Volunteers from the award-winning Welcome to Aberdeenshire programme have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to championing the region throughout the 2026 cruise and events season.
The volunteers gathered at The Douglas Hotel on Thursday 8 October for a special recognition dinner, where civic and business leaders celebrated their dedication to welcoming visitors at all hours and in all weather conditions throughout the year.
Since launching in 2023 with just three volunteers, the programme has grown to a team of 42 champions for the region who collectively contributed 1,334 volunteering hours during the 2026 season. The team welcomed passengers from 49 cruise ship calls to the region and also supported three major events at P&J Live.
Nine volunteers contributed more than 40 hours throughout the season, while three individuals each gave more than 50 hours of their time to support visitors.
Behind the scenes, volunteers also completed more than 1,000 hours of training, covering customer service, port operations and destination familiarisation. This investment ensures visitors receive not only a warm welcome, but informed and passionate advice from people who know and love Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
A highlight of the evening was a rousing performance by Alba Bagpipes and accompanying Highland dancers, before guests heard tributes from programme partners and supporters.
Stephen Gow, Chair of VisitAberdeenshire, said: "For many of our cruise visitors, the Welcome to Aberdeenshire volunteers are among the first local people they encounter. They are there with practical advice, directions and recommendations, but they also provide something rather harder to manufacture: a genuinely warm welcome from someone who knows this place and is proud to share it.
"The volunteers are outstanding ambassadors for our region and the growth of this programme over the past three years demonstrates both their commitment and the pride people have in showcasing Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to the world."
The programme's success has already been recognised this year after winning the Best Community Tourism Award at the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards on 18 September.
Further recognition came during the event when Lord Provost Dr David Cameron presented the inaugural Team Aberdeen Volunteering Award to the volunteer team in recognition of their contribution to the city's visitor experience.
Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “VisitAberdeenshire’s volunteers play a vital role on cruise days, providing a warm quayside welcome and helping guests make the most of their time ashore. Their local knowledge and enthusiasm help showcase the best of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and we’re grateful for their time and dedication.”
Suzanne Mackie, Head of Communications and Engagement at Peterson Energy Logistics, said: "We are delighted to have supported two seasons of the Welcome to Aberdeenshire programme through VisitAberdeenshire. The welcome these volunteers provide for our region is fantastic and, in a world where first impressions count, their role is vital.
"For businesses such as ours, recognising the role we can play in the wider development of the region is important and we are proud to align with this initiative."
The recognition event was sponsored by Aberdeen Taxis, Alba Bagpipes, The Douglas Hotel, Hunter Adams and McGill's Buses.