OURS is the Granite City by the sea and as such we are innately connected.
From the seaside charms of Footdee, our golden beach stretching between the Dee and the Don, to the atmospheric drama of the haar rolling in, the North Sea crashing against the breakwater and the near daily visits to the harbour by our dolphins.
It is also in its imagery, that Aberdeen's prosperity from the sea is symbolised - in that iconic view of oil industry support boats dotted along the horizon. And through its relationship to the sea Aberdeen has so much more to offer.
As we look to broaden our economic base to a future with a reduced reliance on oil and gas, the city's development is now being driven by a commitment to strengthen its tourism and cultural sector. It is through nurturing our marine heritage, culture, and creative ambition that we can catalyse change for the city to attract visitors, change perceptions and reinvigorate the economy, and city, as a vibrant and dynamic place to study, live and build a career.
Now is the time to elevate and enhance our connection with the sea and position Aberdeen as a location with a unique cultural offer that values our marine environment and natural heritage.
One such opportunity is our proposed development at Greyhope Bay, a site with spectacular panoramic views of Aberdeen's coast, charismatic dolphins and visiting wildlife, located just outside the entrance to the harbour, near Torry Battery.
Greyhope Bay Limited is a social enterprise with bold plans to tell our story of innate, historic and future connection to the sea and provide a world class tourism product. These plans are for what will be an iconic build and destination centre that will provide a powerful educational experience, spark interest and facilitate enjoyment and social connection with our marine environment.
Since incorporation, Greyhope Bay has created opportunity, raised finance, secured intent on the land for development, developed architectural designs, financial modelling and importantly commissioned a consultancy with expertise in the culture economy to independently assess our case for development - an exercise that validated our proposals and outlined our business case.
Our next steps are to build partnerships, raise profile, engage funders, and develop programmes of community engagement and as part of this we are planning a bold media campaign centres around a unique weekend event in May 2017.
With live entertainment from 80s pop duo Hue and Cry we are hosting an exciting gala dinner fundraiser on site (Friday May 12) along with a high profile community event and family fun day on Saturday May 13. A marquee will be built at Greyhope Bay with glass panels to take advantage of the views and the evening will include an immersive 3D virtual reality experience of the building designs, underwater themed lighting and will be hosted by Dougie Vipond.
The event aims to capture the quality, vibrancy, excitement and engagement that Greyhope Bay will provide for generations of visitors in Aberdeen for years to come. For ticket enquiries and to buy a table, get in touch via our website greyhopebay.org.uk and support Greyhope Bay in establishing a world class marine education centre.