Tall Ships to sail back into Aberdeen in 2025
We are delighted to announce that the BID to bring the much-loved Tall Ships back to the Granite City in 2025 was successful and officially declared on Friday 18 November in Gran Canaria.
The Tall Ships will be back for the first time in over a quarter of a century. The news will bring back happy memories for those who remember when the city previously hosted the hugely popular event in 1991 and 1997 and is the result of the partnership by Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Port of Aberdeen which has been backed by a wide range of other organisations across the North-East.
An audience of over half a million people from near and far can be expected when the Tall Ships return to Aberdeen. They can look forward to seeing between 30 and 50 magnificent sailing vessels, visit a temporary nautical themed village, a crew parade down Union Street, parties, light show, and departure celebrations. There will also be many legacy projects built on the back of the event.
Commenting on the news, Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired said: "Aberdeen Inspired was delighted to bring the proposal to Aberdeen City Council and Port of Aberdeen, both of whom showed great ambition and vision in working with us in submitting the now successful bid, which will bring the largest family free event of its kind in Europe back to Aberdeen in 2025.
"The hard work begins now, with the very real potential to build in a multitude of Tall Ship legacy projects that will benefit not only the city, but wider north-east and country”.
Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “The Tall Ships Races is a spectacular event, and we are proud to be a host port in 2025. Many people have fond memories of the Tall Ships visiting Aberdeen and bringing it back to the city after almost 30 years is an incredible opportunity.
“We look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and stakeholders from across the region to deliver an event that will benefit local communities, create wider economic prosperity, and engage a new generation of young people in the city’s rich maritime heritage.”
Photo credit-Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen Restaurant Week – Announcement and Call for businesses
Aberdeen Restaurant Week (ARW) will return from Monday 16 to Sunday 29 January 2023 and we are now calling upon local businesses to get involved.
Brought to the city by Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen Restaurant Week is a fantastic opportunity for cafés, bars and restaurants in the city centre to benefit from additional sales during a quiet period, build loyalty, retain and recruit new customers.
Landing just after Christmas and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis price will be a key driver of success. The marketing campaign will focus on promoting attractive value-based price offers geared towards generating sales at a traditionally quiet time of the year.
Serving up exclusive menus with three simple price points of £10, £15 and £25, food lovers will be able to enjoy a wide range of cuisines from dozens of local eateries offering unique, value for money menus will be put together exclusively for the fourteen-day promotion. What the menu consists of is entirely up to the restaurant and they can offer two courses, three courses, a tasting menu, include additional drinks or side dishes, the choice is theirs.
Interested in being part of Aberdeen Restaurant Week, the deadline to sign up and to submit menus is Monday 19 December
Sign up and further information here> www.aberdeenrestaurantweek.com
Concern that a lack of Taxis is driving down night-time economy
Roulè Wood, Business Engagement Manager here at Aberdeen Inspired has voiced her concerns over the lack of Taxis in Aberdeen which she believes is leading in a down-turn in the night-time economy. Businesses throughout Aberdeen have reported a down-turn in trade with people refraining from going out or staying out late at night in Aberdeen with many patrons leaving early to beat taxi queues.
Taxi operated have lost a quarter of their drivers since the Covid pandemic with recruitment for new drivers an issue with new recruits required to complete a knowledge test. This lack of taxi drivers is leaving people stranded and potentially vulnerable by deciding to walk home, perhaps when they are not in the best state. Long queues for taxis is leading to anti-social behaviour and generally frustrated people. It is not just those who come to the city for a good night out, staff working in bars, restaurants and hospitality need a reliable option. Roulè also addressed the concern that even booking a taxi in advance is an issue something she has come up time and time again when planning her weekends.
It is hoped that bringing this concern to light will drive support and awareness to steer a change in the right direction to make a night out in Aberdeen seem like a feasible and safe option.
North-East Crime Alert
The November-December edition of North-East Crime Alert bulletin issued by Police Scotland is out now. In this edition, topics covered include the support offered and crime prevention advice to retailers during the busiest time of year, top advice on how to avoid scams this Christmas, festive safety on how to keep your home safe during the darker nights and how to stay safe when out partying during the festive season plus a round of crime in the North-East.
Read the North-East Crime Alert bulletin here.
