Skylife Magazine

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OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Chasing

THE SUN

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Contents.

Welcome

4 SUMMER SUN It’s time to book your summer holiday and both TUI and Ryanair have some great destinations to choose from 7 HAUGESUND New from Loganair for 2020 is Haugesund in Norway, a great base for exploring the great outdoors

8 AMSTERDAM Always a popular city-break destination, Amsterdam is a city for all seasons and tastes this year 12 EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS Fly to some of Europe’s most exciting and vibrant cities – direct from Aberdeen International Airport 25 AIRPORT NEWS Read about Aberdeen International Airport’s award-winning Canine Crew and the Northern Lights Lounge

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28 THE KILTED CHEF Chef Craig Wilson, owner of restaurant Eat on the Green, shares his passion for local, seasonal produce 30 RENAISSANCE CITY VisitAberdeenshire’s Chris Foy is on a mission to attract more visitors to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire 38 AIRPORT SHOPPING You’ll find some great bargains in World Duty Free when you fly out of Aberdeen International Airport 45 NEWS, REVIEWS & WHAT’S ON What’s coming up in 2020 at the refurbished Aberdeen Art Gallery plus other news from Aberdeenshire

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Managing Editor Karen Peattie karen.peattie@skylifemag.co.uk Publisher Darren Bruce darren.bruce@skylifemag.co.uk PA to Publisher Mandy McHarg mandy.mcharg@skylifemag.co.uk Head of Digital & Creative Services Shirley Derani shirley.derani@skylifemag.co.uk Creative Services Manager Allan Black allan.d.black@skylifemag.co.uk Digital Services Manager Charlene Little charlene.little@skylifemag.co.uk

Firstly, can I wish you a Happy New Year from everyone at Aberdeen International Airport.

We had our busiest Christmas Day with nearly 1,000 passengers passing through our terminal and we were delighted to help everyone have a lovely festive season.

It has also been a busy period for the region with thousands attending the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards (SPOTY), and we were proud to play our part with a warm welcome and fond farewell.

The venue, P&J Live, has been a huge success and is a great addition to the northeast. We’ve already welcomed Michael Bublé and Sir Rod Stewart and I can’t wait to see who else is due to perform this year.

Your feedback on our transformed terminal has been amazing and my thanks go to the 1,500 passengers who completed our survey last year.

We are listening carefully and know where our priorities lie for 2020 – there’s lots more to do!

I feel this is the year where we will see growth in inbound tourism, given the great publicity we’ve had with SPOTY. Aberdeen was also ranked as one of the top 52 places to visit in the world by The New York Times.

Here’s to a new year, a new decade, and a bright future for Aberdeen International Airport and the region.

Steve Szalay Managing Director Aberdeen International Airport

Key Accounts Manager Karen MacBeth karen.macbeth@skylifemag.co.uk 0141 302 7758 Sales Development Manager Ronnie Dodd ronnie.dodd@skylifemag.co.uk 0141 302 7757 Senior Sales Executive Carol-Anne Forbes carol-anne.forbes@skylifemag.co.uk 0141 302 6418 Senior Sales Executive Paul Johnstone paul.johnstone@skylifemag.co.uk 0141 302 7368 Head of Marketing Danielle Camillo danielle.camillo@skylifemag.co.uk Head of Circulation & Distribution David Boyle david.boyle@skylifemag.co.uk

Cover image: Olu Deniz near Fethiye on Turkey's Turquoise Coast Skylife is published for Aberdeen International Airport by Herald & Times Group Magazines, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB Tel: 0141 302 7700 or 0141 302 7722 All destinations images courtesy of Getty Images and iStock unless credited.

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SUMMER SUN

Get set for

SUMMER Getting there Fly from Aberdeen International Airport to Corfu, Dalaman, Ibiza, Majorca, Reus, Rhodes and Tenerife with TUI tui.co.uk

Dreaming of sandy beaches, blue skies and sunshine?

Now is the time to start planning this year’s summer holiday – and there’s plenty of choice from Aberdeen International Airport with TUI

TUI’S magnificent seven 1. DALAMAN, TURKEY Known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the Dalaman area’s shoreline is stunning with coves, bays and beaches.

Beautiful Olu Deniz near Fethiye on the southwest coast of the Aegean Sea was once a haven for pirates and smugglers while the worldfamous Blue Lagoon – now a national park – has to be on everyone’s bucket list.

Other amazing beaches and resorts in this region include Icmeler which nestles in a pretty bay surrounded by mountains. Its promenade, lined with shops, bars and restaurants, runs all the way to neighbouring Marmaris, one of the area’s most popular resorts.

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2. IBIZA Ibiza, with its sandy, white beaches, has long been a favourite with the party set but away from the tourist hot spots there are cultural and historic gems waiting to be discovered.

The Dalt Vila (Old Town), with its winding, cobbled streets, has its roots in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head north to the Port Saint Miquel to visit the illuminated Can Marça Caves with their ancient geological formations and beautiful waterfalls. There’s a mesmerising music and light show and stunning views out to sea from openings in the cliffs.

3. MAJORCA The largest of the Balearics boasts some of Spain’s best beaches and a coastline dotted with caves, inlets and coves. About 30 of the 200-plus beaches have a Blue Flag.

Majorca’s capital is dominated by its Gothic cathedral and it’s great to stroll around the cobbled streets in the medieval quarter. From Palma, head into the Tramuntana Mountains by train and visit the village of Sóller with its beautiful harbour. For a livelier vibe, head for Magaluf.

Other popular resorts include Puerto Pollensa, Palma Nova, Cala D’Or and Alcudia.

4. REUS, COSTA DORADA The gateway to Barcelona and Salou, Reus, in the Tarragona province of Catalonia in Spain, is an ideal destination for those seeking summer sunshine and some city action – jump on a bus and you can be in Barcelona in no time!

Salou, meanwhile, is easy to get to if you fancy a day away from the beach and the kids will love PortAventura Park with its themed areas.

In Reus itself, the Gaudi Centre Reus pays homage to the world-famous architect whose creative work can be seen throughout the Catalan region and, of course, in Barcelona.

5. CORFU This gorgeous island in the Ionian Sea is pretty much perfect thanks to its pleasing mix of beautiful beaches, history and heritage.

Vlacherna Monastery is one of Corfu’s familiar landmarks and most photographed places. You’ll find it close to the southern tip of the Kanoni Peninsula and it’s a short walk from the beach, reached by crossing a small bridge.

Beach, anyone? Paleokastritsa, one of Corfu’s most popular resorts, has six beautiful beaches where turquoise water and white sand are the order of the day.

6. RHODES It’s easy to see why the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, in the Aegean Sea, enjoys such widespread appeal. Its Blue Flag beach at Pefkos is one of the most popular while the uncrowded coves in Kalithea and Kolymbia are perfect for couples. Faliraki has a younger vibe and Lindos has quieter beaches plus one of the island’s most popular attractions, the Acropolis.

The Old Town of Rhodes is a maze of cobbled streets dating back to 14th century. One of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

7. TENERIFE The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, including Pico del Teide – the highest mountain in Spain – located in El Teide National Park.

With 350km of coastline, its beach resorts including Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos are popular with sun-seekers but there are plenty of quieter ones too.

Costa Martianez water park offers a great family day out with its swimming pools, swim-up caves and waterfalls.

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SUMMER SUN

Fun in the

SUN

1. FARO The southernmost part of mainland Portugal and gateway to the Algarve has long been RQH RI (XURSH¡V PRVW SRSXODU VXQ DQG VHD destinations – and no wonder with its heady mix of golden sands, family resorts and whitewashed towns.

Popular resorts include Albufeira, Vilamoura, Armacao de Pera and Praia da Rocha – and \RX ZRQ¡W KDYH WR JR IDU WR ÀQG D JROI FRXUVH EHFDXVH WKH $OJDUYH LV RQH RI (XURSH¡V PRVW SRSXODU JROÀQJ GHVWLQDWLRQV For a day away from the beach or pool there DUH ÀVKLQJ YLOODJHV WR H[SORUH WKH 6OLGH Splash Waterpark at Carvoeiro and, if you head inland, the gorgeous Serra de Monchique mountain range and the impressive Roman UXLQV DW (VWRL 2. ALICANTE Nestling on the Mediterranean coast this lovely Spanish city is known for LWV PDQ\ IDPLO\ friendly beaches, cultural attractions and, of FRXUVH WKH ZRUOG UHQRZQHG QLJKWOLIH RI QHDUE\ Benidorm.

