VisitAberdeenshire has this week launched a second season of ‘Northern Nights’, a promotional
campaign to attract visitors to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire during the winter months.
The campaign aims to extend the visitor season by promoting the experiences under the bright
lights of the city, and the starry skies of rural Aberdeenshire.
Following the award of a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Aberdeen City Council,
the campaign will have a significant focus on experiences that can be enjoyed in the city either
side of the festive season, with starlight shining on major events like Granite Noir and Spectra,
as well as providing inspiration for visitors to create cultural trails into lesser-known parts of the
city.
The campaign will run from November until the end of January, with a break over Christmas
targeting prospective visitors in the rest of Scotland, northern England, West Midlands and the
South-east.
Chris Foy, Chief Executive, VisitAberdeenshire said: “Our aim is to establish the region as a
year-round destination, so ‘Northern Nights’ is designed to highlight the reasons to travel here in
the traditionally quieter months. The grant from UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Aberdeen
City Council means that we can really turn the dial up on the City experience as part of this
campaign as well as profiling the beauty of Aberdeenshire in winter-time”
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “The Council is
delighted to be supporting Northern Nights. The winter months are a great time to enjoy
Aberdeen’s rich arts offering, whether that’s visiting our galleries and museums or attending our
busy events programme. The warmth of the city’s hospitality is felt even more keenly during
winter.”
Adrian Watson, Chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Where better to spend Northern
Nights than in the city of the Northern Lights? And Aberdeen really is the bright, glittering place
to drive cold winter away, with our rich and varied offering for visitors.
“There isn’t a place in the land where you will get a warmer welcome than here in Aberdeen”
The campaign will also feature a partnership Caledonian Sleeper, with dual-branded
advertisements promoting services from London and Birmingham.
Steven Marshall, Head of Sales & Marketing at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We’re delighted to
once again partner with the team at VisitAberdeenshire to promote our unique, low-carbon way
to travel to one of Scotland’s most diverse and exciting regions. From a vibrant city experience to
breathtaking coastal landscapes and a thriving food and drink scene, we’re showcasing the very
best of Aberdeenshire to audiences in London and the South East. With the recent addition of
Birmingham International as a stop on our Highlander route, the Highlands – and destinations
like Aberdeen – are now even more accessible for those based in the Midlands.”
Mr Foy continued: “From the city’s vibrant festivals to Aberdeenshire’s exceptional stargazing
credentials – we want visitors to look up and around and immerse themselves in the sights and
sounds of winter.”
The campaign is also supported by Arnold Clark car rental, Glen Tanar Estate, LNER, Mackie’s of
Scotland, and the Sandman Hotel
