Tributes last night poured in for a north-east tourism chief, who was credited with opening up the region to thousands of visitors from across the globe.
Banchory man, Peter Medley, who was business development director of VisitAberdeenshire, died in Glen O’Dee Hospital on Monday, following a battle with oesophageal cancer.
The 63-year-old was last night described as a “devoted family man” and somebody with an unrivalled knowledge of the local hospitality and tourism sector.
The father-of-two is credited with opening up the north-east of Scotland to businesses and visitors from Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway – through which he met his wife, Sigrid.
Born in Surrey, Mr Medley moved to Aberdeenshire in 1990.
Originally starting out with a career in banking, he followed his grandparents, who were London hotel-owners, into the hospitality sector – starting as a trainee manager at the Holiday Inn at Heathrow Airport.
He held several jobs across the world before ending up at the Craigendarroch Hotel and Country Club in Ballater as a resident manager.
He later became general manager and director at Thainstone House Hotel and Country Club, near Inverurie.
After this, he worked as director and manager of Skene House Suites, where he opened up the business to customers and businesses from Norway.
He joined VisitAberdeen – now VisitAberdeenshire – in 2013 as marketing director.
He previously served as vice-chairman of VisitScotland Aberdeen City and Shire, and has been hailed for bringing the organisation’s expo to the region in 2004, following 13 years of it being held in Glasgow.
Last night chief executive of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead, said Mr Medley was “legendary within the tourism industry”.
He added: “His approach and respect amongst his peers was tangible. He was a well-known and respected figure who touched many people in tourism and in VisitScotland.
“Peter’s drive and passion in the pursuit of improvements within tourism for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire was commendable. He will be sorely missed by all.”
Chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire, Steve Harris, said: “Peter was a consummate professional who was a pleasure to work with.
“Our whole team is devastated we have lost such a prominent figure, such a close colleague and such a good friend.
“Peter was also a very devoted family man and loved the time he spent with his family in Norway and Spain.”
Mr Medley is survived by his wife and children, Adam and Zoe, daughter-in-law Monika and grandchildren Thalia and Max.
Last night Mr Medley was described as a “true gentleman” by his peers.
He was also chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association from 2009 to 2011 and vice-chairman of the Hospitality Training Association, and was an active member of the Banchory Rotary Club.
Founder of Skene House Hotels, Charles Skene OBE – a colleague of Mr Medley’s for 17 years – said: “Peter was a very, very nice man and he was very popular with clients; both with local people and international guests.
“He began at Skene House on February 5, 1996 and worked to develop our international business tourism very successfully. As part of this, he visited Scandinavia frequently and particularly loved Norway.
“He will be sorely missed by very many people.”
Jim Byers, former chairman of Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, added: “Peter was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a true ambassador for the area and deserves great credit for opening up this area to tourism opportunities from Norway in particular.
“He was very well respected within the hospitality and tourism industry and worked tirelessly for the area.”
Mr Medley will be laid to rest at St Ternan’s Episcopal Church in Banchory on Thursday, February 23 at noon.
