Aberdeen International Airport upBEAT Magazine - Winter 2019 Issue

PEOPLE / TRAVEL / CULTURE / REVIEWS / BUSINESS / SHOPPING

> Birmingham

Shop. Adventure. Eat. Repeat.

> Bright ideas, bold new city The Vanguard Initiative

> Is Riga

on your radar?

Above the clouds Meet Loganair pilots Matthew and Amelia

A lounge inspired by the best of Aberdeenshire 2

> CONTENTS

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

Adult tickets: £27 / Child tickets (3+): £15

Save 15% with code UPBEAT15 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 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!

Book lounge access at aberdeenairport.com/lounges

Park Closest...

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Nobody sells our parking cheaper.

Save up to 50% when you pre-book online.

Pay with PayPal and Apple Pay. Fully flexible bookings up to the day of travel.

No hidden or additional fees. *Code valid for bookings up to and including 31 December 2019

Book official parking at aberdeenairport.com/parking

Save 15%* with code UPBEAT15

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BULGARIA

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4

> CONTENTS

CONTENTS

38

07 BUSINESS 07 Meet our new MD 10 Terminal Transformation 11 Sustainability at ABZ 12 Airport News 18 Bright ideas, bold new city: The Vanguard Initiative 30 ABZ goes digital

14

TRAVEL

14 Is Riga on your radar?

22 Birmingham: Shop. Adventure.

Eat. Repeat.

32 Connecting you to the World 34 Head for the Sun 36 Time to rediscover Tenerife

14

20 CULTURE 20 10 Unusual Things to do in Aberdeen 42 What’s on

26 SHOPPING 26 Top Tech for a New You

44

38

PEOPLE

38 Spotlight on: Loganair pilots 44 Snow Angels 48 Local Flavours: Deeside for Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day 51 Motivational reads 54 Diary

48

COMPETITIONS

48 Local Flavours – win dinner, bed and breakfast at Banchory Lodge Hotel 50 The Beat Goes on – win £100 of World Duty Free vouchers

48

WELCOME <

Welcome to the first upBEAT of 2019!

...we look behind the scenes at the Snow Operations here at the airport...

In this issue we find out about our city’s new Vanguard Initiative, and speak to two of its enthusiastic ambassadors. We also looked for the perfect place on Royal Deeside to take someone on Valentine’s or Mothers’ Day, and 10 unusual things to do in Aberdeen city.

I had a look behind the scenes at the Snow Operations here at the airport, and had a fascinating chat with two Loganair pilots. We found out all about why Tenerife is such a great year-round holiday destination, and discovered the delights of Riga and Birmingham.

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

As usual we bring you what’s on over the coming months, a catch up on our terminal upgrade and an update on happenings at the airport. There are tips on what’s hot in our shops, we meet the new MD and unearth the best motivational reads for the New Year.

And of course the competitions!

Win £100 to spend in World Duty Free with Beat Goes On, and dinner, bed and breakfast at Banchory Lodge for two in Local Flavours. Good luck and have a great year.

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

Print STEPHENS & GEORGE PRINT GROUP

Cover Image: © Newsline

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions of contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. upBEAT magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. All information correct at time of going to print (January 2019).

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066

>> 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 - NEW! 7 days per week, more frequent service to/from Montrose/Stonehaven to Ellon and Peterhead via Aberdeen Airport starts 21st January.

Service 757 – BRAND NEW! Connecting the airport with Chapelton and Portlethen hourly.

Details at stagecoachbus.com or call +44 (0) 1224 597590

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.

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.

AWPR TO PETERHEAD

A947

A92

ABERDEEN

> BEFORE YOU FLY

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP

THE DAY BEFORE YOU FLY

For the best deals, book your car parking 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 and belts must be removed. > Laptops and mobiles to be presented separately.

Sharps: No blades over 6cm

100ml max: Liquids, gels and pastes

AIRLINES & TOUR OPERATORS AER LINGUS AIR BALTIC AIR FRANCE AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS BALKAN HOLIDAYS BRITISH AIRWAYS EASTERN AIRWAYS EASYJET FIRST CHOICE FLYBE FLYBMI JERSEY TRAVEL KLM LOGANAIR RYANAIR SAS TUI WIDERØE WIZZ AIR

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

HELLO FROM THE MD <

Meet

our new MD STEVE SZALAY

2019: The year we begin to grow again, the completion of our terminal transformation project and so much to look forward to at Hello, I’m Steve, your new airport Managing Director. I’m delighted to make the move north and join an amazing team in a truly magical region. So here I am, three months in, on a steep learning curve that’s been fascinating.

AIRPORT AND REGION Here at the airport, we’re on the cusp of something hugely exciting, the tide is turning back towards growth.

Our terminal is transformed, looking better than ever, with even more improvements to come. Check page

10 for an update about our new retail offering that will be open in the coming months. I can’t wait to see the finished product and share it with our passengers.

I’ve spent the last few months getting to know the team. I am hugely impressed by their determination to create an airport we can all be proud of. I’m also getting to know the city and shire.

There are some momentous events happening in the region – AWPR, the new conference centre, the new harbour development, the resurgence

of the energy market. All these are real, tangible and point to a bright future for the region and the airport.

‘If you build it, they will come’ - I firmly believe that over the coming year, airlines will see the economic upturn and routes will return to the airport.

Our surveys show that passenger satisfaction is rising and I want Aberdeen to be the airport of choice with a great passenger experience.

POSITIVE ENDING As we enter 2019, we have lots to be excited about. We’re hurtling towards the finish line of our Terminal Transformation project and I cannot wait to welcome you all to our friendly airport.

Enjoy the issue, Steve

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8

> VIEW OF THE YEAR

Aerial view of the year Here at Aberdeen Airport, we’ve had a packed 2018.

We’ve highlighted our best bits, take a look at what we’ve been up to...

Passengers 3,092,007 passengers

Terminal Transformation Project We proudly opened phase 2 in June, with new security search and retail areas making our passengers’ experience even better than ever. Phase 3 will be completed in autumn 2019.

passed through our doors in 2018.

Awards Investment

Awarded the top rating in the CAA’s accessibility survey for our Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) service, an upgrade from last year’s ‘Good’ rating.

We’ve upgraded the runway with the addition of guard bars.

This has increased the visibility of the helicopter runway.

We have invested in state-of-the-art fire fighting vehicles. The High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) appliances will come into service in early 2019.

Appointments

Steve Szalay joined as Managing Director in November.

VIEW OF THE YEAR <

62,497 flights

Charitable Donations

Our staff have raised more than ÂŁ12,000 for our charity partner, Befriend a Child.

Operations Performance

29,654 Helicopter Flights

Improved security queue time performance, passengers passing through in less than 10 minutes since the move to the new area in June.

Accreditations

Commended by the CAA for implementing a positive security culture across the campus.

Keep in touch aberdeenairport.com

9

10

> TERMINAL TRANSFORMATION

Terminal Transformation:

COMING SOON

As we move through the final stage of the project, upBEAT takes a look at the upgraded retail stores and food and drink offering, coming soon to a departure lounge near you.

Dixons Travel: Tech haven Stock up on the latest technology from Dixons, when its larger store opens to passengers in the spring.

The new store is almost twice the size, featuring the best brands you know and love including Apple, Canon and Bose.

Whether you’re looking for wearable tech to kick start your new fitness regime (see pages 26 and 27) or you need some entertainment for your longhaul flight, Dixons Travel has a solution for all your tech needs.

Our new Dixons Travel store is earmarked to open in April 2019.