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Getting there Fly from Aberdeen International Airport to Alicante, Faro and Malaga with Ryanair ryanair.com

It’s a great base for exploring the Costa Blanca, home to popular resorts including Albir, Moraira and Guardamar del Segura.

Santa BĂĄrbara Castle, dating back to the 9th century, stands atop Mount Benacantil and is well worth a visit on a day trip to Alicante.

Mundomar Animal Park, meanwhile, will give the kids a chance to see animals, birds, sea lions and reptiles up close.

3. MALAGA For sun, sea and sangria, it can only be the Costa del Sol with its many resorts including popular Torremolinos, upmarket Marbella, BenalmĂĄdena, Nerja and Frigiliana.

Golf is also popular on the Costa del Sol and there are courses all along the coastline and in the mountains, including Alhaurin Golf Course designed by the late Seve Ballesteros.

And did you know that Picasso was born in Malaga? Visit the Pablo Picasso Museum ZKHUH \RX¡OO ÀQG PRUH WKDQ SDLQWLQJV DQG early academic works by the famous artist.

If you’re spending a day in Malaga, check out WKH ROG ÀVKLQJ GLVWULFW RI (O 3DOR ZLWK WKH ORFDO bars and fresh seafood.

AMSTERDAM

City

FOR ALL SEASONS Planning a late winter or spring city break?

Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone, whatever the season – so what are you waiting for?

Getting there Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol from Aberdeen International Airport with KLM klm.com

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Exploring the city on foot, seeing the tulips come into bloom, visiting museums and taking a canal cruise are just some of the pleasures awaiting you in Amsterdam. Then there’s windmills, cool cafés, friendly locals and an eclectic array of shops, not to mention bicycles! Amsterdam is a perfect city-break destination and Karen Peattie has some suggestions for things to do and see in this city for all seasons.

KING’S DAY This annual carnival and Dutch national holiday on April 27 is held in honour of King Willem-Alexander. Everyone dresses up in orange and there are celebrations everywhere, in homes, bars, streets and boats. Various festivals take place in locations on the outskirts of Amsterdam but the best atmosphere and colour can be found in the city centre where it is reckoned that about one million people celebrate in the streets at what is arguably one of the world’s biggest street parties. It’s quite a spectacle.

MUSEUMS As well as the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum, the Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums are a magnet for art lovers.

Rembrandt House, where the painter worked and lived, provides a fascinating insight into his life in 17th-century Amsterdam. There’s also the Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 where the young Anne lived in hiding with her family for more than two years during the Second World War. It houses a sobering exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the war.

AMSTERDAM IN BLOOM One of the most enduring symbols of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, the tulip even has its own annual festival. So, if you want to see the city blooming, make sure you’re there in April/early May when you can see about 500,000 colourful tulips in gardens, parks and many other places. Participating locations include Eye Filmmuseum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Hortus Botanicus, Museum Van Loon, Rijksmuseum and public spaces throughout the city. The official dates of the 2020 Tulip Festival are March 21-May 10.

OPEN TOWER DAY Get a glimpse of Amsterdam from above on Open Tower Day, taking place this year on March 21. This is when many historical and contemporary towers throughout the city normally closed to the public open their doors, allowing you to enjoy the views. If your city break coincides with the event it’s worth climbing up those steps!

The world-famous

Rijksmuseum, above, is one of Amsterdam’s most popular museums

OLD HOLLAND Take a trip to Old Holland – lovely towns and villages just half an hour by train from the city. This is an excellent day trip and the Zaanse Schans, just north of Amsterdam, is particularly recommended with its glimpse into the industrial past of the Netherlands – think traditional houses, windmills, warehouses and workshops. It’s almost as if time has stood still.

TASTE OF AMSTERDAM This annual foodie extravaganza takes over Amstelpark for four days of eating, drinking and entertainment at the end of May. Look out for masterclasses with chefs from leading restaurants in Amsterdam, live cook-offs, wine tasting, workshops, kids’ activities and farmers’ markets. Described as Amsterdam’s “ultimate foodie playground”, it’s a great event that lifts the lid on the city’s culinary scene and provides an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to meet chefs and try their signature dishes.

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HAUGESUND

For the

ADVENTURERS Norway has become popular with travellers flying out from Aberdeen to cities including Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen. Now you can add Haugesund to the list

It’s a small but lively city on Norway’s beautiful west coast and while Haugesund is a perfect base for exploring mountains, fjords, waterfalls and other natural attractions, it is also ideal for a short break.

Like other Norwegian cities, it’s home to that standout Scandinavian architecture that lights up any photograph and its hub is centred around its pretty harbour.

Haugesund also has plenty of bars and restaurants plus museums and galleries.

LANGFOSS WATERFALL This stunning natural attraction, voted one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world by news network CNN, is about an hour-and-a-half’s drive away from Haugesund. Winding nearly 2,000ft down the side of a mountain, it’s the fifth-highest waterfall in Norway.

PULPIT ROCK If you’re into hiking and like a challenge then mighty Preikestolen at Lysefjord – known as Pulpit Rock – is one of Norway’s most famous attractions. The views from the top are magnificent and it’s a great day trip from Haugesund.

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Getting there Fly to Haugesund all year round from Aberdeen International Airport with Loganair, from February 24. loganair.co.uk

FESTIVAL CITY Norwegian International Film Festival, one of the most important film festivals in Scandinavia, takes place in Haugesund in August as does the Sildajazz Festival which attracts local and international jazz artists and really bring the city to life.

VIKING COUNTRY This part of Norway is Viking country so links to the ancient Norsemen are easy to find – and if you’re visiting in June, there’s the popular Viking Festival at Avaldsnes, home to the Nordvegen History Centre and Viking Settlement. Release your inner Viking on this day out with a difference.

DUBLIN

Dublin AND BEYOND From its culture and castles to Guinness and live music, Dublin is perfect for a city break but it’s also a good option for Aberdeen passengers travelling to North America on business or planning a longer holiday Cobbled streets, a rich literary history, castles, culture, live music and, of course, the black stuff – you’ll find it all in Dublin.

But the best news of all?

Dublin is just a short flight away from Aberdeen International Airport – and for passengers flying onwards with Aer Lingus from Dublin to North America, you can benefit from a unique pre-clearance facility.

This allows passengers to clear US immigration and customs in Ireland, so when you arrive in the USA you don’t have to queue – simply collect your bags and get on your way.

Ireland is the only European country to offer this service which means passengers travelling to North America via Dublin are treated as domestic arriving passengers – and you don’t have to go via London.

Aer Lingus also offers a great Business Class service on its A330 aircraft from Dublin to North America, allowing passengers to benefit from a Vantage seat that transforms to a fully-flat bed.

IN DUBLIN So, why not spend a few days in Dublin before connecting to one of North America’s great cities for part two of your holiday?

Explore its literary history at the Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Centre and the Old Library at Trinity College, home to the ninth-century Book of Kells.

Worked up a thirst? Head for the world-famous Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate and the Storehouse – Ireland’s most-visited attraction.

Enjoy the craic in the many bars and pubs – there might be a traditional live music session too! And the food? From hearty pub fare to Michelin-starred dining, Dublin has it all.

Getting there Fly to Dublin from Aberdeen International Airport with Aer Lingus aerlingus.com

Connect to North America with Aer Lingus Direct routes to North America from Dublin include: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington.

BOSTON The capital of Massachusetts is home to the Red Sox baseball team, the world’s oldest marathon, the John F Kennedy Museum and Harvard University. This friendly city also boasts a great culinary scene. Visit in autumn and you can see New England’s stunning “fall foliage” when the trees and leafy boulevards turn orange, red and gold.

CHICAGO Chicago is a city of contrast, with beaches, lakes and parks all sitting against a magnificent skyline. It’s home to world-renowned museums, some of the best cuisine in America, and the Magnificent Mile of shops and malls. Check out those views from the top of the Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the USA. NEW YORK Soak up the atmosphere in Times Square, enjoy a Broadway show, visit the landmark Rockefeller Center and take in that famous New York skyline from the top of the Empire State Building.

