Thank you for tuning in to the Visit the North East of Scotland Podcast with me your host Jacqueline van den Akker.  In today’s episode I am speaking with Debbie Cooper who is the development and promotions officer for the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board and River Dee Trust. Debbie joined the team in 2021 to increase awareness and the use of the River Dee, one of Aberdeenshire’s most treasured rivers. Debbie will tell us about the salmon preservation programs as well as re-wilding and environmental conservation work being undertaken by the Trust.   The river Dee is famous for its s ..read more

Today we are having a slightly different podcast as we are talking all things Christmas and Hogmanay in Scotland.  I share some of the traditions around this time of year, we hear from a good friend Catherine Leiper about her experiences of the festive season growing up and the traditions she has continued in her own family.  We learn a bit more about some of the more unusual and forgotten celebrations such as the Burning of the Clavie with Fiona-Jane Brown and how herring played a role in a very curious act.  Finally we finish with a Hogmanay poem written by Angela Wybrow.  ..read more

Today we are having a slightly different podcast as we are talking all things Christmas and Hogmanay in Scotland.  I share some of the traditions around this time of year, we hear from a good friend Catherine Leiper about her experiences of the festive season growing up and the traditions she has continued in her own family.  We learn a bit more about some of the more unusual and forgotten celebrations such as the Burning of the Clavie with Fiona-Jane Brown and how herring played a role in a very curious act.  Finally we finish with a Hogmanay poem written by Angela Wybrow.  ..read more

In this episode we are speaking with blue badge tour guide Alasdair Brodie.  Alasdair is born and raised in Aberdeenshire and grew up on a farm where he developed his love for agriculture.  Alasdair talks about the agricultural history of Aberdeenshire and how it became an efficient and productive area for Scotland supplying high quality ingredients and food and drink products.  He also shares with us his views on how food production has changed over the years as well as some of his favourite foods from the area.  Alasdair has a passion for whisky and highland games which a ..read more

In today’s episode we are speaking with David McCubbin who is passionate about supporting smaller villages along the North East Coastal Route to become thriving communities for residents and visitors alike.   David moved up to Aberdeenshire from Somerset several years ago and chose the unique village of Cullen to become his family home. David wears multiple hats in his work life, having spent several years working within tourism and currently as Project Officer for the town center development project. David shares with us the various challenges small coastal communities face and the effor ..read more

In today’s episode I’m speaking with Martin Bennie an Aberdeenshire based Photographer who has a passion for landscape photography and getting out into nature.   Aberdeenshire has been Martin's inspiration for the last few years after spending time abroad with his work in Korea. Martin talks about why landscape photography speaks to him, how he has taken to helping others develop their style through offering tuition sessions while exploring Royal Deeside,  and he gives us some insight into what makes a great photo.  ..read more

In today’s episode we are staying on the adventure sports topic and we are having a conversation with Steven Strathie, a keen adventure cyclist and outdoor sports enthusiast.   Steven recently joined the board of directors of local adventure community- Scottish Adventure, which was established in 2020. The group is made up of people who have a love of the outdoors and come together to participate in different cycling activities but also to have a genuine community feel by sharing stories, adventure experiences and social elements to their rides. Scottish Adventure strongly believe the out ..read more

We are heading into the hills today with mountain guide Garry Cormack from Hillgoers. Garry shares with us his adventures on the hills, and what he loves about getting outside and into nature.  Hillgoers offer guided walks throughout Scotland with their team of qualified mountain guides and have dedicated time to working with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme to help young people develop skills and knowledge to become adventurers too. Having a profound respect for nature and our environment guests will not only learn new skills but develop a deeper appreciation of our history and landsc ..read more

In today’s episode we are staying on the adventure sports topic and we are having a conversation with Steven Strathie, a keen adventure cyclist and outdoor sports enthusiast.   Steven recently joined the board of directors of local adventure community- Scottish Adventure, which was established in 2020. The group is made up of people who have a love of the outdoors and come together to participate in different cycling activities but also to have a genuine community feel by sharing stories, adventure experiences and social elements to their rides. Scottish Adventure strongly believe the out ..read more

In today’s episode we are speaking with drinks producer Claire Rennie who is based in the coastal community of Rosehearty in the North East of Aberdeenshire.   Claire started her company Summerhouse drinks back in 2014 followed shortly by Walter Gregor Tonics.  One of the first Scottish made tonics available. Both brands are known for having high quality and interesting flavour combinations .  Using only natural ingredients and preservative free, Claire has built a fantastic reputation in the drinks industry in Scotland. Claire shares with us a sneak preview of exciting new flav ..read more