Local Police Plan 2023-26 Consultation Period
The planning cycle for the development of the Local Police Plans 2023-26 has commenced. Most of the work is required to be completed by Local Policing Divisions with assistance and support from staff within Police Scotland’s Strategy, Insight and Engagement Team.
Priorities have been established through the Your Police survey mechanism, which has allowed members of the public, private and third sector organisations to tell Police Scotland what is important to them, and what they want officers and staff to prioritise during the lifespan of the Local Police Plan.
You are invited to provide feedback on the draft Local Police Plans. Click here for more info and to provide feedback here.
Experimental Traffic Regulation Order in the New Year
An experimental Traffic Regulation Order is being put forward and expected to come into operation in the New Year with the aim of minimising the amount of general traffic on Bridge Street, Guild Street (east of Wapping Street), and Market Street (north of Guild Street) by stopping traffic from using these streets as through-routes.
The bus priority route – which would also accommodate cycles, goods vehicles, taxis, and private hire cars – was agreed in principle at a meeting of Full Council in June 2022.
Motorists would still have local access to the Trinity Centre Car Park and roads in the vicinity of the Green.
As part of the works, additional bus gates are planned for the top of Market Street, the east side of Guild Street, and on Bridge Street, with the bus gate on the east side of Union Street being extended to the junction with Adelphi.
There would also be a ban on turning right from Union Terrace to Rosemount Viaduct (except for buses, taxis and cycles), and Schoolhill would be pedestrianised from Back Wynd to Flourmill Lane, with access for service vehicles only between 4.30pm and 11am.
Statutory stakeholders being asked to comment on the layout include the emergency services.
More information and traffic map can be viewed here.
Ceiling of Lights to be installed in two locations
Two new city centre illuminated street installations, a Ceiling of Lights are in the process of being fully installed on Shiprow and shortly on Bon Accord Terrace making use of the existing fixtures installed for the popular umbrella installations in the summer. The lights are to remain in both locations until the end of March next year in a joint initiative with Shiprow Village, who generously sponsored the installation at Shiprow. The high-quality LED lights can be re-used over multiple years, and it is hoped the attractive Ceilings of Light
can become regular winter lighting installations in the city, creating a warm welcome and attracting pedestrians to the many established night-time hospitality venues in both areas.
Christmas has begun in Aberdeen
The Aberdeen Christmas Village in partnership with Codona’s and Aberdeen Inspired officially opened on Thursday 17 November. Despite the bad weather, the public turned out to be the first to enjoy a festive fairground, an outdoor ice rink and a selection of food and drinks.
The Christmas Village is open 7 days running until Saturday 31 December, closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The delayed Christmas Tree Switch-on took place as part of the Light Switch-on Parade on Union Street on Sunday 20 November. Aberdeen is now looking bright and very festive, a perfect time to visit and get into the Christmas spirit.
Full Christmas in Aberdeen details can be viewed here.
Hand-crafted gifts and unique finds on offer at the outdoor Christmas Market
Our very own winter wonderland, the Curated in the Quad market is now open.
With another one-day weather delay in the mix, the Curated in the Quad market finally opened on Saturday 19 November with a local artists and businesses filling the Quad at Marischal College as part of the Christmas in Aberdeen.
Each weekend a fantastic line of artists and businesses will showcase their products and gift ideas including arts, crafts, clothing, jewellery and homeware along with gourmet food and drink, there will be something to suit every taste this Christmas!
The market is being organised by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired with 100% of the profits from the stall holder fees going to Charlie House, a local children's charity that aims to improve the quality of life for babies, children, and young people in the north-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and provide support to their families.
Each week we will be announcing the line-up for the coming weekend, head to our website here or keep an eye on our social media channels @abdninspired (*line up subject to change).
Make sure to check out the Aberdeen Christmas Village, and whilst you're in the area why not head to Curated Aberdeen in Bon Accord Centre Aberdeen where you will find plenty of other lovely local stallholders offering up a variety of gift options too!
Christmas Tree Festival is back for a second year
Back for a second year is the Christmas Tree Festival opened on Drums Aisle in the Kirk of St Nicholas on Saturday (3 December), in the heart of Aberdeen’s Union Street. The Open Space Trust started the Christmas Tree Festival last year to bring an alternative Christmas offering, and a space that would provide visitors a place of calm and reflection, while being able to enjoy creatively decorated Christmas Trees.
