woods nts.org.uk

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> BEAT GOES ON

Tim & Nicola Farra, Machu Picchu, Peru

Emiko Yamakawa, Alto Douro, wine region Portugal

Judith Jordan, geothermal spring, Gunnuhver, Iceland

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 Winter 2018 upBEAT it could be yours!

(Deadline: 27 Dec 2017).

John Stewart, Mount Toubkal, highest mountain in North Africa Tony Cernan, Barcelona

Dorothea West, Salzburg, Austria

Graeme Benzie, Santa Barbara Castille Alicante

Marc Mills, Tel Aviv beach, Israel

Book your space & reach a mobile, affluent & global audience.

Menu endorsed by Aberdeen’s “Kilted Chef” Craig Wilson

Over 50 varieties of whisky on a dedicated “whisky wall”

Drink beer by BrewDog and gin by Gordon Castle

Available Available toto allall passengers passengers Available to all passengers including including Priority Priority Pass including Pass holders, holders, Priority Pass holders, the the new new Northern Northern Lights Lights the new Northern Lights Lounge Lounge is is inspired inspired by Lounge by the the best best is inspired by the best ofof Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire and and ofoffers Aberdeenshire offers aa and offers a relaxed relaxed pre-flight pre-flight atmosphere. relaxed atmosphere.pre-flight atmosphere.

Tickets Tickets cost cost £25 £25 for Tickets for adults, adults, and cost and £15 £15£25 for adults, and £15 forfor children children over over 3 years for 3 years children ofof age. age. over 3 years of age.

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Enjoy Dean’s Shortbread and Mackies Crisps

Free Wi-Fi, newspapers and charging points

Families are welcome

Panoramic runway views - watch the planes take-off!

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DO YOU HAVE A HIDDEN DISABILITY?

HIDDEN DISABILITY <

And is it the kind of condition that might make you think twice about flying, or to stop you even trying?

upBEAT magazine spoke to Airport Duty Manager Fraser Bain about the Hidden Disabilities initiative that has been launched at Aberdeen International Airport.

WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR THIS INITIATIVE COME FROM, AND WHAT PART DO YOU PLAY IN DELIVERING IT? The drive came from the Civil Aviation Authority who provide guidance on how best to assist all passengers, based on consultation with disability organisations, but the desire to become a centre of excellence in this area is very much coming from the airport management and staff. My role as Duty Manager means that I am focused on solving any problems or passenger issues across the whole airport, with a lead role in Special Assistance.

THERE WAS A VIRAL FACEBOOK POST RECENTLY, WHICH HIGHLIGHTED THE EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE ONE FAMILY WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES HAD WHILST MOVING THROUGH SECURITY AT ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – WHAT IMPACT HAS THIS HAD? Although the passenger wasn’t wearing a lanyard, the staff member’s instinctive response showed how with appropriate training and up-to-date knowledge, this kind of response could become the norm for those with hidden disabilities at the airport, especially once the scheme becomes more widely known and used by our customers.

WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS DOES THIS COVER? Anything a casual onlooker wouldn’t necessarily be aware of, it is wide ranging and non-exclusive, such as autism, Crohn’s disease, dementia or general anxiety. Airports can pose a real challenge to many people as there are potentially stressful situations, noise and lots of information. We can arrange

familiarisation visits of the airport prior to travel, perhaps enabling someone to fly who never has before. The lanyard simply alerts staff to the fact that the person may need assistance or extra time to do things.

HOW DO PEOPLE GO ABOUT GETTING A LANYARD AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? You can phone ahead and book one, or simply approach the Assistance Area situated close to the main entrance.

Lanyards are also available through MeToo! magazine, a publication aimed at informing parents of children with additional support needs. The assistance section of the airport’s website aberdeenairport.com. has all of the relevant information. The lanyard itself is bright green and has a helping hand logo on it. There is no means testing and neither you nor your condition are identified, it’s just a signal to staff that you might need help.

HOW HAS THE TRAINING BEEN ORGANISED? We have formed close working relationships with many local disability groups, many of whom are represented on our Access Forum that meets twice a year to discuss accessibility issues. Friendly Access provided autism awareness training, Alzheimer Scotland have provided Dementia Friends workshops and North East Sensory Services came to the airport to provide Sensory awareness training. Bringing together all of the different businesses in the airport for training was key to the success, and it’s safe to say that everyone is keen to work together to provide this excellent service.

ANYTHING TO ADD? I believe that the airport’s footprint is a factor, even with all the improvements and regeneration, the airport is still a manageable size and therefore perfectly placed to be a friendly, approachable and accessible airport.

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01 | Our hidden disabilities lanyards are now available from our lovely Special Assistance Team 02 | Tunnockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacakes came to visit our World Duty Free for some yummy tastings.

03 | The terminal team took part in sensory awareness training 04 | Janine Murray scooped an amazing gin hamper from our lounge partners Gordon Castle Gin 05 | Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Rothesay greets an arriving passenger Sandra Nelson.

06 | One of our Fire Training Group Instructors at the Offshore Europe Conference 07 | We welcomed the Scottish PA Network to our terminal for a tour of the new facilities.

08 | Rosie Stewart, the lucky winner of our Facebook competition to win a Northern Lights Executive Lounge Annual Pass.

09 | Bridget Spink Iversen set up a bake stand in the terminal in support of MacMillan Cancer Support.

10 | We had a group of adorable guide dogs visit our terminal for some familiarisation training 11 | Martin Ingram of Original 106 and Carol Benzie opened our new domestic arrivals facilities with a full live broadcast.

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