Boots: Health, beauty and everything in between Boots is a British High Street favourite, and a staple of our retail offering here at ABZ. With plenty of floor space, our Boots store will be packed with the

HOW OUR STORES LOOK NOW - NEW AND UPGRADED STORES COMING SOON.

travel and beauty essentials you just can’t do without.

Look out for our new Boots store, also opening in April this year.

Joes Coffee House Coffee makes everything better, and that’s a fact. We’ll be introducing an airside Joes Coffee House, offering you a bigger selection of cakes, sandwiches, pastries and of course, coffee.

The Globe: A new look for an old favourite We’re making The Globe even bigger, and will extend the current bar and restaurant to accommodate even more hungry passengers. The new and improved pub will have increased seating and will be contained within one area, ensuring you get your trip off to the best possible start.

DIXONS TRAVEL NEW LOOK: FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

BEING WELCOME GREEN <

It’s easy being

green Just like any other large business, we’re looking at new ways to become more environmentally friendly. Take a look at some of the green measures we’ve implemented.

Electric car charging points

Terminal Transformation

Water fountain

Waste management

The airport has introduced six new electric car charging points. With four points in the Short Stay Cark and a further two in Priority, we’ll keep your electric car charging while you’re away at no extra cost. To book your car in, visit our website for more information: www.aberdeenairport. com/transport-anddirections/aberdeenairport-parking/electriccar-parking-spaces/

During the Terminal Transformation project we replaced and upgraded many elements of our energy-intensive heating and cooling equipment with a new energy-efficient system. We also replaced our conventional lighting with LED lighting in the terminal, as well as the street lighting round the campus.

We have a refillable water bottle fountain located in the departures lounge, located just after the ramp at Gate 5. The fountain also has a counter that indicates how many plastic water bottles have been saved as passengers fill up!

We appointed a new waste management contractor to help us work towards zero waste to landfill, maximise our waste recycled on site and minimise the total airport waste produced by the business.

Our water fountain is located above the ramp at Gate 5.

©iStockPhoto/RomoloTavani

Electric car charging points.

11

12

> AIRPORT NEWS

New welcome sign in arrivals

Have you noticed our new arrivals sign, located at the new stairwell adjacent to gate 5? We’re creating a bold new space in our terminal and are very proud of the work we’ve been doing. Take your photo next to the sign and tweet us on @ ABZ_Airport.

Spreading some kindness to ‘Make someone’s Day'

Northern Lights Lounge shortlisted Well done to the Northern Lights Lounge team for its shortlisting at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism awards in November.

The lounge was nominated in the Working Together for Tourism award category and lost out on the night to the Glen Garioch Distillery.

This St Andrew’s Day, here at the airport we surprised our passengers with some random acts of kindness as part of a nationwide campaign.

The #MakeSomeonesDay initiative encouraged individuals and businesses to do just that.

Giving Tree donations to Befriend a Child Thanks to our very generous passengers, staff and the Aberdeen Airport Social Committee who purchased gifts from our Christmas Giving Tree, located in our departures lounge.

We collected gifts for our charity partner, Befriend a Child, to help turn frowns upside down at Christmas time. Also big thanks to our airport taxi team who delivered the gifts for free to the Befriend a Child HQ.

Our staff played the bagpipes, provided coffee vouchers, access to the Northern Lights Lounge and our friends at KLM even surprised some newlyweds with an upgrade on their onward flight to China.

Further images can be seen on pages 54-55.

AWPR opens shortening airport travel time The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route has now opened, allowing passengers to arrive to at the airport quicker than ever before.

Steve Szalay, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Airport, said: “The opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is a key milestone in the development of the NorthEast region. As an airport, we are excited to welcome a new audience from the north and south of the city

to our revitalised terminal, as our transformation project enters the final phase.

“Other large scale projects like the Aberdeen Harbour expansion, the development of The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) arena and our own investment at the airport culminates in a tangible excitement that is felt around the city. This huge piece of infrastructure heralds a bold new chapter in our city’s, and the surrounding region’s bright future.”

AIRPORT NEWS <

Camilla officially opens British Airways Lounge We welcomed the Duchess of Rothesay to officially open the British Airways lounge almost a year after she cut the ribbon on the first phase of our terminal extension.

The facility, which is for British Airways passengers, has been open since May but has now been given the royal seal of approval. During her visit, Camilla met airline staff and representatives who showed her around the lounge.

ABZ takes part in mass sleep out Airport staff joined 12,000 people sleeping outside across Scotland as a part of an organised charity event, aimed to eradicate homelessness for good.

The national Sleep in the Park event was held in Aberdeen for the first time, with Managing Director Steve Szalay, Airport Duty Manager Stuart McDonald, Engineering Manager Danny Duncan and Utilities & Environment Asset Manager Stuart Torpey braving the December chill in the Duthie Park.

Simultaneously, events in Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh also took place, with our Glasgow Airport colleagues sleeping out in Kelvingrove Park.

With the final total still to be confirmed, at the last count the Sleep in the Park participants and donors have raised more than £3.2 million.

Changing Places facility officially opened by charity representatives The airport’s Changing Places facility has been officially declared opened by charity representatives from Me Too! Magazine and Euan’s guide.

Vicky Cruickshanks, an ambassador of Euan’s Guide, a disabled access review website, opened the Changing Places facility with Phionna McInnes from Me Too Magazine!, the Aberdeenbased charity for children with additional support needs and who is also a member of the Aberdeen Airport Access Forum.

Included within the Changing Places room is a height adjustable bench, electronic hoist, non-slip floor and privacy screens. The facility can be accessed without the need for a key, and is alarmed should any passengers require assistance.

The airport has been working with the community to improve accessibility and inclusiveness, and was recently given a ‘very good’ rating in the CAA’s most recent Accessibility Study.

13

> INTERNATIONAL

Is Riga on your radar?

©iStockPhoto/castenoid

14

INTERNATIONAL <

Is Riga on your list for a weekend away or summer holiday? If not, read on and let’s see if we can’t change your mind.

Y

ou may or may not know that Riga is the capital city of Latvia, or that it has hosted a NATO summit and a Eurovision Song Contest, and been European Capital City of Culture in the two decades since this century began. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, worth going to see for its Art Nouveau buildings alone, of which there are more than 800, more than in any other European city.

It’s also worth noting that in the last century alone, Latvia was occupied three times by Russia and twice by Germany, just managing to achieve independence for the second time as recently as 1991, after five decades of Soviet occupation.

This is effectively a city and country reborn, and as a result is as surprising and enchanting as you could imagine.

The ARCHITECTURE enthusiast As the previous paragraphs would suggest, Riga is rich in palpable history,

Top: ©iStockPhoto/bruev Bottom: ©iStockPhoto/ViewApart

with enough fascinating architecture to fill a week away, including golden domed cathedrals and massive monuments to communism. The biggest surprise is the sheer number of Art Nouveau buildings, many of which are not yet restored; you literally come across them every time you round a corner and look skywards.

This concentration of a particular style came about as a result of Riga’s golden age during Art Nouveau period, when the city was wealthy and produced many talented graduates in the field. Of particular note is Alberta iela, a street packed full of splendid examples by Mikhail Eisenstein. This is also where the Art Nouveau museum is located, a restored example of a 1903 architect’s house, complete with painted ceiling and period wrought-iron staircase.

15

> INTERNATIONAL

The panorama INSTAGRAMMER There are four standout places to get your pano fix in Riga, and they are all very different. Start with St. Peter’s church in the middle of the Old Town, where you can buy a ticket for the lift up 72m of the 123m structure. There are 360˚ views over the city and the River Daugava, make sure you stop for a look at the photo gallery of Latvian life on the ground floor before you leave the church. Next head for the Latvian Academy of Sciences, also known as ‘Stalin’s birthday cake’, worth a picture from below as well as from the 17th floor open-air observation deck. The Riga Skyline Bar on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu is the perfect spot to sip a sundowner and watch the setting sun reflect on the opulent golden dome of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral; whilst the National Library affords a view from the other side of the river looking back at the Old Town.