Aberdeen Inspired sponsored last year’s festival and have once again provided the sponsorship to allow it to take place this year. Adrian Watson, the CEO OF Aberdeen Inspired said, “We are delighted once again to sponsor the festival, which will help attract visitors into the city centre, allowing them an alternative experience whilst in Christmas shopping supporting local businesses”.
The Open Space Trust is working with Aberdeen Inspired and numerous stakeholders from City Centre Primary Schools to Third sector and Civic organisations to bring back the Christmas Trees Festival to the city. Each organisation is being offered their own individual tree to decorate as they please. An extended opportunity to members of the Ukrainian community to get involved is being offered, to let them know there is love and support from the people of Aberdeen.
The festival creates the opportunity to bring together different organisations and people from across the city to work together on the delivery of this magical project. We look forward to seeing how the different stakeholders and Ukrainians will decorate their trees to produce another magical display of Christmas Trees.
We would encourage visitors and locals to come and see the creatively decorated Christmas Trees as part of the Christmas festivities being offered in Aberdeen.
The Christmas Tree Festival will be running on the 3, 10 and 17 December between 11am-2pm. RGC Choir will add an extra special touch at the opening of the festival on the 3 December at 11am by singing familiar Christmas Carols.
Science with Santa
Santa and his cheeky elves will be spreading festive cheer and a little H2 Ho Ho Ho at Aberdeen Science Centre this Christmas. Booking is open now for the centre’s new Science with Santa workshops, sponsored by commercial cleaning company Tidy Green Clean.
Children will have the chance to visit the festive laboratory, where they will meet Santa’s cheeky elves and learn how to make gingerbread slime to take home. Santa himself will visit the lab for photo opportunities with each family – and he’s sure to have a special gift in his sack for each child to put under their tree!
Visitors can then explore the exhibition floor and have fun getting hands on with the centre’s 60 interactive science exhibits. Science with Santa will run on December 9, 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Science with Santa is suitable for children aged four and over, and special sessions particularly suitable for under-5s will run on the morning of Friday 9 December, when wee ones will learn how to build and melt a snowman.
As spaces are limited, book now and choose your slot at to avoid disappointment here.
Jamieson & Carry’s expansion to transform Union Street
Jamieson & Carry have recently revealed on 10 November a million-pound plan transformation on Union Street.
The family-run jewellers will take on a £1 million expansion into two long-vacant units next door to their current unit, which they have occupied since 1925. The independent company have also purchased the former Money Shop on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street to become Aberdeen’s first TAG Heuer boutique watch shop. These expansions mark Jamieson & Carry's long-term commitment to Aberdeen's city centre.
Owner Christopher Carry said: “As luxury retail has changed rapidly over the last five years, we recognised that we needed to enhance our current surroundings and the experience we offer. We recognise the challenges faced by high streets across the country and the importance of working together for the good of the city".
View their website here.
Gidi Grill now open in Aberdeen
Also opening on Union Street is West African restaurant, Gidi Grill which has captured Dundonian hearts through its unique African-style sauces and laid-back energy, now open in the former Jones Shoe shop at 263 Union Street. Gidi Grill aims to bring fresh, bright and intense West Africa and Caribbean flavours to Scotland, transporting you to a new world through taste.
Book your table here.
Chisholm Hunter opens a new premise
The family-owned diamond merchant Chisholm Hunter has opened a premise in Union Square in time for the Christmas shopping season. Offering a beautiful selection of fine jewellery and prestigious watch brands including OMEGA, IWC Schaffhausen, Panerai, Longines, Gucci, Grand Seiko and Tissot. Servicing and repairing for your jewellery in their in-house workshop is also available.
Visit their website here.
Panto season is upon us- Oh yes it is!
A spellbinding flurry of Pantomimes are gracing Aberdeen this Christmas period with the following venues all hosting a Pantomime which will bring in large numbers of people far and wide to Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Arts Centre- TaleGate Theatre Productions presents Cinderella
Saturday 3 December – Saturday 24 December 2022 at various times
With a bibbidi-bobbidi and a bobbidi-boo, Aberdeen Arts Centre invites you to the greatest pantomime of them all, Cinderella!
