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).

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. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles within the organisation, starting as a street ambassador and project manager, and now serving as Senior Project Manager.

Ross has played a key role in bringing the Painted Doors project and Nuart Aberdeen to the city, while also overseeing a wide range of initiatives including city centre wayfinding, Purple Flag accreditations, and creative lighting projects. His work continues to make a tangible impact on Aberdeen’s city centre, helping to create a vibrant and welcoming environment for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

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.

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.