The FAMILY focused Take the brood out of their comfort zones and visit a country full of outsized statues, forest hideaways and more water, beaches and wildlife than your average European getaway.

Latvia has 12,000 rivers and 3,000 small lakes, 330 miles of sandy beaches and over half the landmass is covered in forest.

For an immersive Latvian experience, spend a day in the open air Ethnographic Museum set on the north shore of Lake Jugla just 30 minutes’ bike ride from Riga, where a bygone Latvia has been recreated and preserved. Farms, windmills, fishing villages and churches have all been moved to the 90 hectare wooded site, where they are animated by craftsmen performing traditional tasks.

Fly with airBaltic from Aberdeen on Tuesdays and Saturdays, May to September. ©iStockPhoto/Jelena Safronova

16

A short train journey will take you to Jurmala, a seaside resort with literally miles of pine-lined beaches, punctuated with recreational areas, bars and cafes and a weird and wonderful mixture of buildings. Or head for Mežaparks, one of the world’s first garden cities, originally planned to give wealthy Latvians a breathing space away from an industrial city, and now providing miles of flat wooded paths for walking and cycling, two huge playgrounds, outdoor gyms, a lake to swim in as well as cafés and restaurants. Riga also has its own mid-century Puppet Theatre, as well as the Laima Chocolate Museum which has been making local chocolate since 1870 – sign up for a tour or a workshop.

The BON VIVEUR Beer is a national drink for Latvians, and craft beer aficionados will not be disappointed. For a traditional take, try Folkklubs aka Pagrabs, a vast cellar in the Old Town with a good beer selection, affordable local pub food and live music. Alus Darbnica Labietis is an inventive craft brewery with a large patio a couple of miles from the centre of Riga, with 12 rotating craft beer taps and a knowledgeable staff who go on field trips to search out new flavours.

Latvia was named a European Region of Gastronomy in 2017, and the cuisine retains elements from previous rulers Sweden, Germany, Poland and Russia, now enhanced with foraged foods from the country’s vast nature reserves. Try wild mushroom and smoked fish dishes, potato pancakes and beetroot soup for authentic Latvian flavours.

INTERNATIONAL <

June 23 – Midsummer or Jāni

Third week in July – Positivus Festival

16-18 August – Riga City Festival

friends and family gather to celebrate the shortest night by making garlands and crowns of wild flowers and oak branches, staying up all night and jumping over bonfires for luck. All night festivities take place in the city on 11. novembra krastmala beside the River Daugava.

now in its 12th year, this event takes place on the scenic beaches and surrounding forest in Salacgrīva, Northern Latvia. The line-up is to be confirmed but last year’s headliners were Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and The Prodigy.

city-wide celebration with concerts, markets and events including the Riga Retro International antique car convention.

Above left:©iStockPhoto/JKavalenkavaVolha, middle/VitalyEdush

The festival goer

17

> VANGUARD INITIATIVE

Bright ideas, bold new city

Have you heard of the Vanguard initiative? Step forward some of the region's brightest and best talent who have come up with some revolutionary ideas to transform the city.

VANGUARDEE ELISA DOUCETTE

©VisitAberdeenshire

18

VANGUARD INITIATIVE <

MIKE GALLOWAY, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CITY DEVELOPMENT AT DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

re-invigorating the city centre.

‘Over 100 people came forward and were split into groups according to existing skills, then asked to explore eight different themes aimed at injecting new lifeblood into the veins of the region. In December 2017 the first Vanguard conference Route to Renaissance was held in the Belmont Cinema, and the Vanguardees as they were now called, presented their cases to a panel including representatives from local councils, VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeen Inspired. Delegates were also asked to vote, and several of the topics were chosen to move forward.’

From April 2018, the initiative was narrowed down to three main strands: Tourism, City Centre and Regional Narrative.

DERREN MCRAE OF THE CITY CENTRE VANGUARD GROUP

I

n 2017, some hard-hitting and illuminating research emerged showing that three quarters of young professionals in this region felt ‘disenfranchised and uninvolved with the future of the region’ Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce decided to respond by launching Vanguard. Laura Grant, the Chamber’s Head of Communication and Marketing explains, ‘The first stage of this initiative took the form of an appeal for volunteers of all ages, sectors and backgrounds across the North-east business community. Volunteers would get a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the region in a positive way, demonstrating civic pride and creating bold and engaging new projects, addressing key issues such as retaining graduates and

Vanguardee Elisa Doucette, may not be from these parts, but her enthusiasm for the city is infectious. She explained, ‘Up until last summer I had been living as a digital nomad, running my digital business from my laptop, whilst living all over the world, including three years in South East Asia and a writing residency in Greece. I needed to spend a few months in the U.K. for visa reasons and literally put a pin in the map. Well, not quite – I need to be able to get around without a car, so my research showed around 11 smallish cities in the U.K. that fit my criteria, I then searched for a suitable long lease and my decision was made! The welcome I’ve had here has been fantastic, from my hosts, to the regular crowd and manager in the Queen Vic pub in Rosemount under my flat.

‘Being part of the Vanguard Initiative is really significant, even though I won’t be a permanent resident until next year (she loves it so much, she’s staying put). The name of the first conference Route to Renaissance really attracted me, this city is so ready for the new wave of digital talent that is out there, creating spaces and platforms for new digital ideas to usher out preconceived notions and resentments.

‘I’m part of the Tourism group and I’ve been working with bloggers and social media influencers to help make sure Aberdeen is being talked about where it matters. Our

group meets fortnightly and we’re looking at more support for digital start-ups and helping existing businesses beef up their online presence, a new What’s On hub and creating engaging and inspiring food tours. Something that struck me when I first moved here was how positive and enthusiastic my hosts were about the area, and that has stayed with me – we all need to be tourists in and ambassadors for our city, so we can pass on the love.’

Derren McRae was delighted to get the chance to be involved in the Vanguard Initiative; as an Aberdonian commercial property developer he has a passion for Union Street and the city centre that he hopes to pass on. ‘The prospect of working alongside like-minded people to get the general local public to fall back in love with their city was extremely exciting. One of the ideas we came up with in the initial phase was to suggest that Union Street close to traffic for a short period, say two months – to enable a programme of events aimed at engaging the public.

‘As the project moved forward, the Reunion idea as we called it, became part of the City Centre strand, and more recent discussions have proposed that we try to close part of Union Street, from the Castlegate to Market Street for a couple of months of events, to give people an idea of the benefits of pedestrianisation. There are lots of fascinating buildings and independent businesses in that area that would benefit greatly from an increased focus, as well as joining the area up with the Marischal Square development in Broad Street.

These are still ideas, but I hope that the Vanguard Initiative gives people a reason to champion their city again, instead of knocking it and the council, which is easy to do and doesn’t benefit anyone.’

Elisa Doucette owns her own digitial business craftyourcontent.com and Derren McRae is the MD- Aberdeen of CRBE Ltd. Watch this space – upBEAT magazine look forward to following the progress of Vanguard, and reporting back in future issues.

19

> 10 CONTENTS TUI UNUSUAL RECRUITMENT THINGS TO DO

Ten Unusual Things to do in Aberdeen One

SILVER DARLING

20

Eat in a former Customs House as giant ships slide by. The Silver Darling restaurant serves delicious food in a converted customs house with panoramic views of the harbour. Take a table at night and you will be delighted as huge lit-up ships and ferries slip silently by.

