Meet The Team

Adrian Watson

Adrian spent 30 years in the police service, including seven years as Commander for Aberdeen City, gaining wide-ranging experience in criminal investigation, intelligence, and leadership at both national and international levels. Towards the end of his career, he guided the policing organisation in the north-east of Scotland through the transition to Police Scotland.

Since joining Aberdeen Inspired as CEO in 2016, Adrian has been at the heart of some of the city’s most exciting initiatives. He has championed the globally acclaimed Nuart Aberdeen, introduced the UK’s first Evening & Night-time Economy Strategy, and played a key role in bringing the Tall Ships Races 2025 back to the city.

With a strong commitment to Aberdeen and its people, Adrian works to create a vibrant, thriving city centre where businesses, residents, and visitors can enjoy everything the Granite City has to offer. He holds a BSc (Hons), MSc, and MBA from Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, and serves as an Executive Director of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) and National Chair for Scotland of the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM).

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Brian Morrice

Brian has over 20 years experience in Management Accounting, Internal Audit and Financial Administration in the private, public and third sector both in the UK and abroad.

Brian is also a keen golfer and amateur astronomer.

Ross Grant

Ross has been with Aberdeen Inspired since 2013, after graduating from the University of Aberdeen with an MA in Politics and International Relations, he also holds a PGDip in Leadership and Place Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, accredited by the Institute of Place Management (IPM), and is a proud member of the IPM.

Over the years, Ross has progressed from street ambassador, city centre manager and project manager and has played a central role in delivering landmark city‑centre initiatives including the launch of the globally renowned Nuart Aberdeen street art festival and the iconic Aberdeen Letters project. From a BID perspective, he also oversees projects including city‑centre wayfinding, creative lighting schemes, and supporting accreditation efforts having previously served as Aberdeen’s Purple Flag Co-ordinator for the city centre.

More recently, Ross has led in working with stakeholders to develop a strategy and wide ranging recommendations to reactivate unused Upper Floors on Union Street as well as implementing a Retail and Property Strategy that aims to take an evidence led approach to future proofing Aberdeen city centre’s offering to improve visitor numbers, dwell time and spend in the city centre.

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Shona Byrne

Shona joined the team in summer 2017 after nearly 6 years living and working in Pittsburgh, PA. With a post graduate qualification in marketing, she is an accomplished strategic thinker and has enjoyed a successful career in various roles spanning 30 years.

She has a passion for her home city and is proud to be part of the team that is committed to delivering positive transformation in the City Centre. Since joining the BID Shona has been responsible for the delivery of key projects; Aberdeen Gift Card, Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks and Christmas in Aberdeen and has supported the Chief Executive with strategic business and marketing planning. Outside of work she enjoys exploring Scotland’s great outdoors with her family and dog, traveling and food.

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Kate Timperley

With an honours degree in Corporate Communication from RGU, Kate developed a love for events working at festivals and venues around the world including Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival before taking on her first long-term position as Events Manager at Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling.

Following a move back to Aberdeen, Kate worked in positions such as Education Liaison Officer for RGU and Special Projects Executive at AECC, working on a number of educational events and large conferences.

A relocation to Canada with her husband in 2015 gave Kate the chance to work as Events Coordinator at Toronto International Film Festival. After returning to Aberdeen, Kate was delighted to join the Aberdeen Inspired team, developing events such as Aberdeen Comedy Festival and Nuart Aberdeen. Now working part time after the arrival of her little boy Innes in 2017, followed by his brother Jude in 2020, Kate is Project Manager for events such as Umbrella Project, Nuart Aberdeen and Tall Ships Aberdeen.

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Danuta Dobrzanska

Danuta brings with her a dynamic blend of hospitality, sales expertise, and a passion for community focused development. Before joining Aberdeen Inspired, Danuta spent several years in Aberdeen’s hospitality sector where she built a reputation for strong partnerships, creative problem solving, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

In her current role, Danuta acts as the key link between Aberdeen’s levy-paying businesses, stakeholders, and the wider community. She supports nearly 700 city-centre organisations across retail, hospitality, culture, and professional services, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are championed. Her work focuses on fostering collaboration, driving footfall and growth, and helping shape a vibrant, sustainable city centre for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Approachable, proactive, and always ready to listen, Danuta is committed to building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities that help local businesses thrive. Whether supporting independents or national brands, she brings energy, clarity, and a genuine desire to help Aberdeen’s business community flourish.

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Scott Begbie

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Anthea Saludades

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Kate Kenyon

Kate Kenyon is a passionate champion of Aberdeen city centre and a dedicated volunteer with Aberdeen Inspired, bringing a hospitality owner's eye to the campaigns that get people out and about in town.

She was project manager for Paint the Town Tartan, the campaign that turned the city tartan for the World Cup. She has also helped shape Shop Aberdeen, Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks and the Cinderella Pumpkin Trail, created especially for the 2025 festive panto. As well as being an advocate for her city, Kate also owns SOBR on Thistle Street, Scotland's first standalone alcohol-free bar, where you'll usually find her busy dreaming up her next big idea.

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