Doing Business
Conducting business in Aberdeen is no different
to the rest of the British Isles, but with such a strong entrepreneurial history, expect to deal with professional and savvy business people, particularly in the technology and energy sectors. And, as you might anticipate from a city that has produced three Nobel Laureates, expectations can be high. That said, a taste for the local malt whisky, wouldn’t go amiss.

Cool Hotel
The paint is still wet at the Carnelite Hotel, a chic and very sexy new addition to Aberdeen’s burgeoning boutique hotel scene. The elegant townhouse exterior hides the stylish and modern vibe throughout the bar, restaurant, ballroom and private dining room. There are six spacious suites and 11 individually designed rooms on the first floor. A further 32 rooms should be fully refurbished by the time you get off the train at the nearby station. If it is full, at least stop by for a meal cooked by Scottish Chef of the Year, Bruce Sangster.
See: www.carmelitehotels.com

Hip Restaurant
With more than 330 restaurants in Aberdeen, going hungry should not be an option: it is known as the larder of Scotland for its fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables. All these should be available at Café 52, an earthy and relaxed restaurant using as many local products and culinary styles as possible.

Happening Bar
God knows what the old parishioners would think, but the clever people behind Soul have found a divine combination of ecclesiastical architecture (with stain glass windows) cocooning an ultra- modern bar. Its lengthy cocktail list and an ample wine selection is perfect for a quiet afternoon drink in a unique setting or a sophisticated night out. Its Union Street location couldn’t be any more central.

Must-see sights
Simply wandering the cobbled streets and gazing at the twinkling granite buildings of the Old Aberdeen area is a great way to get a feel for this ancient coastal city. For an innovative celebration of Aberdeen’s seafaring history pop along to the Maritime Museum which, along with the elegant Aberdeen Art Gallery, is also available for conferences.

Getting downtown
Aberdeen International Airport is a mere six miles from the city centre. Two bus companies, First Aberdeen and Stagecoach Bluebird, operate regular services between the airport and the city centre but are less frequent late in the evening and at weekends. A train station at Dyce, a short taxi ride from the airport, runs a service to Aberdeen’s centrally-located train station. Taxis from the Airport to the city take about 15 minutes.

Getting there
There are direct trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh and there is an overnight sleeper service from London Euston. There are frequent flights from London airports and connections to most other UK airports. If travelling by car use the motorway network to Perth and then head along the A90 straight into the city centre, crossing the Bridge of Dee.

INSIDER’S TIP
“For somewhere to stay I'd recommend the four-star Copthorne Hotel right in the city centre, just off Union Street – the city's main business and entertainment areas are within easy walking distance”
Jackie Meres, FCm Travel Solutions, Aberdeen

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