Two

Eat the first trademarked half-time snack in Scotland’s first all-seater stadium. Last year Aberdeen Football Club applied to the Intellectual Property office in London to protect the name of the famous Pittodrie Pie. The 20,866 capacity stadium is also famous for becoming Scotland’s first allseated in 1978.

Three

Cross Scotland’s oldest bridge. Construction was completed on the now pedestrian-only Brig o’Balgownie over the River Don in 1320. Prior to 1827 for 400 years the old bridge had been the only way north out of the city.

BRIG O'BALGOWNIE

21

WELCOME <

Four

Visit the world’s second largest granite building. Now Aberdeen City Council’s HQ, Marischal College was founded in 1593 as a Protestant alternative to King’s College in Old Aberdeen. El Escorial Palace in Madrid is the only granite building in the world that is larger.

Five

Spot dolphins from the shore. Look out to sea from the Torry Battery and be rewarded with the sight of pods of bottlenosed dolphins.

Test your sense of direction in Scotland’s oldest maze. The maze in Hazlehead Park was gifted to the City of Aberdeen in 1935 by Sir Henry Alexander, who had been a Lord Provost.

Seven

Nine

Eight

Ten

Touch the wall where part of William Wallace is buried.

Legend has it that after his execution in 1305, William Wallace’s left arm and torso were interred inside a wall of St. Machar’s Cathedral in the Chanonry.

Get a great view in an unusual place. One of the best panoramas of the city’s rooftops, including Marischal College is from the upper storeys of the Harriet Street multi-level car park.

Visit the grave of the man who was at the wheel of the Titanic when it hit the iceberg. Robert Hichens lies in an unmarked grave in Trinity Cemetery on the city’s Errol Street.

He survived the disaster and died in 1940 in a ship two miles from Aberdeen.

Eat a whale! The Ashvale Chipper challenges customers to finish an 11lb fish (whale) by yourself and get a free dessert for your efforts - if you have room!

Brig image ©iStockPhoto/Norman Thomson Other images ©VisitAberdeenshire

ST MACHAR CATHEDRAL

Six

©iStockPhoto/jax10289

©iStockPhoto/ChrisBaynham

22 > BIRMINGHAM

SHOP ADVENTURE EAT REPEAT

BIRMINGHAM <

SHOP

ADVENTURE

What do a custard factory, a mailbox and a bullring have in common? They’re all thriving shopping, leisure and cultural venues in Birmingham, built on iconic parts of the city’s rich industrial heritage.

Birmingham has more canals than Venice with 56km of waterways within the city, and over 100 miles within the entire Birmingham Canal Navigations network. The central hub is at Gas Street Basin which would once have witnessed hundreds of barges filled with coal from the Black Country delivering to the factories, but today hosts dozens of fashionable pubs cafés and restaurants and clean waterways populated with holidaymakers on canal boats. Hire a boat and you can be sipping a pint outside the Pitcher and Piano at Waters Edge one day and birdwatching or strolling through countryside the next.

If the term ‘shop till you drop’ fills you with anticipation, then head for this shoppers’ paradise. The Bullring & Grand Central is a joined-up Gigantor of a retail centre, with the well-known Bullring (built on the site of the original medieval market) and Grand Central (opened in 2015 above New Street station next door) providing more than 200 shops and 30 eating experiences between them.

There are fashion shows and celebrity visits, as well as all the big names including a flagship John Lewis and one of only four Selfridges in the U.K, complete with personal shoppers.

The Mailbox is the former Royal Mail sorting office and now home to a wealth of upmarket outlets including Harvey Nichols, Malmaison and Tom’s Kitchen, as well as BBC Birmingham. The Custard Factory grew organically out of the old manufacturing quarter of Digbeth, where the Bird’s empire once plied its trade.

Now one of the most vibrant areas in the city, Digbeth has traded custard factory workers for digital start-ups in the reconditioned warehouses, and is the place to find quirky one-off shops.

©iStockPhoto/ Gitagraph

The Balti Triangle used to be the default destination for this eponymous dish, but these days the area has got more of a reputation for a growing number of independent clothes and textile shops, specialising in Asian wedding finery, women’s fashions and fabrics.

Heritage railway company Vintage Trains runs the Shakespeare Express every summer from Snow Hill in the city to Stratfordupon-Avon, serving breakfast, afternoon tea, high tea or a threecourse Sunday lunch depending on when you take the trip.

For those looking for adventures of the adrenaline variety, the brand new Bear Grylls Adventure fits the bill, and it’s less than ten minutes from Birmingham International railway station. Located at the NEC, this supercharged playground offers participants the chance to indoor skydive, shark dive and cage snorkel in a massive tropical dive tank, or zip wire out of a (stationary) Chinook and scale a five-storey structure. Experiences start at £20 and there are even adventurous food and drink choices in the on-site canteen – try a Sriracha Scorpion Challenge cocktail, or how about a pizza topped with crunchy chilli grasshoppers?

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> BIRMINGHAM

EAT

The Digbeth Dining Club is a weekly market held in Lower Trinity Street from Thursday to Saturday. Crammed with mouthwatering street food residencies such as Pietanic, Holy Moly Macaroni, Kebabylon and Baked in a Brick, this food Valhalla was founded in 2012 and also delivers live music and entertainment every weekend. No Bones is the name of their monthly meat-free Sunday.

With plant-based eating becoming ever more popular, Birmingham has plenty to offer both vegans and vegetarians. Try old favourite The Warehouse Café, or splash out in upmarket Opus. Naturally Healthy is all vegan, does breakfast and a vegan mac and cheese as well as takeaway.

Jyoti’s is an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant, and Not Dogs does what it says on the tin and serves vegan sausages in the Bullring. Bistro 1847 is named for the year that the Vegetarian Society was formed in the city, and offers beautiful modern dishes in Scandi-chic surroundings; while the splendid Pieminister in Waterloo Street has veggie and vegan pies as well as gluten-free pies with award-winning pastry.

Prefer to improve yourself during your well-earned break? Then book a learning experience at Loaf Cookery School in Stirchley and create envy on your return home having mastered the art of the perfect macaron, sourdough bread or bao buns. Loaf also offers courses in butchery and charcuterie, foraging, preparing seafood and knife skills.

Fly to Birmingham weekdays with Flybe from Aberdeen Airport from £30* *Prices are correct at the time of writing, and are subject to change.

EVENTS

With the most Michelin-starred restaurants of anywhere in the UK outside London, and ethnic establishments of every hue including over 100 curry houses, Birmingham could afford rest on its food laurels. On the contrary, the city which was the birthplace of vegetarianism in this country, continues to be at the cutting edge of cuisine.

5 February Annual Chinese New Year celebrations 16 February Miller Indoor Grand Prix 17 – 19 February MODA, the UK’s largest fashion exhibition at the NEC 19 February – 2 Mar Birmingham Royal Ballet: Beauty and the Beast at the Hippodrome 22-24 March Birmingham Wine Weekend 23 March Gymnastics World Cup

©iStockPhoto/nicunickie

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23/24 March Tolkein Reading Event at Sarehole Mill April date tbc Spring Market at the Bond, Digbeth

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> RETAIL

TOP TECH

for a new you

Just a selection of the cutting edge tech available in Dixons Travel this new year to help you make the most of your New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions.

Jaybird RUN

Fitbit Charge 3

Jaybird RUN Escape to exciting places with Jaybird RUN Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, which are designed to fit your ears like a glove. Snug and comfortable, you can jump, run, and kick, forgetting you have them on. They’re sweat-proof and water resistant with 12 hours of battery power and a one hour fast charge. See the Jaybird App for personalised settings and more.

