WELCOME TO YOUR LATEST IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER
We might live in a digital age and enjoy the convenience that can bring, but there are still some things that are infinitely better when you do them in person – and shopping is one.
The screen hasn’t yet been invented that can replace the real-life experience of walking through the door of a shop, picking up and having a good look at the items you need – then having a mooch around to discover things you didn’t even know you wanted.
We have all done it – gone into town to pick up that one essential then come back with bags full of other bits and pieces that caught our eye.
And not just in one shop, but the others that you pass and think “let’s just have a quick look in here”.
That is the joy of going shopping in the city centre – and it’s a joy we want people to rediscover through Aberdeen Inspired’s first Shop Aberdeen campaign that is in full swing this weekend.
It is a drive that has found a wealth of support straight out of the gate, with 47 retailers – from High Street names to proudly-local independents - signing up to offer fantastic deals, unique discounts, special offers, free gifts and even some events.
Thanks to their support – and yours – Shop Aberdeen will put our “bricks and mortars” retailers in the spotlight, give them a much-needed boost in the face of the sea of troubles our city centre is enduring.
Shop Aberdeen is about more than bargains – welcome as they are. It is about helping our city centre retailers to survive and, hopefully, thrive.
Please, this weekend come into the heart of the Granite City, have a good old-fashioned rake about, enjoy the deals and let’s once again Shop Aberdeen.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
STORIES
Check out the unique discounts to kick off the first Shop Aberdeen weekend
Aberdeen Inspired’s first Shop Aberdeen event is in full swing – and there are unique discounts and offers galore to tempt bargain hunters into the city centre.
We are delighted that this inaugural event has attracted 47 retailers, all keen to join our campaign to boost “bricks and mortar” shops in the heart of the Granite City.
You can read more – including details of the stores taking part and the deals they are offering – here.
The countdown has started to the Tall Ships arriving – so get ready, get excited, get involved
The countdown clock has started for the arrival of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen – kicked off with a call for both volunteers and sail trainees to get involved in this once-in-a-generation event.
A special clock has been set up at Aberdeen Railway Station, counting down the days these stunning vessels arrive at the city’s from 19-22 July, 2025, brought to the city by organising partners Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Port of Aberdeen.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: Now is the time for everyone to shine – from ordinary folk to the city’s business community – in creating an unforgettable week that will leave a lasting legacy for Aberdeen’s reputation and economy.”
You can read more about the Tall Ships countdown here.
It’s beginning to look a lot like a Granite City Christmas...
The sparkling line-up for Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations has been unveiled – including a glittering new light trail and a bigger and better Curated In The Quad festive market.
Also in the exciting mix will be the hugely popular Aberdeen Christmas village with a host of family-friendly attractions plus food and drink stalls; the traditional and much-loved Christmas Parade and lights switch-on - and Union Terrace Gardens will shine with festive lights.
The Christmas In Aberdeen programme – staged by Aberdeen City Council, Codona’s and Aberdeen Inspired – aims to transform the Granite City into a Winter Wonderland, starting from Thursday, November 14 when the Christmas Village and new Christmas Light-up Trail will burst into life.
Read more about Christmas In Aberdeen here.
Nominate your favourite city business for a chance to win a £1,000 Aberdeen Gift Card
Aberdonians are being asked to nominate their favourite local business in the Granite City as part of a national competition – with the chance of winning a £1,000 Aberdeen Gift Card as a possible prize.
People can nominate their favourite local shop, restaurant, salon, hotel or attractions in the UK-wide competition at lovelocalwin.co.uk, free, giving the name of the local business they think deserves to win and why.
The business with the most nominations will be named as the UK’s Most Popular and win a £500 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Aberdeen Gift Card, with one person who nominated the winning business receiving a £1,000 gift card.
Read more about this great campaign here.
Meet the winner of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks Foodie Passport competition
Antonella Valente has her passport stamped for a year of eating out at some of the Granite City’s finest restaurants, thanks to Aberdeen Inspired.
She is the lucky winner of our Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks Foodie Passport competition and will now enjoy a meal out for two for a year at 12 different eateries.
The third-year linguistics and sociology student at Aberdeen University scooped the prize by dining at five different places and completing her Foodie Passport during the September edition of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, which is staged by Aberdeen Inspired.
Read more about Antonella’s great prize here.
Reminder to report all incidents of city centre anti-social behaviour to police
Aberdeen Inspired is urging everyone to report all incidents of anti-social or non-emergency criminal behaviour in the city centre via 101 or Police Scotland’s online reporting form.
Concerns over such behaviour – which many of our levy payers fear is on the increase in some areas – was raised at a city centre safety committee meeting.
The advice from Police Scotland was to make them aware of such incidents by dialling 101. If that line has a lengthy waiting time, incidents can be speedily reported online.
By reporting and logging such behaviour, more reliable statistics can be gathered to create an accurate picture of the scale and location of such behaviour to help the relevant authorities address the issue.
The online reporting form can be found here.
Meet The Levy Payer: Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen
You can always bet on a fun night out at the Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen – whether you’re playing the tables or simply enjoying fine food, a relaxing drink and even a night of music and entertainment.
We caught up with general manager Steve Longstaff to find out more about this hugely-popular city centre venue on Exchequer Row, their pride in being part of the city’s community, the exciting plans for the coming months – including 16th birthday celebrations next week - and why they enjoy being an Aberdeen Inspired levy payer.
Read our interview with Steve here.