Born and raised in Glasgow, Iain Watson learned the ropes of management at an early age as an integral part of his family’s catering business. Having attended to all manner of events, from weddings to lavish banquets where he served each member of the Royal Family between 1975 and 1983, he worked his way up through the ranks at a number of hotels in Scotland, prior to arriving at the Swallow Royal County Hotel in County Durham.
Here, Iain assumed the role of General Manager, before moving on to Inverness and joining the Marriott Group, with whom he won Regional Manager of the Year in 2004. Having taken the seemingly radical step of moving to Dubai in 2006, where he became extensively involved in management consultancy relating to the hospitality industry, he returned to the UK in 2010 and joined Menzies in January 2015.
Assuming the reins at the Dyce Aberdeen Hotel at a time when the property is undergoing a planned new build and development, Iain is looking forward to the challenge of cementing the hotel’s reputation in the region. “As far as I was concerned, there was no other career for me”, he remarked. “I am passionate about both the industry and my position, and particularly enjoy helping those who wish to progress within it.”
Conveniently located 6 miles north west of Aberdeen and just 2.5 miles from Aberdeen Airport, the Menzies Aberdeen Dyce hotel is renowned for being ideal for both business and leisure guests. Boasting 212 newly refurbished bedrooms, together with a stylish Brasserie restaurant and bar area, it offers the perfect base for those keen to explore the magnificent Highlands, glorious Scottish coastline and local attractions such as Balmoral Castle, Archaeolink Prehistoric Park and Glenfiddich Distillery. Equally, for conferencing and events, the hotel’s four function suites, ranging from executive boardrooms to a meeting room with a seating capacity of 400, offers the ideal destination for day delegate use and due to its locality and regular airport shuffle service throughout the day, it lends itself to convenient, hassle free access to the airport for pre/post flight trips.
Acquired by Topland in 2013, the Menzies collection ranges from convenient city centre locations, to relaxing country and coastal retreats, and was recognised in the category of Best Mid-Scale Hotel Group at the 2013 British Travel Awards.
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