Jaybird App In addition to letting you customise and save your lows, mids, and highs to pump up your true wireless sport experience, the Jaybird App has a “Find My Buds” feature that uses a display map, to locate the last place your buds were paired and in use, just in case you misplace them.

Fitbit Charge 3 Get a deeper understanding of your body, your health and your progress with Fitbit Charge 3. This water resistant advanced fitness tracker does more than count steps—it tracks 24/7 heart rate, calorie burn, 15+ exercises, goal progress, sleep and more. Every day, you’ll find valuable insights about your health that will empower you to take action, improve yourself and reach your goals.* *Water resistant to 50M

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 The new Pro 6 features Microsoft’s latest 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processor for faster multitasking – even when you’re running lots of power-hungry apps. And no matter how hard it works, the fanless cooling system stays quiet as a mouse.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6

Although more powerful than ever, the upgraded processor still fits into a slim, lightweight body. Weighing under 800g and with 13.5 hours of battery life, the Surface Pro 6 lets you work – and play – all day.’ *Keyboard and pen are sold separately.

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> CONTENTS

Our Destinations aberdeenairport.com/destinations

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

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

COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen has the longest pedestrianised shopping street in the world Routes are correct at time of publication but are subject to change. Please check with your airline before travelling.

Rhodes is surrounded by two oceans: the Aegean and the Mediterranean

RHODES

> DIGITAL

ABZ goes digital…

We’ve been working hard to improve our passenger experience, not just in the terminal, but across our digital channels too. ©iStockPhoto/lamontak590623

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SKYSCANNER: FINDING THE BEST FLIGHT PRICE FOR YOU

BOOK HOLIDAY EXCURSIONS BEFORE YOU FLY

If you’ve not heard of Skyscanner, the Edinburgh-based travel search engine is one of the world’s largest growing businesses. We’ve integrated Skyscanner into our website, meaning the tool can find you the cheapest price on flights and the best time to travel.

So, you’ve booked the flights, now you just need to organise what you’ll do when you’re there. Within the destination guides on our website, we’ve integrated a site called www.getyourguide.co.uk which highlights the very best attractions on offer, with tickets available to buy at the click of a button.

Try it out for yourself! www.aberdeenairport.com Note Skyscanner cannot source package holiday deals, it searches for flights only.

Simply visit our destination guides on our website, where you’ll find trips, tours and travel tickets for your next city break or sunshine holiday.

COMING SOON: ABZ app We’re currently developing a mobile app which will allow you to track your flight, as well as purchase additional services such as parking, lounge access and priority security access.

The app will have the ability to send you personalised messages, codes and discounts based on your purchasing activity.

Look out for the Aberdeen International Airport app landing soon.

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> LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS

BANGKOK

WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS

Get swept up in the frenetic, vibrant and unforgettable experience that is Bangkok. Take the futuristic sky train amongst dramatic skyscrapers and get off to explore back streets full of traditional Thai character and culture.

Catch the ferry along the Chao Phraya River to a banana plantation, or test your sense of direction amongst the 8,000 local stalls at the Chatuchak Market, ordering pad thai from a Michelin rated street vendor. Looking for a change of scene? You could celebrate New Year (Songkran) in mid-April with a country-wide water fight, attend a match at one the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many kickboxing stadia, or drink a cocktail at the Vertigo and Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel.

Fly to Bangkok with British Airways via London Heathrow

LAS VEGAS

WITH KLM

From June 6, 2019 KLM will operate flights to the entertainment capital of the world! Whether you want to admire the Bellagio Fountains, tie the knot Vegas-style or enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the High Roller, Vegas awaits! Pack your passport and treat yourself in one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxurious hotels often forming the backdrop to Hollywood movies.

Fly to Las Vegas with KLM via Amsterdam Schiphol

LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS <

DALLAS

WITH AIR FRANCE

Air France will offer flights to Dallas via Paris from 31 March to 26 October 2019. Whatever your cabin of travel, enjoy attentive service and complimentary champagne in the comfort of the Airbus A330 between Paris and the real home of cowboys. From museum and art galleries to greenery between futuristic skyscrapers, Dallas has it all.

Fly to Dallas with Air France via Paris

PHILADELPHIA

WITH AER LINGUS

Philadelphia is the ninth most visited city in the United States. It welcomes over 30 million domestic and international visitors annually.

Those planning a visit to ‘The City of Brotherly Love’ will be spoiled for things see and do, from visiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, to taking in the mural art the city is famous for, and of course, sampling the local delicacy – a Philly Cheese Steak!

History buffs will be particularly interested in seeing all the ‘firsts’ that Philadelphia has to offer, including America’s first zoo, first hospital, first public library, first art museum and first mint. Another must visit is Betsy Ross House, the home of the seamstress who sewed the very first American flag.

Fly to Philadelphia with Aer Lingus via Dublin

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IBIZA

WITH TUI

Whether it’s a family holiday, utter solitude or 24 hour partying you seek, Ibiza is the island for you. With more than 60 beaches from nudist hideaways to family-friendly shallows, and an average of 300 sunshine days, it’s not difficult to find your perfect spot. Visit the famed hippy market and upmarket bohochic fashion boutiques, or spend the day scuba diving or snorkelling in the azure waters. If it all gets too much, take the half hour ferry to tiny neighbouring Formentera.

Fly every Wednesday from May to October

RHODES WITH TUI

The Greek island of Rhodes is new for summer 2019. The island’s east coast is a ribbon of virtually uninterrupted sand, and it’s where you’ll find all the main holiday resorts.

There’s Lindos, which is watched over by the ruins of an acropolis, and Faliraki, the legendary hangout of the 18 to 30s crowd.

Then you’ve got the sleepy Blue Flag beach at Pefkos, and the quiet coves in Kalithea and Kolymbia, where sunbathers go to get away from the trappings of tourism.

Rhodes Town’s harbour area was once dominated by one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – the great Colossus.

Fly every Wednesday from May to September

SUMMER DESTINATIONS <

BOURGAS WITH BALKAN HOLIDAYS

Bourgas lies in south eastern Bulgaria on the reliably sunny Black Sea Coast, which stretches from Romania in the north to Turkey in the south. Bourgas airport is a hub for UNESCO protected heritage site Nessebar, the family resorts of Duni and Sunny Beach and many more.

Inland Bulgaria has fabulous hiking trails up unspoiled mountain ranges and beside remote lakes, plus the country continues to be rated the best value for money European destination by the Post Office - what are you waiting for?

Weekly flights from May 2019

JERSEY WITH CI TRAVEL

Jersey is a place that can’t be boiled down to a single experience – it’s not a city break, or a country break, or a beach break. Jersey is all these things and more. The unique island offers the perfect mix of French and British and with a flight time of approximately two hours from Aberdeen. Close to home but miles away, Jersey has the same British pound – with their own £1 note, the same English language – with a Jerriais twang, and no passport required – only photo ID. The only question now is, how will you spend your island time?

Fly every Saturday from May until September

ALICANTE WITH RYANAIR

Head for Alicante and you’ll discover one of the most vibrant and welcoming cities in Europe – and you’ll be right on the doorstep of the beautiful Costa Blanca. The city has a legendary nightlife, year-round sunshine, an impressive food scene, and great cultural and historical attractions for sightseers.

But of course, for many people flying to Alicante the draw is that it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to those sundrenched beach-resorts along the Mediterranean coast! Alicante is where it’s at.

