STEWART SPENCE

Educated at Ashley Road and Robert Gordon's College and entered the hospitality industry at the age of fifteen as a trainee chef in Aberdeen. Trained with British Transport Hotels 1962-1968.

1962–65 Station Hotel, Aberdeen (Chef, Waiter)

1965–67 Fouquets, Paris (Waiter & Barman)

1967–68 Great Northern, London (Office and Bar)

1968–70 Treetops, Aberdeen (Assistant Manager)

1970–72 Commodore Hotel, Stonehaven (GM)

Purchased 1st hotel in 1972, since owned 7 hotels and restaurants.

1972–89 Atholl Hotel, Aberdeen

1973–93 Queens Hotel, Aberdeen

1979–83 Marcliffe, Queens Terrace, Aberdeen

1982–90 Belvidere Hotel, Aberdeen

1983–93 New Marcliffe, Aberdeen

1987–93 Invery House, Banchory

1993–Present Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

The most recent hotel, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, was opened in 1993 by former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev and is Aberdeen's only five-star hotel.

Master Innholder and Freeman of City of London 2007.

Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality (UK).

Honorary Doctorate, Aberdeen University 2009.

Honorary Doctorate Robert Gordon University 2010.

Board member Grampian Enterprise 2000-2008.

Board member ACSEF 2008-Present.

Chairman, Hospitality Training 2001-Present.

Divorced with four children; Jackie 35; Greg 31; Craig 30 and Ross 30. Daughter Jackie died December 09.

Has been a keen golfer since childhood - Handicap 6

Home Club: Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Other Clubs: Cruden Bay Golf Club, Deeside Golf Club, Ballater Golf Club and The St. Andrews Club

An avid fisherman, salmon fishes in Russia and Iceland every year. Raises money for Orri Vigfusson “Patron Saint of Salmon”, and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund. Also supports many local charities and Junior golf.

A Wine Lover: Penfolds “Grange” (Red), Pavillon Blanc Margaux (White), Domaine Ott (Rose), All Domaine Romanee Conti Wines, Hennesy XO Cognac

Smokes the occasional cigar: Casual – Rio 6; Formal – Davidoff & Cohiba

Drives a Range Rover and BMW 7 series

Shops at Harrods (Brioni), likes Loro Piana Jackets, Turnbull and Asser Shirts,

Ferragamo and Bvlgari Ties, Church’s Shoes.