Go shopping at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and the designer stores along Fifth Avenue. Then there’s the Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden and Central Park.

SAN FRANCISCO There are many reasons to visit San Francisco – the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the cable car to Chinatown and the infamous Alcatraz.

You’ll recognise many familiar landmarks from the movies. It’s a cosmopolitan and diverse city, boasting world-class shopping and a thriving nightlife as well as beautiful outdoor spaces.

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EUROPEAN CIT Y BREAKS

CITIES OF

Discovery

Thinking about where to jet off to for your next city break? There are plenty of options from Aberdeen International Airport over the coming months

COPENHAGEN The Danish capital is famous for its friendly locals – and, of course, The Little Mermaid, the sculpture inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

Mixing royal history and modern architecture with sustainable living and a booming restaurant scene, Copenhagen is home to the Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn, the gorgeous waterfront district packed with restaurants and lively pubs.

OSLO Oslo, a beautiful city on the south coast at the head of the Oslofjord, nestling between forests and a fjord, the Norwegian capital is filled with art and stunning architecture. Visit the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Polar Ship Museum, home to the world’s strongest polar vessel – Fram, built by Scots-Norwegian shipbuilder Colin Archer.

Getting there

Getting there

Fly to Copenhagen from Aberdeen International Airport with SAS flysas.com

Fly to Oslo from Aberdeen International Airport with SAS flysas.com

RIGA Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia and a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts an impressive collection of Art Nouveau buildings and Gothic churches creating a fairy-tale city centre.

Riga Central Market is one of the biggest in Eastern Europe and here you’ll find culinary delicacies such as Latvian sausage and cheese. Art-lovers should visit the Alma Gallery which promotes Latvian contemporary art.

GDANSK Gdansk, on Poland’s Baltic Coast, is a vibrant city that is mindful of its past. Its red-roofed medieval centre was decimated by bombing during the Second World War but now provides a splendid setting for the historic landmarks of St Mary’s Church, the Royal Way and Oliwa Cathedral.

Cobbled streets and pastel-coloured terraces give the Old Town a distinctive feel and the atmosphere is lively with cafés, microbreweries and music bars.

Getting there

Getting there

Fly to Riga from Aberdeen International Airport with airBaltic airbaltic.com

Fly to Gdansk from Aberdeen International Airport with Wizz Air wizzair.com

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U K S TAY C AT I O N S

City

SLICKERS Planning a city break close to home? There’s plenty to do in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol and London at this time of year – and all are just a short flight from Aberdeen International Airport

BELFAST From the Giant’s Causeway just 100km north of the city to its lively music scene, Belfast is perfect for a short break.

The Titanic Quarter is steeped in the history and tradition of the city’s shipbuilding heritage. At the Titanic Belfast exhibition you’ll uncover the true story of the doomed ocean liner. In the popular Linen Quarter behind Belfast City Hall, key attractions include the Crown Bar, Grand Opera House, Ulster Hall, and St Malachi’s Church.

BIRMINGHAM From the Bullring & Grand Central, the city’s premium retail and dining destination to Cadbury World, one of Birmingham’s most popular attractions, there’s plenty to see and do here on a city break. Did you know that this cosmopolitan city has more miles of canals than Venice?

If it’s culture you’re after, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery displays centuries of European history in more than 40 galleries.

Getting there

Getting there

Fly to Belfast with Flybe flybe.com

Fly to Birmingham with Flybe flybe.com

BRISTOL A creative city with plenty of art galleries, festivals and performance spaces to complement its stunning Georgian architecture, Bristol is home to Britain’s oldest working theatre, the Bristol Old Vic. Street art pioneer Banksy is also from the city. But it’s arguably the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, boasting a spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge, that is the defining symbol of Bristol.

LONDON From the London Eye and The Shard, London’s best vantage points, the UK’s capital offers the ultimate city break. Explore markets like Old Spitalfields and Camden, visit a museum and take in a West End show. And if you love gaming, London Games Festival runs from March 26 to April 6. The festival showcases the best of video games and interactive entertainment with a large programme of events across multiple London venues. Game on!

Getting there

Getting there

Fly to Bristol with Loganair loganair.co.uk

Fly to London Southend with Loganair and Heathrow with BA and Flybe ba.com, flybe.com, loganair.co.uk W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 17

CONNECTING YOU TO THE WORLD

CHICAGO It’s known as the Windy City, an exciting metropolis where beaches, lakes, parks and diverse neighbourhoods sit against a magnificent skyline.

Home to world-renowned museums, theatre, sport and music, Chicago has something for everyone. It also has some of the best cuisine in the America with 7,000-plus restaurants and, in July, Taste of Chicago – the biggest free-admission food festival in the world.

Fancy a coffee? Chicago boasts the world’s largest Starbucks.

From the shops and malls on the Magnificent Mile to the Willis Tower, one of the he tallest buildings in the USA, you’ll never run short of inspiration.

Fly from Aberdeen with Aer Lingus via Dublin aerlingus.com

CAPE TOWN Table Mountain, overlooking the city, is the South African city’s number one attraction.

You can hike up to the top but the cable car is so quick and easy you’ll be taking in those spectacular views in no time.

Another popular attraction is the V&A (Victoria and Alfred) Waterfront, a place to eat, shop and be entertained. If you want a quieter pace, drive out to Cape Point, one of South Africa’s most spectacular reserves where you can take in the dramatic scenery, go hiking and visit deserted beaches.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is another gem.

Fly from Aberdeen with KLM via Amsterdam Schiphol klm.com

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Connecting you to the

WORL

LD

BEIJING One of the most populated cities in the world and the economic centre of China, Beijing maintains a strong cultural and architectural heritage.

It’s a fascinating city and one of many faces – from the Temple of Heaven to the iconic Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest square.

Another “must see” is the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 600th anniversary in 2020. Enclosed by citadel walls, this amazing collection ancient buildings gives a remarkable of a an n iincredible in ncredible iinsight into the lives of China’s nc n emperors. em e mp m pero r TThe Th h Summer Palace, an imperial garden in the Qing Dynasty, is also well worth a visit and the largest of its kind in China. Its waterways, pavilions, bridges and temples are amazing.

Fly from Aberdeen with Air France via Paris airfrance.co.uk

KUALA LUMPUR K KU Kuala Lumpur is often somewhere people pass through ugg – it is the gateway to Malaysia, after all – but it’s worth spending a few days in the capital t’s ’s w to see o sse e its most famous landmark, the Petronas its other gleaming skyscrapers and ttowers, to o sprawling shopping malls.

This melting pot of cultures will tempt you with street food and its lively night-time scene. For a different perspective, get out of the city and visit Sekinchan with its paddy fields amid a backdrop of the peaks of the Cameron Highlands.

Penang, with its UNESCO-listed capital Georgetown, is an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Fly from Aberdeen with BA via London Heathrow ba.com

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ROUTES NEWS

Loganair strengthens network from Aberdeen to Norway

Surf’s up for Loganair’s new route to Cornwall Chasing the perfect wave or fancy a traditional Cornish pasty or cream tea? Loganair’s new year-round route to Cornwall Airport Newquay takes off on April 1 – just in time for summer!

The Newquay flight, which will transform travel between northeast Scotland and southwest England, is Loganair’s tenth service from Aberdeen International Airport.

Southbound flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will have one stop at Newcastle, while northbound flights on Fridays and Sundays will also have one stop at Newcastle. Services on Saturdays between Aberdeen and Newquay will be non-stop.

Between July 6 and September 4, there will be extra one-stop flights in each direction on Tuesdays and

Thursdays. The three-hour journey on services via Newcastle or the non-stop flights, which take just one hour and 45 minutes, compare favourably to driving or a 14-hour train journey.

All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance, allocated seating and complimentary in-flight refreshments.

Loganair’s expansion into Newquay marks continued growth at Aberdeen, where the airline is the largest operator and employs nearly 100 staff locally including pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

Beautiful Cornwall, above, is calling with the launch of Loganair’s Newquay route loganair.co.uk

A new year-round Loganair route to Haugesund in Norway from Aberdeen International Airport is set to strengthen links between two key energy regions – and boost the Scandinavian country’s popularity as a holiday destination.

Haugesund, in southwest Norway where the fjords flow out into the North Sea, is a lively city known for its festivals and Viking roots as well as being a great base for exploring the country’s natural beauty.