Fly every Thursday and Sunday all year round

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> CONTENTS

Time to rediscover

©iStockPhoto/Maridav

We can find it easy to overlook failsafe sunny holiday destinations like the Canary Islands in our persistent quest for ‘something different’ – but it might be time to reinvent the wheel and find out just what this island paradise has to offer, both on, and off the beaten track.

INTERNATIONAL <

©iStockPhoto/RossHelen

©iStockPhoto/slava296

Spectacular scenery The volcano Mt. Teide dominates the centre of the island, cradled within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mt. Teide National Park. One of the island’s biggest activity draws has to be scaling the top of the 3718m crater, and walking in the lunar landscape left there by historic eruptions. And you don’t have to be a mountain goat to get there either, a bus will take you to the Rocques de Garcia from where an eight minute cable car ride will have you soaring over the crater, with jawdropping views beyond to the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.

Stay after dark and you will find yourself in one of the world’s best locations for stargazing.

Parklife Tenerife boasts a variety of on-tap holiday days out, including a visit to one or more of the renowned water parks.

Aqualand Costa Adeje and Siam Park are both a short bus ride from the resorts in the south of the island, with the latter boasting the ‘number one water park in the world’ title on Trip Advisor.

Both parks have plenty for all the family, with imaginative scenery, whiteknuckle rides and chill-out zones. Costa Martianez is a hybrid of a waterpark and contemporary art museum near Puerto de la Cruz, with sculptures set among swim up caves and waterfalls.

If you feel like a day away from the water, Loro Parque is also in the north and is home to the world’s largest collection of parrots, set in a Jurassic Park-style environment. There are tours around working banana plantations in Los Cristianos and La Orotava, or why not make a day of it in Casa del Vino la Baranda in the heart of the island’s wine region. The former mansion is a wine museum and restaurant which also hosts classical music concerts in the summer.

Natural features Outside the National Park, the island has many unique features, including Cueva del Viento – take one of the excellent guided tours inside the huge volcanic tube that runs for 11 miles in 3 tiers of labyrinthine tunnels. Although blessed with good weather and Instagrammable topographical features, the north of the island has not yet gained the attention it deserves as a hiking destination, so walkers in the Anaga Mountains, and Teide and Teno National Parks may find themselves delightfully far from the crowds of the south.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are also big draws with the combination of clear warm water and underwater columns creating an ideal environment for an

array of wildlife including trumpet fish, turtles and stingrays. Best locations are Las Galletas, Los Gigantos, Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz. Many species of migratory and resident whales and dolphins feed around the archipelago, making boat day trips a must on your itinerary.

Michelin star or tapas bar As the biggest of the Canary Islands and the biggest Spanish island, Tenerife has attracted a good deal of culinary talent.

Expect traditional Spanish specialities with Catalan, French and African influences, although Asian cuisine is popular too due to the availability of fresh fish and seafood. There are five Michelin-starred restaurants on the island, with two in the upscale Ritz-Carlton Abama hotel in Guia de Isora, ranging from Japanese fusion to tradition Canarian fare.

Those of us who love a cheap and cheerful tapas bar are also onto a winner – head for the older traditional towns such as La Laguna for little cobbled streets studded with cafés, bars and restaurants serving the tiny plates alongside your refreshment. If you like your food with a view, consider booking a balcony table at Otelo, a traditional restaurant in Santa Cruz overlooking the Barranco del Inferno waterfall. …and there’s more.

The island is also home to numerous horse-riding stables and ranches, eight year-round golf courses, nineteenth century pyramids, a village engulfed by lava, a futuristic opera house and a carnival in February that is second only to that of its twinned city, Rio! With no time difference to contend with and winter highs in the 20s, Tenerife is definitely a year round destination.

Fly from Aberdeen with TUI and First Choice on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

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38

> ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Editor Jan Leatham takes a look behind the scenes with two pilots from Loganair

Above the

clouds

Loganair has been around for 56 years, but last year they went solo from their franchise partners Flybe and treated the aircraft to new tartan livery, along with names like the Spirit of Harris in English on one side and Gaelic on the other. They also have Loganair on the underbelly so you can see the name if you look up.

ABOVE THE CLOUDS <

K

nown as Scotland’s Airline, Loganair has a comprehensive list of flights to Scottish destinations as well as flying to Norway, Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and the rest of the U.K. Last year the airline won the Airline of the Year award from the European Regions Airline Association for successfully ‘rebuilding its commercial infrastructure following the end of its franchise agreement, and for serving its community in remote areas of Scotland in tough and challenging conditions’.

Management at Strathclyde University and not taking up flying as a career until my late 20s.

I suspect most people are slightly in awe of pilots, those smartly uniformed and highly skilled beings who transport us through time and space at high speed.

I’m no different, so I was fascinated to be able to meet up with Captain Amelia Attrill (36) and First Officer Matthew Conlon (43), to find out just what makes this job so special.

Amelia: Yes. Although I loved flying and relished the challenge, the financial commitment is considerable. Not only did I need to pay for the course, and aircraft are expensive things to run, but you’re also not earning money for the two years it takes to complete it*.

Having a good job with my degree made it possible to save and I also took out a loan.

How did your interest in flying start?

Amelia: I got Into flying as a teenager, from gliding with the air cadets when I was at school, and achieving an Air League Flying Scholarship when I was 19. I somehow didn’t think of it as a career then though, and went for a degree in Manufacture, Engineering and

Matthew: I flew as a hobby in spare time from my job as a recruitment consultant, gaining my Private Pilot’s License in my late 20s. I loved aerobatics but didn’t at first see flying as a career option.

Was it a big decision to decide to train to become a pilot?

Matthew: My job enabled me to save for the course, nevertheless when I quit my well-paid position soon after getting married, my wife was understandably slightly concerned!

I understand you both trained at CAE Oxford in 2008, what did that lead to?

Amelia: That meant I qualified during the financial crash, and there were no jobs anywhere. Thankfully I had my career in manufacturing to fall back on. Then, after a chance meeting between my parents and a Loganair Pilot at a dinner party, I applied, and nine months later in August 2011 began life as an airline pilot at last.

Loganair CEO Jonathan Hinkles and Loganair staff

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40

> ABOVE THE CLOUDS

"There are times when the job can be stressful and intense, but you leave it behind when you go home. Also we see the sunshine every day we fly – it’s always up there" Amelia

Matthew: I also qualified during the downturn, but I was offered the chance to fly and travel with an instructor post in Kuwait with Middle Eastern Airways.

After a year that led to a job with UAE (now Etihad) Airways Academy, training commercial and military pilots. I also worked in Malta and Spain, as you can tell I enjoyed the sunshine! Finally I ended up delivering a degree in aviation in Dundee for Tayside Aviation, where I met lots of Loganair pilots, and decided it was time for a change.

So was that the training over?

Amelia: No, when you start working for any airline you have to learn all of their aircrafts’ instruments and procedures, so you spend three weeks in ground school, and 3-4 weeks in a simulator for the particular aircraft you will be flying, you then complete another 6 weeks of actual flying with passengers and a qualified trainer. . These are hugely specialised pieces of equipment so we usually have to travel to use them – our main ones are in in Spain, Sweden and Denmark, however there are some in America too.

Matthew: The training is no different for me, regardless of my experience.

I started the same day as another 22 year-old pilot and we covered the same ground. I should add that I actually just started flying for Loganair in December.

Amelia, is it difficult to be a woman in this industry?

You still get the odd comment from passengers, along the lines of ‘Oh no, it’s a woman driver’, and ‘good job there’s no reversing’ but it is rare, some are just unaware that women can become pilots too. Around 15% of Loganair’s pilots are women, compared to a much lower global average, our passengers are used to female pilots . The company is very inclusive and you are judged purely on your flying ability. There’s no height restriction to being a pilot either. I would love to see girls being encouraged into the industry at a much younger age.

