Visit the North East of Scotland - Unlocking Aberdeenshire Jacqueline van den Akker

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 salmon fishing and Debbie shares what makes the river perfect for the sport of angling, and other adventures that can be enjoyed on or near the water.

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. 

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. 

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 landscape along the way.

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 outdoors is for everyone and all abilities are welcomed.  The main objective is to get out there, slow down, take in the wonderful landscape and to enjoy the company of others. 

In this episode we are speaking with James Wight from Sup2Summit based in Montrose.  

James started his business about 4 ½ years ago when after spending many years working for others in outdoor adventure sports all over the world, he wanted to return home.  The path to getting his business established was not a smooth one but ultimately, he was successful in creating an outdoor centre for, among other things, stand up paddle boarding with exciting adventures both on the coast and in other areas of Scotland.

The Sup2Summit team have great plans to expand into a full adventure sports facility and have developed unique opportunities to travel exploring the great lochs and glens of Scotland while on a board.  If you love getting onto the water and seeing wildlife, exploring the coastline or even a scenic sunset paddle then you must visit Aberdeenshire.