Langfoss waterfall, which was voted one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world by news network CNN, can be reached in about an hour-and-a-half.

With a long history serving the oil and gas sector, Loganair offers customers holding Vantage Cards or valid offshore ID extra flexibility to help with changes in shifts patterns or weather that impacts upon connecting helicopter flights.

Across all its routes Loganair provides a complimentary baggage allowance, in-flight refreshments and the option to join Clan Loganair – the airline’s competitive reward programme for frequent flyers.

Business customers can also opt for several different fare products, offering a range of flexibility as required. loganair.co.uk

Summer sun from your doorstep with TUI’s ‘magnificent seven’ Have you booked this year’s summer holiday?

TUI has lined up its “magnificent seven” from Aberdeen International Airport – so book now for Rhodes, Ibiza, Corfu, Dalaman, Majorca, Tenerife and Reus.

The holiday operator’s flights to these

popular holiday hot spots provide plenty of choice for sunseekers in northeast Scotland and the advice is to book now to avoid disappointment.

Need inspiration before you book? Turn to page 4 for our special feature. tui.co.uk W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 2 1

ROUTES NEWS

Cardiff route flying again Eastern Airways has reintroduced a Flybe service linking Aberdeen with Cardiff.

Flights to the Welsh capital leave Aberdeen International Airport at 11.55am, Monday to Thursday, and at 10.55am on Fridays. Flights from Cardiff depart at 10.20am, Monday to Friday.

The route, which has a short transit stop, provides a welcome service between the UK’s offshore oil capital

and Wales, benefiting the energy sector and leisure passesngers.

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ general manager commercial and operations, said: “We are re-establishing a previous air link from Cardiff to Aberdeen aimed at the energy sector and growing leisure market, which will save time compared to lengthy ground transport options.” flybe.com

New East Midlands flight takes off

Brilliant Brussels

Leading low-cost airline easyJet is adding extra capacity on its London Luton route for summer 2020.

A Saturday departure will join the schedule and for some of the season easyJet will operate its A320 aircraft on the route, adding about 4,000 departing seats to Luton.

It’s a brilliant short-break destination and now holidaymakers flying from Aberdeen International Airport can tick Brussels off their list with a new flight from Loganair.

Flying via Newcastle, the route is perfect for those seeking a city break in a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant cultural scene and some of the best restaurants in Europe.

This epicentre of the EU is also famous for The Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1998, the cobblestone square features a mix of architectural and artistic styles with its Town Hall comprising buildings from the 14th to 17th centuries.

And don’t forget to buy some chocolate to bring home!

easyjet.com

loganair.co.uk

There’s good news if you do business in the heart of central England or want to visit the famous Alton Towers theme park – you can now fly from Aberdeen International Airport to East Midlands Airport.

East Midlands is an excellent gateway to the cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham as well as the university town of Loughborough.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director, commented: “I’m extremely pleased about our new route between Aberdeen and East Midlands.

“As the airline continues to grow, we’re continually looking for ways to enhance connectivity and convenience for our customers, spreading our wings further.”

The new route launches on February 24. loganair.co.uk

More capacity on easyJet’s Luton route

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AIRPORT NEWS

Members of the Canine Crew – and their owners – spread some festive cheer in Aberdeen International Airport

Paws for thought as Canine Crew make their mark Our four-legged friends have become a familiar – and popular – feature in and around Aberdeen International Airport in recent months and now the Canine Crew have won a raft of awards.

The Therapets won the Iain Whyte Memorial Award at the Canine Concern Scotland Trust’s 2019 awards in recognition of the airport’s work in helping to alleviate stress, calm nerves, and improve mental health and wellbeing.

And Noodle, one of the muchloved members of the Canine Crew, with her owner Amy McKenzie, won Therapet of the Year.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen International Airport’s groundbreaking Therapet project has been internationally recognised as industry leading after winning the prestigious National Geographic Traveller’s Award for innovation.

The National Geographic Traveller Readers Awards 2019 were voted for by readers and reward the best places, experiences, hotels and personalities that make travelling meaningful and memorable.

Look out for the 14-strong Canine Crew next time you pass through the airport – the dogs are easy to spot in the terminal thanks to their highvis jackets and bandanas as they mingle with passengers and staff to work their animal magic both before and after security.

The Canine Crew work in pairs for two hours at a time once a week on a rota basis at the airport, the first in the UK to employ a team of fourlegged volunteers to help anxious flyers before flying.

The marvellous Noodle – Therapet of the Year – poses for the camera

Keep up to date with the Canine Crew and view their profiles at: aberdeenairport.com/therapet W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 2 5

AIRPORT NEWS

Pre-book your taxi for a seamless onward travel experience Aberdeen International Airport has partnered with HolidayTaxis to offer a wide range of options when pre-booking taxis in your destination country for a seamless onward travel experience.

HolidayTaxis works with several transport providers offering a selection of different transfer options – you can save money when you book in advance.

From budget-friendly shuttle buses that run between airports and holiday resorts on a regular schedule to high-quality taxis, minivans and luxury cars, there’s something to suit every traveller.

What’s more, there are no queues and your friendly driver will meet you on arrival, help with your luggage and drive you directly to the door of your accommodation.

Meanwhile, if you’re booking a taxi to and from Aberdeen International Airport, our new hub has you covered.

The Official Aberdeen International Airport Taxi Hub allows you to benefit from the best fares via our dedicated fleet whose drivers will take you to and from the airport.

Located beside the ticket desks, opposite Travelex in the main arrivals area of the terminal, the hub will take care of all your taxi requirements while you are in Aberdeen.

Our taxi rank is directly outside the front of the terminal – just turn left and our forecourt co-ordinator will assist you.

If you’re arriving at the airport, simply go to the hub and our friendly staff will help you. To pre-book, call 01224 725725 or email abztaxis@apcoa.com

Jemma Forrest, travel services manager at Aberdeen International Airport, receives the award from Andrew Martin, vice-chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association

Tourism award for Northern Lights Lounge Aberdeen International Airport won the prestigious Working Together for Tourism category – for the Northern Lights Lounge food and drink suppliers – in the recent Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards held at the Chester Hotel.

The awards recognise and reward the “best of the best” tourism businesses of all sizes in the northeast, and celebrate the hard work of individuals and businesses operating in the hospitality and tourism industries.

“We have shown the diversity of the tourism industry,” said ACSTA chairman Stephen Gow. “It’s not just

about hotels and visitor attractions – tourism has a major part to play in our community and economy, with everyone from tour guides to taxi drivers responsible for delivering exceptional customer services.”

Aberdeen International Airport and the other category winners now go on to represent the northeast at the national tourism Oscars – the Scottish Thistle Awards – this spring.

Other winners included the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar (Most Hospitable Hotel) and Delgatie Castle, Turriff (Best Visitor Attraction) – this category was sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport.

App’s the way to go Have you downloaded the new Aberdeen International Airport app yet? It has everything you need at your fingertips, from live flight updates to coupons and discounts from shops and restaurants at the airport.

Not sure what size of cabin bag you can take onboard? Check with your airline on the app.

Want to book the Northern Lights Lounge? Do it on the app. Need to book parking or priority security in advance? There’s an app for that!

The Aberdeen International Airport app makes travelling through the airport easy – download it for free at the App Store.

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I N T E R V I E W : C R A I G W I L S O N , T H E K I LT E D C H E F

Cooking UP A STORM Chef Craig Wilson is flying the flag for food and drink from northeast Scotland and also working with Aberdeen International Airport to promote Aberdeenshire’s larder

A passionate supporter of Scottish food and drink, Craig Wilson is a particularly ardent advocate of produce from northeast Scotland where his fine-dining restaurant, Eat on the Green, near Ellon, has built up a loyal following over many years.

Craig, known as The Kilted Chef, cuts a dash in both kilt and chefs’ whites as he cooks up a storm in his rural kitchen, combining seasonal ingredients – many grown in his own garden – with world-class produce from Aberdeenshire, including beef and seafood.

Passengers using the award-winning Northern Lights Lounge at Aberdeen International Airport will be familiar with The Kilted Chef – Craig’s image features on the wall alongside other producers and brands from Aberdeenshire. Indeed, Craig worked with the airport to the create the locally-inspired menu for the lounge.

