When Gavin Maxwell arrived in Aberdeen six years ago, he didn’t know a single person in the Granite City.
And whilst Scotland is famed for its hospitality, there’s a lot to be said for a few friendly faces.
These days, Gavin is a difficult man to get hold of though.
Now married and a proud dad to five-year- old Isla, the 35-year-old senior branch manger is often booked up weeks, if not months, in advance.
Aside from the pressures of working in the world of banking, Gavin can be found helping out at Johnshaven’s annual fish festival, or having a go at wheelchair basketball.
Then there’s impressive dinner parties, football matches and beer festivals in the north-east.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Gavin has an excellent set of contacts, or makes a lasting impression on customers whilst going over accounts.
But although he is certainly easy to get on with, Gavin attributes his enviable social life to the largest voluntary organisation for young men in the entire world.
He is just one of around 30,000 members who have joined Round Table, a non-profit national association which enables people to come together.
Alongside a wide range of activities on offer throughout the year, there’s also the chance to give back to the community and support local charities.
Having arrived at his first meeting feeling a little nervous, Gavin is now chairman of Aberdeen Round Table – and the group has 12 members.
He is hopeful that more men may be persuaded to come forward, with the group aimed at 18 to 45-year-olds.
“This isn’t a group for people who have retired, and it’s certainly not sedate,” said Gavin.
“We’ve got solicitors, people who work in cyber security, and the former chair was chief executive of Wood Group.
“So it’s a pretty exciting mix, and a brilliant way of meeting people who you otherwise wouldn’t have come across.
“I moved to Aberdeen from Glasgow six years ago, I didn’t know anyone.
“It was a chance for me to climb the career ladder, so I didn’t hesitate in the move.
“Living in a new city where you don’t know anyone can be a daunting experience though.
“It was my boss who actually recommended Round Table to me.
“I got in touch and they invited me along to a meeting.
“Things went from there, a group got going to play football and I’ve been involved ever since.
“Aberdeen is so transient with people coming and going.
“Round Table offers you an opportunity to make friends, and I think men in particular can find that quite difficult.”
The group meets every month at The Cults Hotel, and Gavin has even been able to take his daughter along to some events. “I think there’s something for everyone really, we’ve done some amazing activities,” he said.
“It gives people the chance to discover and try new things.
“I remember when we did paddle-boarding in the North Sea, we went right out and dolphins were literally jumping out of the water.
“We’ve been to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, and we had a go on a Ferrari simulator.
“You get out what you put in, and once you get started it becomes really easy to start attending various events.
“The biggest thing is coming along in the first place.”
Gavin was vice-chairman before he was nominated as chairman, and he is hopeful that the profile of the group will rise.
“I think the main thing is that people don’t seem to know about Round Table, despite the fact that it has been running in Aberdeen for more than 80 years,” he said.
“You don’t get chucked in at the deep end when you first become involved, it’s important to have fun.
“We also support good causes though, and we’ve been supporting Quarry Hill sheltered housing for more than 30 years.
“We also support Archway; I don’t think I’d have come across these charities were it not for Round Table.
“There’s been hill-walking, lifeboat tours, surfing and five-a-side.
“It’s the chance to make a difference, and to do things that you really enjoy.
“I have no regrets about joining, it makes me feel really proud to see how much the group has achieved.”
For more information, email aberdeenrt@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page at Aberdeen Round Table.