Join professional pantomime company, TaleGate Theatre Productions, and have a ball with our beautiful princess and her best friend, Buttons! Help our bonnie wee quine and her best loon get the better of the ugly sisters and watch as Prince Charming sweeps Cinderella off her feet!
Book your tickets to the ball here.
Tivoli Theatre- Attic Theatre presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Friday 2 December – Thursday 22 December 2022 at various times
Roll up, Roll up to this year’s Attic Panto, Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Join Goldilocks and her mum, Tina Trott, at their circus which is facing financial ruin, until a twist of fate leads them to meet three very special bears! However, someone is watching events unfold & will stop at nothing to destroy Trott’s circus… Come along for an evening of thrills, spills and of course some panto magic, it’s fun for all the family.
Book your tickets to the circus here.
His Majesty’s Theatre – The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
Saturday 3 December 2022 – Sunday 8 January 2023 at various times
Don’t miss this year’s high-flying His Majesty’s Theatre Pantomime starring former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and Dancing On Ice finalist Brendan Cole, panto Dame extraordinaire Alan McHugh, comic actor and River City star Paul J Corrigan and Aberdonian performers Danielle Jam and Michael Karl-Lewis.
Join Peter Pan as he sets sail on a brand-new adventure this Christmas. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will take your whole family on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before!
Hook your tickets here.
Siberia Bar & Hotel expansion plans for 2023 and beyond
Harding LTD, owners of Siberia Bar & Hotel on Belmont Street have recently announced that they have purchased the vacant 4-story unit next door to their current premises. Siberia’s aim is to bring more vibrancy to the Belmont Street quarter and the wider city centre as whole plus creating new jobs and using local contractors. More details of their plans are due in coming month.
Read the full story here.
Gray’s School of Art project to transform empty shops
Students from Gray’s School of Art have produced a creative solution for some of the empty units in the city centre while they await permanent new owners.
Gray’s creative unit, Look Again, is bringing in various creatives and experimental start-up businesses to stage pop-up ventures in unused units.
As well as shops, they will serve as exhibition spaces, art installations and pop-up shops while under short-term lease. Currently, two empty shops on Schoolhill are being done up. 32 St Andrew Street will become a space for the project along with 1-5 George Street and our neighbours at 34 Upperkirkgate.
The Culture Aberdeen scheme has been made possible with £150,000 worth of funding from Aberdeen City Council’s Covid recovery fund.
The project aims to facilitate more community led initiatives in the city and could be used as centre hubs to provide skills workshops, new spaces and training opportunities for creative endeavours. Longer term lets could also be negotiated in the future to support more permanent spaces.
More information here.
Treat your team with an Aberdeen Gift Card
This festive season give the perfect gift to your staff with the Aberdeen Gift Card. Starting at just £10 it is the perfect little thank you that gives them a world of choice in their pocket!
Accepted by nearly 300 local businesses, including national brands such as M&S, Next and Waterstones as well as independent local businesses like Hamish Munro, No.10 and Annie Mo’s the gift card gives so much choice on what and where to spend it. Please get behind our ‘bricks and mortar’ businesses by investing in the Aberdeen Gift Card and help lock-in spend in our city centre. Order here.
If you received a gift card for Christmas last year, it's time to spend it soon! Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, your card may be expiring soon. If you are a customer with a card who has been unable to use it within their 12-month validity period, you can contact the gift card provider by emailing support@mi-cnx.com to receive a one off 3-month validity extension.
Sign your business up to the Aberdeen Gift Card Scheme
The Aberdeen Gift Card is delivering a much-needed boost directly back into local economy. Funded by Aberdeen Inspired, the scheme is free to join and does not cost your business or the consumer anything, it’s simply another payment method for the goods, services or products your business sells.
Gifting the card is simple. You can go to the Bon Accord Centre information desk or online here with the option of an e-card being sent straight to the recipient.
Want to join the free scheme? Click here.
Check out our full list of businesses that accept the gift card here.
We would also remind all businesses that accept the card to ensure all staff are familiar with how to take payment using a gift card as we head into the busy Christmas period. We know many of you recruit seasonal staff so make sure they are briefed to how to process the card. If you need training or support materials get in touch or read our merchants payment guide here.
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