“It’s great to see the airport promoting quality produce from the northeast and it’s very forwardthinking of them,” says Craig. “To me, it makes perfect sense for our local airport to help spread the word that Aberdeenshire’s food and drink producers are among the best in the world.”

Aberdeenshire-born and bred, Craig and his wife, Lindsay, opened Eat on the Green in 2004, fulfilling the chef’s lifelong ambition to open his own restaurant after discovering his passion for food as a trainee chef in nearby Inverurie when he was just 16.

His career soon saw him leave Aberdeenshire for Perthshire, where he 2 8 W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M

worked at a country house hotel before “My menus revolve around what’s in season and available locally but I think customers moving to Cromlix House, now owned by want a twist – you can transform a dish with Scotland’s tennis superstar, Sir Andy Murray. an ingredient that’s quite unexpected but lifts At just 24, he one of the youngest head chefs it in a way you didn’t think possible.” in the country and also one of the youngest Craig put this theory to the test when he chefs to achieve two AA rosettes. was invited to attend a food and drink festival “I’ve always taken the approach that if you in Vietnam about a year-and-a-half ago. The have premium ingredients, are innovative only chef from Scotland taking part, Craig in your cooking, strive for quality and combined traditional flavours from Scotland consistency but also offer the best possible customer service, you can’t go wrong,” says with southeast Asian cuisine at the festival in Craig. “That’s particularly true when you’re in Hanoi which saw him cook alongside Michelina rural location like Eat on the Green – people star chefs from all over the world. have to make an effort to come to you.

“Every ingredient on my menus has a story “That means they’re not just coming to tell,” he says. “Whether it’s the for a great dining experience – they ‘Attention to detail is beef from our local butchers Presley’s expect the full package and a warm Oldmeldrum or the Barra berries so important nowadays of welcome from the minute they walk grown nearby or the Teasmith Gin in the door,” he continues. “It’s the and all of us at Eat on distilled right here in Udny Green – overall experience that will make larder is overflowing the Green – the team Aberdeenshire’s them come back again. with quality and inspiration.”

“Attention to detail is so in the kitchen and the Craig, who has been an ambassador important nowadays and all of us Scottish food and drink at Scotland people front of house – for at Eat on the Green – the team in Week in New York, couldn’t be the kitchen and the people front of prouder of his small team at Eat on have a role to play’ house – have a role to play. We love the Green and is looking forward to an to see people smiling and enjoying exciting 2020. themselves and whether it’s a quick midweek As well as appearing at local events, he visit or a lunch or dinner celebrating a special will be on TV screens in a new BBC Scotland occasion, it gives us a lot of satisfaction.” series called Corner Shop Cook Off, presented Always pushing culinary boundaries, Craig by actress Clare Grogan. enjoys experimenting with ingredients. “I like In each episode a professional chef to create a fusion of freshness and flavour,” goes head to head with resident chef he explains. “Ingredients such as ginger, lime Gary Maclean, winter of MasterChef: The and chilli are particular favourites and work Professionals in 2016, to create three courses well with my style and I would say that halibut using only ingredients bought from a featured is a fish I enjoy working with although confit corner shop. eatonthegreen.co.uk duck isn’t far behind.

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW: CHRIS FOY

Renaissance

CITY

VisitAberdeenshire’s chief executive Chris Foy tells Karen Peattie why there’s a growing appetite for tourism in the northeast Sitting in VisitAberdeenshire’s boardroom just a few days before Aberdeen plays host to the high-profile BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, Chris Foy is excited.

The tourism body’s chief executive is counting down the hours to arguably the biggest event of the year for Aberdeen, taking place in the city’s new events and concert venue, P&J Live.

Cricketer Ben Stokes went on to win the big award of the night but Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire also emerged victorious at the biggest awards night on the UK sporting calendar with 10,000 watching the event unfold inside the venue and nearly nine million tuning in live on BBC One. But what does being in the national spotlight mean for a city that is firmly back on the UK map as a tourist destination?

It’s just one part of a story that is making people sit up and notice northeast Scotland, says Foy. “Events like Sports Personality of the Year are fantastic because they get a lot of publicity and create excitement,” he goes on. “But there are many smaller things going on that don’t necessarily get the same exposure yet still add to the compelling story of Aberdeenshire.”

The opening of the £333 million P&J Live complex last year made national headlines and the venue has already welcomed big names from the world of entertainment including Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart.

The state-of-the-art venue also staged the SPE Offshore Europe oil and gas exhibition, attracting 60,000 delegates from around the globe. “It’s such a wonderful 3 0 W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M

asset for the northeast and very much a jewel in our crown,” says Foy. So, too, is Aberdeen Art Gallery which reopened in November after a four-year renovation and £35 million investment.

But there’s much more contributing to the city’s tourism rebirth, Foy suggests. Innovative hotel developments are playing their part too, he says, pointing to the Fife Arms in Braemar, a former village inn owned by Swiss art dealers Hauser and Wirth that is packed with incredible art by the likes of Picasso and Freud.

“It’s all part of a jigsaw that’s coming together following a period when awareness of the region as a tourism destination was pretty low and Aberdeen having a legacy as a business city.”

Foy, who came to Aberdeen in 2016 from VisitBritain where he was head of business events based in London, is keen to promote the northeast’s “cultural renaissance”, pointing to events such as the award-winning festival Nuart which brings the world’s best street artists to the city and this year takes place from April 23-26.

Then there’s the Spectra Festival in February which will see outdoor light artworks themed around Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2020 and Granite Noir, inspired by the enduring popularity of crime fiction (February 2326). Like music? Aberdeen Jazz Festival comes to town from March 12-22.

A keen cyclist, Foy is looking forward to the final stage of the Tour of Britain race, the UK’s biggest cycling event which attracts some of the world’s top riders and comes to Aberdeenshire in September – the region will also host the opening Grand Depart in 2021.

Photograph: Felix Mooneeram

‘It’s all part of a jigsaw that’s coming together following a period when awareness of the region as a tourism destination was pretty low and Aberdeen having a legacy as a business city’ With so much happening, it’s no surprise that Aberdeenshire’s star is rising. “We’re definitely on the cusp of a renaissance,” says Foy. “Aberdeen is at the centre of it and the fact that The New York Times rated the region as its only UK must-see travel destination for 2019 is also significant because it confirms that people want to embrace somewhere new instead of the more obvious tourist centres.

“I think people are also looking at Aberdeen as a city that is still a thriving energy hub but one that is going through a transformation and emerging with a rejuvenated sense of civic pride that is appealing to a new generation of visitors – the investment at Aberdeen International Airport is a prime example.”

VisitAberdeenshire is tapping into this by channelling locals’ enthusiasm for the city too and has recruited a band of “Welcome to Aberdeenshire” volunteers to help out at events, sharing their experiences, stories and

Chris Foy, left, is on a mission to promote Aberdeenshire and points to events such as street art festival Nuart, above, as part of the jigsaw Right: Aberdeen’s new P&J Live events complex hosted the high-profile BBC Sports Personality of the Year

recommendations – as well as extending the warmest of welcomes to visitors.

“Add this investment to Aberdeenshire’s 165 miles of coast, championship golf courses, 263 castles and our world-renowned food and drink larder which includes distilleries, Michelin Guide restaurants and the home of BrewDog, leader of the craft beer revolution, and we’ve got the perfect recipe to attract visitors.” visitabdn.com W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 3 1

INTERVIEW: TUI

TUI’S

MAGNIFICENT

seven

Skylife’s editor Karen Peattie chats to Karen Switzer, director of aviation planning at TUI about the UK’s largest holiday company’s latest programme from Aberdeen International Airport TUI is gearing up for a great year with Aberdeen International Airport with seven magnificent summer destinations on offer. How important is it to offer a strong programme for Aberdeen travellers?

We put our customers at the heart of everything we do and where our customers want to travel to is a huge part of this.

We’re proud to have such a strong regional programme of 21 airports across the UK for local and convenient departures.

This summer is no exception when it comes to Aberdeen. We’re offering ATOL-protected holidays with flights on TUI Airways to seven of our most popular hotspots: the Greek islands of Corfu and Rhodes; Dalaman on Turkey’s Lycian coast; and timeless Spanish favourites Palma, Ibiza, Reus and Tenerife. We also operate two weekly flights to Tenerife in winter for those seeking year-round sunshine.

