Aberdeen hotelier Stewart Spence won a lifetime achievement award at a prestigious ceremony held near the city last night.
It comes as Mr Spence, owner of the five-star Marcliffe Hotel and Spa at Pitfodels, prepares to bow out of the hospitality trade after more than half a century.
His accolade at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, held at Ardoe House Hotel, at Blairs, just outside Aberdeen, recognises the contribution he has made over many years to the local tourism industry.
The Marcliffe was opened in 1993 by former Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev.
Its rooms and corridors have been graced by the rich and famous over the years, including pop and film stars, royalty and world-class golfers.
Mr Spence’s career spans more than 50 years, starting in 1962 as a 15-year-old trainee chef at Aberdeen’s Station Hotel.
He went on to own seven different hotels and restaurants at one time or another, and became a patron of many charities based in the north east.
The shock announcement of the Marcliffe’s demise came last October following unsuccessful efforts to sell the business.
A deal was struck with developer Gibson McArtney for the prestigious hotel to be bulldozed and replaced by a high-end office complex.
But Mr Spence pledged the hotel would “go out with a bang” before it finally closed.
Last night’s gong comes less than two years after he picked up a similar honour at the Northern Star Business Awards.
Awards organising committee member Iain Watson, general manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen, said: “Mr Spence received the award not only for his contribution towards tourism in the region of the north-east but also for his dedication towards the hospitality sector extending across Scotland.”
Last night’s awards, organised by Aberdeen and Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association, were attended by more than 3000 industry representatives.
The evening also saw funds raised for worthy causes, with £3,000 donated to Glencraft .
Other winners were:
Ambassador of the year – Roger Goodyear of Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership
Young ambassador of the year – Alan Clarke of Ardoe House Hotel
Hotel of the year – Meldrum House Hotel, Oldmeldrum
Restaurant of the year – Meldrum House Hotel, Oldmeldrum
Bar/club of the year – Orchid, Aberdeen
Visitor attraction of the year – Grampian Transport Museum, Alford
Community award – Deeside Activity Park, Aboyne
Partnership in tourism – Hilton Treetops, Aberdeen, and Jobcentre
Customer service – Marriott Hotel, Dyce
Local marketing campaign – Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership Green award – Mains of Scotstown, Aberdeen