Turner & Townsend welcomed clients, consultants, and colleagues to Union Kirk on Thursday 5th June for their annual Aberdeen Summer Gathering.
This year, the inspiring event focused on ‘How to Shape a Vision for a Thriving City.
The evening brought together key voices from across the region to celebrate shared successes and engage in meaningful dialogue about Aberdeen’s future. With a strong focus on collaboration, strategic investment, and talent development, the event underscored Turner & Townsend’s commitment to supporting the city’s long-term growth.
As a business operating across real estate, energy & natural resources, and infrastructure, Turner & Townsend plays a pivotal role in shaping the built environment and supporting the region’s economic resilience. The event reflected this broad expertise, with discussions spanning the challenges and opportunities across these sectors.
A standout moment of the evening was the compelling panel discussion, which brought together influential voices from the Energy Industries Council, SSEN, Port of Aberdeen, and Turner & Townsend on their views of how to provide resilience in the economy, enablers to secure the future, and how community must remain at the heart of the city. The conversation tackled the region’s most pressing challenges head-on, while also spotlighting the immense opportunities on the horizon.
Panellists delivered a clear and urgent message: investment in Aberdeen must accelerate now to meet long term ambition. Delays in getting major infrastructure and development projects off the ground are holding back progress, and bold, decisive action is needed to unlock the city’s full potential. The discussion also celebrated the city’s powerful sense of community - most recently demonstrated in the passionate celebrations of Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup victory - as a vital asset in shaping a resilient and united future.
There was a strong consensus that Aberdeen must continue to diversify beyond its industrial legacy. The city has the potential to become a dynamic hub for tourism, leisure, learning, and culture - an evolution that will be key to attracting new talent and investment to stay in Aberdeen long term. The panel also underscored the importance of a balanced and forward-looking industrial strategy, one that champions both the established oil and gas sector and the rapidly expanding renewables industry. The transition is nuanced, and this dual approach is essential to ensuring long-term economic resilience and sustainability.
Real Estate Director, Ross Keillor comments: “There was a real sense of shared purpose and renewed energy as the evening drew to a close, with attendees united in their commitment to working together to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking Aberdeen. We’re incredibly grateful to our clients for joining us and contributing to such a meaningful and inspiring evening.”