How do you choose which destinations to operate from Aberdeen? Why these ones?

We want to give our customers great choice and flexibility. Where we fly to is always based

Aberdeen holidaymakers can choose from TUI’s magnifcent seven this summer tui.co.uk

on demand, so we work closely with all of our selling teams to see where people would like to visit.

This year, Greece and Turkey are once again proving popular for summer sun, along with the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Majorca) and the Canary Islands (Tenerife). Our routes to Corfu and Palma are important as they give our customers who want to sail away with Marella Cruises the option of departing locally.

How long has TUI been working with Aberdeen International Airport?

I’m pleased to say that Aberdeen International Airport has been a key partner for TUI for a number of years. We started with a small programme of just a handful of flights a week, growing to have a dedicated TUI Airways aircraft with 189 seats based there for the summer season. Over the last five years we’ve nearly doubled the number of holidays we offer from Aberdeen.

Continued

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INTERVIEW: TUI

‘Demand for summer 2020 has been really strong, with g many holidaymakers taking advantage of the thousandss of free kids’ places and savings on offer in our early booking sale in January’

Any other destinations in the pipeline?

We continually evaluate our holiday programmes and are confident we have the right destinations on sale for our customers who want to depart from Aberdeen. We’re excited to be offering even greater choice this summer with the addition of a second weekly flight to Dalaman which opens up 10 and 11-night holidays to Turkey.

Aberdeen International Airport has seen considerable investment in recent years.

What does this mean for TUI? Aberdeen International Airport is a key partner for TUI in Scotland, so it’s great to see them investing in improved facilities, including an enhanced shopping experience and the excellent Northern Lights Lounge, so that our customers have the best possible airport experience from the moment they check in.

For many of our customers, arriving at the airport signifies the start of their holiday.

How is TUI performing generally? What are the challenges facing you in 2020?

Demand for summer 2020 has been strong, with many holidaymakers taking advantage of the thousands of free kids’ places and savings in our early booking sale in January.

The biggest trend by far for 2019 was the increase in Direct Debit allowing customers to spread the cost of their holiday, which is expected to continue. The family market is also particularly buoyant and Greece, the Balearics and Turkey remain the most popular choices so far for beach breaks from Aberdeen International Airport.

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Palma, above, and Rhodes, right, are among Aberdeen holidaymakers’ summer favourites

TUI is still investing in shops – in this digital age, why do you think people still want to go into a travel agent?

As a business we continually monitor customer habits to understand shifting demand. The digital world is developing with more of our customers choosing to book their holiday online, but there is definitely still a place for retail on the high street with many customers valuing face-to-face advice and expertise. As consumer demands change, we’re adapting our products and service to remain innovative in the market.

INTERVIEW: EMELI SANDÉ

A life in

MUSIC

Award-winning singer-songwriter and seasoned flyer Emeli Sandé, whose third album Real Life was released last year, takes time out to chat to John Dingwall GLOBAL SUPERSTAR Emeli Sandé has been clocking up plenty of air miles since she shot to fame with her 2012 debut album, Our Version Of Events.

The singer studied medicine at the University of Glasgow before she signed her record deal and went on to win four Brit awards.

Number one hits such as Read All About It and Beneath You’re Beautiful followed. She travelled the world, performing at the White House for US President Barack Obama and at the London Olympics in 2012.

Talented songwriter Emeli, who has written songs for stars including Leona Lewis, Alesha Dixon and Cheryl Cole, has got used to travelling further afield, even flying first class on occasion.

“At the beginning, during the first album cycle, I flew first class for the first time and it was so nice to get a bed,” she says.

It’s a far cry from her first flight, to Denmark with her family when she was nine and scared of heights.

Emeli was just 16 when the music business came calling. The singer, from Alford in Aberdeenshire, soon found herself making regular trips to London.

“It was very exciting being part of the music industry, going to London and flying by myself,” she said.

“And I did a lot of travelling in Europe for summer holidays when I was a student because we were on a budget. It was a different type of travel but it was exciting.”

A Brits Critics Choice award coincided with the release of her debut album, which sold a staggering 5.4 million copies. It became the biggest-selling album in the UK in 2012 and 2013.

Three more Brits followed including Best Album of the Year and two for Best Female Solo Artist. Her follow-up album, 2015’s Long 3 6 W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M

‘I enjoy reading and sometimes I try to catch up on sleep.

I take my headphones and listen to a lot of music on a flight – I also take an eye mask and earplugs.

Those are the essentials’

Live The Angels, reached number two in the charts. Emeli’s third album, Real Life, was released last year and she says she was really excited to “finally get it out there” because “sitting on the music and not being able to share is like torture for me”.

Some fans got an early listen to those songs when she performed at Glasgow’s TRNSMT musical festival last summer.

Emeli got to the gig by hiring a private jet.

“From time to time, if it’s a real emergency or to get to the next gig, I’ve had to take a private jet.

The last time was to get to TRNSMT because it was a really tight window,” she says.

“It’s fun when you’ve got your whole band.

This time we were flying from Stuttgart in Germany to Glasgow Airport.”

Emeli’s music career has taken her to some special destinations in recent years. “I was invited to sing at Richard Branson’s Necker Island and that was really exciting,” says the pop, soul and R&B superstar.

But even before her career took off, Emeli was used to jetting off. “Before I was in the music industry, I liked to travel a lot to places like Serbia, Montenegro and Spain,” she says.

“I’d always be at the airport and I learned the hard way that pre-planning and packing the night before is a lot better than leaving it until the morning.”

Any top travel tips, Emeli? “I always take an eye mask and I try to take a book that I can get into,” she reveals.

“There have been a few flights where I have been held on the tarmac and having a book can stimulate your mind.”

Emeli also has an experiment at the ready to cure jet lag. She explains: “I do a lot of flying and you have to pace yourself even if you are just sitting there because of the early mornings, the transfers and security, and time changes. You need to find something that grounds your body.

“My friend told me the best thing to do is find a beach with sand if you are going to be near the coast. You put your feet in the sand and that’s supposed to ground you and get you in tune with the clocks a bit quicker. I’m going to try it next time.”

While most of us try to relax by catching an in-flight movie, Emeli is likely to be working on her songs at 35,000ft.

“If it’s a long flight I take my laptop so I can work on some production ideas,” she says. “When I get to the hotel room, I’ll put down a rough vocal onto beats and I have a midi-piano that I plug into my laptop and I use a music production program.”

However, she also makes the most of not being able to use her phone on a flight.

“It forces you to get your mind on something else,” says Emeli. “I enjoy reading and sometimes I try to catch up on sleep.

“I take my headphones and listen to a lot of music on a flight – I also take an eye mask and earplugs. Those are the essentials.”

Emeli Sandé’s Real Life tour of the UK came to the Armadillo at the SEC, Glasgow in November. She described the tour as “nothing short of magnificent”.

Other performances in 2019 included the Royal Variety Performance, joining Manchester’s Bee Vocal Choir to help fight the stigma around mental health.

Meanwhile, Our Version Of Events was at No. 8 in the UK’s Official Top 100 biggest albums of the decade – and was also the biggest female debut of the decade.

Gigs confirmed for 2020 include Belladrum, taking place at Beauly in Inverness-shire from July 30-August 1. emelisande.com

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WORLD DUT Y FREE: FRAGRANCES, COSMETICS, BEAUT Y & DRINKS

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM Anti-ageing ingredients help reduce the depth of wrinkles and improve firmness, tone and hydration AIRPORT PRICE: £72.45

SELECTED FRAGRANCE -20% VS UK HIGH STREET

BY TERRY BAUME DE ROSE FLACONNETTE Repair, nourish, regenerate and protect lips with this creamy handbag ‘must have’ which leaves a natural, glossy finish AIRPORT PRICE: £27.95

BY TERRY HYALURONIC HYDRA-POWDER This invisible loose powder will give you a matte complexion and is a great base for make-up – it will last all day AIRPORT PRICE: £36.05

Buy before

YOU FLY. Save on all your favourite brands at World Duty Free

URBAN DECAY NAKED HONEY PALETTE Get blending with 12 golden neutral shades of eyeshadow in classic golds, warm ambers and rich chocolate browns AIRPORT PRICE: £38.22

YVES SAINT LAURENT LIBRE EAU DE PARFUM 50ML A feminine, sexy fragrance for the strong, bold woman who does things her way AIRPORT PRICE: £66.30 3 8 W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M

Reserve & Collect Remember that you can take advantage of our handy Reserve & Collect and Shop & Collect services. More details at: aberdeenairport.com

Drinks

MOLTON BROWN RE-CHARGE BLACK PEPPER EAU DE PARFUM 100ML Fruity, piquant and earthy.