What do you like best about the job?

Amelia: I don’t take work home with me any more. There are times when

the job can be stressful and intense, but you leave it behind when you go home. Also we see the sunshine every day we fly – it’s always up there! I love the challenging nature of flying smaller aircraft on shorter routes, where we have to keep up our manual skills to manipulate the planes on the short runways, and where the weather can be pretty challenging too. Also it’s great to meet regular passengers, perhaps farmers coming for sales, or people travelling for medical appointments.

Sometimes we fly freight and we also have the Royal Mail contract.

Matthew: For me it’s the variety, genuinely no day is the same. The wages are good and your progression can be structured. Loganair has a very inclusive feel, you are judged on your ability alone and people are treated equally.

The uniforms are quite different from the warmer climates, we are issued with proper thick waterproof Goretex jackets but no hats, because they just blow off! *the course (Airline Transport Pilots Licence) can be completed in modules as well as the integrated route.

ADVERTISEMENTS <

> Karting on our new 1km Silverstone style race track > Clay Pigeon Shooting > Segway > Digger Driving > Sumo Wrestling > Water Roller > Target Rifle Shooting

> Climbing Wall and Zip Line > Laser Clays > Field Archery > 4x4 Blindfold Driving > Fly Fishing... and more! > BBQ & restaurant > Fully licensed bar > Transport can be arranged

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> WHAT'S ON

What’s on?

JANUARY

Your Wedding Exhibition AECC Aberdeen 19-20 Legends of American Country Show Tivoli Theatre Aberdeen 19 Public Speaking: Granite City Speakers Club Aberdeen Arts Centre 25** Music Hall Ceilidh: Galik Bred Music Hall Aberdeen 26 Burns Night Ceilidh Banchory Town Hall Aberdeenshire 26 Polish Scottish Folk Night Aberdeen Arts Centre 26

19

05

FEBRUARY

Chinese New Year celebrations Birmingham 5* The Art of Positive Thinking Aberdeen Arts Centre 5 Switch on to Electric Vehicles Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce 19** Professor Brian Cox Universal AECC Aberdeen 20 North East Pet Expo Thainstone Centre Aberdeenshire 23 Granite Noir: Aberdeen’s new crime writing festival various venues 22-24 Braemar Mountain Festival Braemar Aberdeenshire 28-4 March

20 19

*Airport destinations **Business

MARCH

20

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8 KT Tunstall Music Hall Aberdeen 12 – 16 Aberdeen Gang Show Aberdeen Arts Centre 13 Psychic Sally Tivoli Theatre Aberdeen 14 The Music of Harry Potter Music Hall Aberdeen *16 Six Nations Rugby: England vs Scotland Twickenham London **20 VisitAberdeenshire Tourism Conference 2019 venue tbc Aberdeen 20 – 24 The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice AECC Aberdeen 21 - 31 Aberdeen Jazz Festival various venues

16

APRIL

23 05

WHAT'S ON <

21

3 -7 Beauty and the Beast Tivoli Theatre Aberdeen 5 BBC SSO: Mahler’s ‘Song of the Earth’ Music Hall Aberdeen 6 An Evening with the Hairy Bikers Music Hall Aberdeen 18 - 21 Nuart Festival various venues Aberdeen 23 – 4 May Kinky Boots HMT Aberdeen 26 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Music Hall Aberdeen *27 Bergen City Marathon Bergen 27 & 28 Run Balmoral Balmoral Estate Aberdeenshire

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44

> SNOW READINESS

Did you know that Aberdeen Airport has never been closed due to snowfall? Even during the notorious Beast from East and the sustained three month snowfall of 2011, the runways were only ever shut for short periods of time whilst snow clearing and de-icing took place.

WELCOME <

O

ur Editor Jan Leatham spoke to Robert Paterson, who as Airside Operations Manager is responsible for Aberdeen Airport’s snow response.

Do you dread the bad weather?

Not at all! In fact I would say its most people in Airside Operations’ favourite time of year, we all get a buzz out of keeping the runway clear and the airport up and running. We relish the break in routine and we enjoy the challenge of keeping the airport open.

Our on-call snow teams are usually operational from October to March, but we have been known to keep them on longer than that. We have a fantastic team, many of whom have been here 15 – 25 years and we take great pride in keeping the runway clear and the airport open.

What is involved?

The main runway is 1953m long and 46m wide, which first has to be swept and then de-iced. We have tractors of various sizes, and huge articulated sweeping vehicles that cover 20m wide at a time. The de-icing is carried out using a 6,000 litre container and a big boom with nozzles, just like a cropsprayer. When there is snow forecast, then I become the Snow Co-ordinator and we’ll start at 3.30am to prepare for the first departure at 6am. We liaise closely with the Watch Manager at Air Traffic Control, and I am constantly keeping an eye on the weather.

Are there any special items you need to wear?

A woolly hat! Obviously we are always kitted out with full hi-vis PPE whenever we’re on the airfield, but you can’t beat a good old fashioned woolly hat for keeping your ears warm.

How long have you been at Aberdeen Airport?

I joined in September 1998 as a baggage handler, where one of my jobs was de-icing the aircraft on the ground. I learned then about the

importance of a speedy snow response from Airside Operations, so that the aircraft get away before they ice up again. I joined Airside Operations in January 2007 and I have been doing my current job for 7 years, including a year’s secondment to Heathrow. It’s hugely varied – I can be sweeping snow in the morning and promoting the airport’s safety culture at a meeting in the afternoon.

What’s your favourite thing about the snow operations?

We have fantastic equipment here and everyone has to learn to operate the different vehicles. It has changed a lot from when I first joined the airport, but one thing that has stayed the same is the way that everyone pulls together to keep the airport safe and passengers happy.

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Connecting you with Eastern Airways

> CHRISTMAS CRAFTED

From Aberdeen Newcastle now up to 4 flights per day Aberdeen – Newcastle

Newcastle – Aberdeen

BE7611

ABZNCL 0645 0740

Mon-Thu

BE7650 NCLABZ 0645 0745

Mon-Thu

BE7611

ABZNCL 1000 1055

Fri

BE7612 NCLABZ 1115

1205

Mon-Thu

BE7655 ABZNCL 1200 1300

Mon-Thu

BE7654 NCLABZ 1115

1215

Fri

BE7616 ABZNCL 1630 1725

Mon-Fri & Sun

BE7654 NCLABZ 1345 1445

Mon-Thu

BE7655 ABZNCL 1905 2005 Fri

BE7612 NCLABZ 1430 1525

Fri

BE7657 ABZNCL 1955 2055 Mon-Thu

BE7617 NCLABZ 2100 2150

Mon-Fri & Sun

Wick John O’Groats

Aberdeen

Newcastle Belfast City

Durham Tees Valley

Manchester

Humberside

Birmingham Norwich

Cardiff

London Heathrow

London City

Southampton

Operated by Eastern Airways Operated by Flybe

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Only available on flybe.com, subject to availability. Please see flybe.com for full schedule details. Aberdeen-Newcastle frequency increase from 21.01.19. Seasonal variations may apply. Routes operated by our franchise partner Eastern Airways. Any flights booked are subject to the General Conditions of Carriage found at flybe.com

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It’s never too early for a bucket list! www.aabwealth.uk CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS

email wealth@aab.uk • www.aabwealth.uk • 01224 625111 Upbeat jet adver september 2018 V2.pdf

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Your direct connection Aberdeen Airport to the City Centre Buses up to every 10 minutes!