Re-charge Black Pepper has spicy notes, accented by soft nuances of bergamot and enhanced with a signature of myrtle pepper. Available via Reserve & Collect AIRPORT PRICE: £88

LANCÔME IDÔLE EAU DE PARFUM 50ML Powerful, beautiful, pure and sensual – this floral fragrance is subtle yet distinctive AIRPORT PRICE: £63.20

HUGO BOSS THE SCENT ABSOLUTE FOR HIM EAU DE PARFUM 100ML A richer, more intense interpretation of the original BOSS The Scent masculine fragrance. Available via Reserve & Collect AIRPORT PRICE: £74.60

GIORGIO ARMANI ACQUA DI GIÒ HOMME SET Contemporary and masculine, inspired by the fresh sea, warm sun and richness of the earth, this exclusive set includes Eau de Toilette together with a deodorant stick. Available via Reserve & Collect AIRPORT PRICE: £58.95

CAORUNN SMALL BATCH SCOTTISH GIN 1L A perfectly balanced, superpremium small batch Scottish gin, infused with handpicked botanicals, inspired by Celtic tradition AIRPORT PRICE: £32.39

THE GLENLIVET NÀDURRA FIRST FILL 1L This wonderfully rich single malt from Glenlivet is drawn from casks made from American White Oak which have never before been used to mature Scotch whisky AIRPORT PRICE: £53.89

THE MACALLAN CONCEPT NUMBER 2 70CL This malt calls on exceptional casks to produce a rich and rewarding multisensory experience AIRPORT PRICE: £118

All prices correct at time of going to press and are subject to change. Items pictured are subject to stock availability.

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SHOPPING & DINING

RESERVE & COLLECT Order online from FROM THOUSANDS airport stores OF PRODUCTS BEFORE TAKE-OFF Want something from World Duty Free that we don’t stock in our store at Aberdeen International Airport?

Don’t worry – you now have a choice of thousands of World Duty Free products to choose from at your fingertips. World Duty Free’s free Reserve & Collect service enables passengers to pre-order items and collect them at the airport before you fly.

It’s really easy to use. Simply browse our product catalogue, select and reserve your items at least seven days before you fly, then collect and pay for them in the World Duty Free store. uk.worlddutyfree.com

NEW PICK-UP POINT FOR SHOP & COLLECT If you’re using our fantastic Shop & Collect service, please note that the pick-up point at Aberdeen International Airport is now at the taxi desk which can be found opposite Travelex near the main terminal entrance.

Shop & Collect is a great option if you enjoy pre-flight shopping but hate struggling with the extra bags. The solution? Simply buy before you fly, then pick up your purchases on your return.

This is a free service that’s easy to use. Just tell the assistant in-store what you would like to buy and provide your details. It’s especially useful if you’re purchasing fragile or heavy items as it means you don’t miss out on any time-limited special offers.

Shop & Collect aberdeenairport.com

Did you know that you can use the online order services for Boots the chemist, luggage specialist Rolling Luggage and Dixons, the UK’s leading airport technology retailer and have the items delivered to your home?

It’s a handy service for busy people on the move who don’t have time to pop in to the stores at Aberdeen International Airport or don’t want to take their purchases with them when they board their flight.

Simply log on at boots.com, rollingluggage.com and dixonstravel.com

Grab some food before you fly Don’t have time to sit down and eat before your flight? Not a problem as Aberdeen International Airport passengers can now pre-order food from airport outlets to takeaway ahead of their flights.

The Grab service is designed for passengers on the go and can be ordered via the airport website, the new airport app or the Grab app.

Passengers simply order and pay for food and soft drinks for collection from landside outlet Joes Coffee House. After security, passengers can order from The Distilling House.

The system works in real-time, so when passengers place and pay for their order, they receive confirmation and an alert when it’s ready to be picked up. It also gives an estimate of when food will be ready, so it is kept warm for their arrival at the restaurant – ideal for people on the go.

Find out more at aberdeenairport.com W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 41

Where will you go?

Bergen Oslo

Haugesund Stavanger Aberdeen

Copenhagen Esbjerg

East Midlands Cardiff Newquay

Amsterdam

Brusselss Paris

Worldwide connecting flights available with Air France

Geneva Verona

Reus Alicante

Faro Malaga

Majorca Ibiza

Tenerife

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Map for illustrative purposes only. Not to scale.

Shetland

Kirkwall Wick

Aberdeen

Connecting flights available with Aer Lingus to Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, Miami, Toronto & Washington

Belfast City Dublin

Newcastle Durham Humberside Manchester East Midlands

Norwich Birmingham Cork London Heathrow London Luton Cardiff Bristol tol Lon London So Southend Southampton Newquay

Riga Gdansk

Worldwide connecting flights available with KLM

Jersey

Worldwide connecting flights available with British Airways

Bourgas Corfu Dalaman Rhodes

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ABERDEENSHIRE NEWS & REVIEWS

Walk on the wild side inspires fiddle supremo’s new Highland Symphony Stepping out and walking miles of Scotland’s drove roads in the Highlands has provided the inspiration for a soundtrack by Scots fiddle supremo Paul Anderson that captures the spirit of one of the last natural wildernesses in the UK. The acclaimed Royal Deeside-based musician revealed a new string to his bow when he penned a classical symphony that encapsulates the majesty of the landscape of the Cairngorms.

Now, the Heilan Symphony, which was six months in the making, is to be performed in front of audiences at its first major stage show at Aberdeen’s Music Hall on April 11.

Paul explained: “I’ve always thought that, with an orchestra of almost 50 musicians, it would lend itself to being performed on a big stage, and that’s the thought behind this concert at the Music Hall in Aberdeen.”

It was commissioned by Huntly-based Deveron Arts.

For further information and tickets, go to the Aberdeen Performing Arts website: aberdeenperformingarts.com

Aberdeen best place to live and work in Scotland The Granite City has been named the best place to live and work in Scotland, beating both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Rising from ninth place last year in the UK-wide Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index, Aberdeen rose three places to sixth, overtaking Edinburgh which remained in seventh.

Oxford retained its place as the top-ranked city in the UK this year, followed by Reading, Southampton, Bristol and Milton Keynes.

It used indicators including employment, health, income, skills, housing affordability, commuting times and environmental factors to assess 42 cities across the country.

REVIEW

Amarone, Aberdeen I’d forgotten that there’s a branch of Amarone in Aberdeen. In Glasgow, it’s one of my favourite spots for a catch-up with friends or colleagues so when I walked past the branch in Union Street, I decided to pop in. It was lunchtime, after all!

This modern Italian restaurant, part of the DRG portfolio which has more than 20 restaurants across Scotland, reopened in November after a fire in 2018.

Afterwards, the owners took the decision to mount a full-scale refurbishment of the premises.

It includes a swish new cocktail bar which takes the form of an opulent central island where diners can enjoy a cocktail before eating. New design concepts are glazed tile walls in green, cosy booths and an open pizza kitchen where you can watch all the action. Close your eyes and you could almost be in Milan!

The food didn’t disappoint either. And at £16.95 for two courses on the lunch/pre-theatre menu, it’s excellent value. A bowl of minestrone soup on a cold day hit the spot, followed by an exceptionally tasty linguine carbonara (smoky pancetta and traditional garlic cream sauce stirred through linguine).

While I managed to get a table, I’d strongly advise booking as it started to get really busy. It’s clearly very popular and gets my vote too – and I’ll definitely be back for one of those wonderful fresh pizzas!

Review by Karen Peattie Amarone, 257 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BR 01224 590300 amaronerestaurant.co.uk, dimaggios.co.uk

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ABERDEENSHIRE NEWS & REVIEWS

REVIEW

The Station Hotel, Aberdeen On your bike as Tour of Britain comes to Aberdeenshire The Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest and most prestigious cycle race, is coming to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils have agreed a deal to host the final stage of the Tour this September and the Grand Depart in 2021.

Details of the 2020 route will be confirmed in due course but it is likely to be around 200km, taking in large parts of Aberdeenshire, before finishing in the city centre.

Mick Bennett, race director, said: “Following the success of the Tour Series’ visits there since 2017, we’re delighted that the final stage of 2020’s Tour of Britain will be heading to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

“With its mix of stunning landscapes, historic architecture, passionate fans and gruelling terrain it promises to be a spectacular finale to the UK’s biggest bike race.”

The Tour of Britain, a professional men’s race consisting of eight stages across the UK, attracts the world’s top cyclists, including Olympic and World Champions, and Tour de France winners.

It takes place from September 6-13, beginning in Penzance and ending in Aberdeen.

Recent investment has seen The Station Hotel in Aberdeen benefit from a pretty impressive facelift and I was keen to check it out.

Work is ongoing but the lounge, reception and bar areas have been rejuvenated and there’s a new eatery – The Station Brasserie – offering lunch, high tea and dinner.

Indeed, The Station Hotel’s high tea is an institution in Aberdeen and the busy dining room was testament to the number of people keen to carry on the tradition. I didn’t manage to join them but tested the dinner service, opting for a sirloin steak which came cooked just the way I like it – so no complaints there.

The Station Hotel marked its 125th anniversary last year and is described by its general manager as a “grand old lady of the city”. So, it’s good to see it coming back to life, the recent changes greatly enhancing the building yet retaining many original features, along with its charm and personality.

Its location, across the road from the station, Union Square shopping centre and a short walk from the city’s main shopping thoroughfare of Union Street, is ideal if you’re in the city on business or visiting for a short break.

I also walked to the newly-refurbished Aberdeen Art Gallery so the hotel is really well positioned for exploring the city too.

Karen Peattie The Station Hotel, 78 Guild Street, Aberdeen AB11 6GN 01224 587214 stationhotelaberdeen.com

tourofbritain.co.uk, tourofbritainABDN.com W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 4 7

W H AT ’ S O N

COMING UP IN 2020 Three major exhibitions will be presented in the BP Galleries:

SPOTLIGHT ON ABERDEEN ART GALLERY Since reopening to the public after a four-year refurbishment, Aberdeen Art Gallery has received rave reviews. Karen Peattie agrees and looks forward to the exciting 2020 exhibitions programme Walking into Aberdeen Art Gallery I’m struck by the warmth of the welcome – three people say hello within seconds and the sociable entrance area is open, airy and welcoming, telling me that I’m going to enjoy the next few hours.

Just under three hours, in fact, but nowhere near long enough to see everything. Like a child in a sweetie shop I don’t know what Photograph: Grant Anderson to choose first but already I know that I will be making frequent visits here – there is so much to see and contemplate.

The £34.6 million investment, in my humble opinion, is money well spent.

Aberdeen Art Gallery, after all, has one of the finest art collections in the UK and it’s a treat to view works by luminaries such as Samuel Peploe, Joan Eardley and Tracey Emin.

Thanks to the renovations, this wonderful space now has 19 permanent galleries – up from 11. The gallery will host special exhibitions by national and international artists and aims to attract more than 250,000 visitors each year.

The 19th-century building is a work of art in itself and features a new staircase and a rooftop extension where bright, temporary exhibition spaces have been created. But don’t take my word for it: go and see it yourself!

Keep up to date with what’s on at Aberdeen Art Gallery at aagm.co.uk 4 8 W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M

HAROON MIRZA: WAVES AND FORMS (MARCH 21-JUNE 7) The first major solo show in Scotland by the acclaimed artist Haroon Mirza, Waves And Forms highlights the artist’s ongoing exploration of waveforms: how they are perceived, the emotional and physical responses they create, and the various ways in which we relate to them.

ZANDRA RHODES: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS (JULY 4-SEPTEMBER 20) Celebrating five decades of iconic design, Zandra Rhodes: 50 Years Of Fabulous is the largest-ever exhibition dedicated to British design legend Dame Zandra Rhodes.

This comprehensive exhibition explores 50 years of a fascinating career, presenting influential looks, original textiles and archive material.

BP PORTRAIT AWARD (OCTOBER 21-JANUARY 23) The BP Portrait Award is the world’s most prestigious portrait painting competition.

For over 40 years the Award has encouraged artists to develop portraiture in their work, attracting some 40,000 entries from artists in more than 100 countries.

Aberdeen Art Gallery has a long relationship with the National Portrait Gallery and BP, having hosted the BP Portrait Award exhibition in the city since 1993. Its return to Aberdeen is keenly anticipated.

W H AT ’ S O N

Photograph: Louise Kendal

Splash of

COLOUR Aberdeen’s city centre will come to life with a series of thought-provoking and colourful street murals this April Aberdeen’s international public art festival, Nuart Aberdeen, takes place across the city centre in April.

The high-profile event, established three years ago, sees artists from across the globe create world-class artwork on the walls of buildings across the city centre, creating interest and a welcome splash of colour.

Nuart hails from Aberdeen’s twin city of Stavanger where it began 20 years ago.

Curated and produced by the Stavangerbased arts organisation Nuart and brought to the city by Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council. the fourth year looks set to see many more of the city centre’s walls transformed into street art masterpieces.

Nuart Aberdeen has proved hugely popular with locals and visitors alike, positioning Aberdeen on the global stage and leaving a lasting legacy for the city.

It aims to promote art as part of people’s everyday lives, and bring art and artists out on to the streets to stimulate debate by

Brian Tallman Photography

challenging entrenched notions of what public art is, what it can be and who it is for.

Last year’s event achieved worldwide recognition and a mural on Rosemount Viaduct by Anders Gjennestad, also known as Strok, was selected by Street Art Today as one of the 19 most stunning murals of 2019.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The introduction of artworks in the city centre through Nuart Aberdeen has reactivated public spaces into vibrant, creative and welcoming places.

“It has also acted as a driver for increased visitor numbers and widening access to art for all, truly positioning Aberdeen as a ‘must visit’ destination.”

The festival runs from April 23-26 with a jam-packed weekend programme of events including free guided walking tours, street food market, artists’ talks, workshops and movies.

Full information on the festival can be found online at nuartaberdeen.co.uk W W W. A B E R D E E N A I R P O R T. C O M 4 9

BOOKS: WINTER READING

Editor’s

CHOICE See in-store for terms and conditions.

Travelling isn’t the same without a good book and you can pick up these great reads – and many more popular titles – in WH Smith at Aberdeen International Airport

BRIEF ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS Stephen Hawking, £8.99

GROWN UPS Marian Keyes, £14.99

QUEENIE Candice Carty-Williams, £8.99

Throughout his extraordinary career, Stephen Hawking expanded our understanding of the universe and unravelled some of its greatest mysteries. But even as his theoretical work on black holes, imaginary time and multiple histories took his mind to the furthest reaches of space, he always believed that science could also be used to fix the problems on our planet. And now, as we face potentially catastrophic changes here on Earth – from climate change to dwindling natural resources to the threat of artificial super-intelligence – Hawking turns his attention to the most urgent issues for humankind.

Brief Answers To The Big Questions is the final book from one of the greatest minds in history. Out now.

They’re a glamorous family, the Caseys. Johnny Casey, his brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together. And they’re a happy family. Johnny’s wife, Jessie, who has the most money, insists on it. Under the surface, though, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, other people like each other far too much. Everything stays under control until Ed’s wife, Cara, gets concussion and can’t keep her thoughts to herself. One careless remark at Johnny’s birthday party, with the entire family present, starts Cara spilling out all their secrets. In the subsequent unravelling, all the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s time – finally – to grow up? Available from February 6.

Meet Queenie. She just can’t cut a break. Well, apart from one from her long-term boyfriend, Tom. That’s just a break, though. Definitely not a break-up. Stuck between a boss who doesn’t seem to see her, a family who don’t seem to listen and trying to fit in two worlds that don’t really understand her, it’s no wonder she’s struggling. She was named to be queen of everything.

So why is she finding it so hard to rule her own life? A darkly comic and bitingly subversive take on life, love, race and family, Queenie will have you nodding in recognition, crying in solidarity and rooting for this unforgettable character every step of the way. Perfect for fans of Sally Rooney and Phoebe WallerBridge. Available from February 6.

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