Plan your journey at stagecoachbus.com

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> LOCAL FLAVOURS

BANCHORY LODGE

LOCAL FLAVOURS

If you’re planning a romantic surprise on Valentine’s Day this year (it’s a Thursday), or maybe you’d like to show your mum how much you love her on Sunday 31 March , there’s a venue on Deeside that fits the bill. We looked at some of the quirky coffee places, cosy firesides and places with top notch cuisine, all in beautiful surroundings and just up the road in Banchory, Torphins and Aboyne.

THE MILTON BRASSERIE The Milton Brasserie has long been a favourite in these parts, with Mary’s legendary scones and Caber coffee, along with lovely staff and a tasty lunch menu. The Milton sits in a picturesque little square in Crathes, which is also home to clothes, gift and craft shops as well as an art gallery, all lovely for a browse and some local retail therapy. There are plenty of woodland and riverside walks nearby, and the Royal Deeside Railway also runs on weekends, so if your loved one loves a locomotive… miltonbrasserie.com

LOCAL FLAVOURS LOCAL <

RIDE Ride is a new venture from Boarderline’s Simon Burnside, marrying a coffee house with his snowboard retail offering on Banchory’s main street. The café is lovely and airy with Scandi-feel decoration, independent roaster coffee and a woodburner at one end.

Perfect if your mum loves a walk, as this is just off the Deeside Way, and dog-friendly too. @ridecoffeehouse

BANCHORY LODGE Banchory Lodge is well-known, but if you haven’t been for a while you may be surprised by the outside decking complete with patio heaters and wood-fired pizza oven which will fire up again in the spring. The riverside setting next to the Dee is pictureperfect, ideal for a morning coffee or a sumptuous afternoon tea – or why not push the boat out and stay the night?

With a new chef on board, expect new menus and a fresh approach in the New Year. banchorylodge.co.uk

PLATFORM 22 Platform 22 is a people magnet, so make sure you book a table if you’ve promised that special someone a treat.

This Torphins-based café has a lovingly prepared daily changing menu, with bowls of soul food and mouthwatering cakes, as well as a Thursday night pizza horsebox from Lily’s Dough and occasional late night openings. Owner Emma is also a ceramicist so look out for her nature-inspired work for sale in the café as well as that of other local artists and artisans. @Platform22

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BANCHORY LODGE

THE MILTON BRASSERIE RIDE

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> LOCAL FLAVOURS BUCHANAN BISTRO

TOR-NA-COILLE

BUCHANAN BISTRO Buchanan Bistro has made a virtue out of turning local ingredients into taste sensations, and their truly seasonal menus give testament to their passion. The Bistro also sells homemade artisan bread and beer made by Calum, and acres of wonderful cakeage to take away as well. Book a table this Valentine’s Day (£35 special set menu including fizz on arrival/£28 vegan, both with wine matching menu options) and celebrate by candlelight looking out over the sunset. buchananfood.com TOR-NA-COILLE Tor-na-Coille is once again a destination on Deeside, with cosy corners and cocktails for the romantics, or afternoon tea in the grand old Victorian hotel. Afternoon teas are a speciality, served from 2-4pm for £14.95, although be sure to book ahead. If your mum loves a party, then the Bothy is a charming private dining space in the hotel grounds seating 12 people. tornacoille.com

Competition

Win dinner, bed and breakfast at Banchory Lodge and celebrate in style!

Q: Which river does Banchory Lodge sit next to?

For competition terms and conditions, and for your chance to win, visit: www.aberdeenairport.com/plan-and-book-your-trip/ competitions/

SPIDER ON A BICYCLE

SPIDER ON A BICYCLE Spider on a Bicycle inhabits the old station waiting room in Aboyne’s Station Square, and local sisters Hollie and Emma take great pride in preparing everything in-house, as well as serving speciality coffee from a Scottish independent roaster, changing single origin beans with the season. Cosy and dog-friendly, with an array of tasty cakes, lunch and a lovely Sunday brunch offering, what could be nicer for a treat? spideronabicycle.com

POTARCH CAFÉ & RESTAURANT

POTARCH CAFÉ & RESTAURANT Potarch Café and Restaurant sits next to one of the iconic views on Deeside, the Potarch Bridge. Sit inside next to the fire, or book a table after a romantic walk in the nearby Shooting Greens. The outside decking provides a lovely location for a glass of wine or a hot chocolate, and inside the hearty menus make sure you don’t go home hungry. If you’re impressed by a show of strength, the famous Dinnie Stones sit right outside… @Potarch

BOOKS <

l a n o i t a v i t o M S D A E R Michelle Obama Becoming

Richard Templar The Rules of Life

Jojo Moyes Still me (released 7th February)

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America - the first African-American to serve in that role - she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments.

Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

With more Rules than ever, get ready to experience the Rules effect. Begin to get more out of life, shrug off adversity more easily and generally be a happier, calmer, more fulfilled person. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel the benefits, and so will everyone around you.

Lou Clark knows too many things . . .

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your life. How good could it be?

She knows how many miles lie between her new home in New York and her new boyfriend Sam in London.

She knows her employer is a good man and she knows his wife is keeping a secret from him.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to meet someone who's going to turn her whole life upside down.

Because Josh will remind her so much of a man she used to know that it'll hurt.

Lou won't know what to do next, but she knows that whatever she chooses is going to change everything.

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> BEAT LOCAL GOES ON

Winner Norma Metcalfe, Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina

Sheila McCrae and Caroline Gordon on their way by boat on Lake Titicaca to the Floating Islands

George Slesser, Gardens By The Bay, Singapore

David Cormack, NRG stadium, Houston Huw Jones, Blue Mountain, North Toronto, Canada Jodie & Alex Neal, Thomas Land, Drayton Manor

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 2019 upBEAT - it could be yours!

(Deadline: Friday 18 March 2019).

John Agnew, Sydney, Australia

Naoko & Jiro Mukai, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Judith Jordan, Royal Albert Hall, London Venus Lomboy, Piccadilly Circus, London

Terry and Steve Morris, Sepang International Sandi Howie, volunteering at Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Belfast Beer Festival Martin G Brown, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion test plant Kumejima Island, Japan

Sheena and Norman Shearer, birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi

Paul Collier, Blue Mountain, north of Toronto, Canada

Jonathan Graham, Senso-ji temple, Tokyo, Japan

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> CONTENTS

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01 World Duty Free got into the Halloween spooky spirit this year by giving out some ghoulish cocktails.

02-05 We surprised our passengers this St Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, by spreading a little happiness to #MakeSomeonesDay 06 We hit the road and visited the Overgate Centre in Dundee to talk to shoppers about the range of destinations, our refreshed terminal and the super speedy travel time to the airport following the completion of the AWPR.

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07 Our Digital and E-Commerce Manager Jason Stewart visited Digital Marketing MSc students at the Robert Gordon University to share his expertise about all things digital and technology-focused at the airport.

08 Our MD Steve was interviewed by Transport Scotland for the #GoNorthEast campaign, where the team asked him about the positive impact of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the airport, its passengers and staff.

09 Aberdeen Football Club players passed through the airport donned in something different from their usual red and white strips for a teammateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stag party to Dublin.

10 Laura, Lynn and Graeme from the Commercial team visited The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) for a tour. Our new neighbours will be open from August 2019, just in time for the next Offshore Europe.

11 The Swedish Ladies Curling team arrived at ABZ for a grudge match against Scotland. They stayed in Aberdeen for a short holiday before visiting Kelso.

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WELCOME <

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AVAILA B L E AT

B L AC K T I E O R D E E P B LU E 219-223 George Street Aberdeen AB25 1HY www.finnies.com

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