• Committee

Stewart Spence, Chairman
Stewart is the proprietor of the award winning MARCLIFFE HOTEL and SPA, a 5 star luxury hotel set in 11 acres of wooded grounds located in the western suburbs of Aberdeen, and only 3 miles from the city centre. Stewart is a Scottish Enterprise Board Member, and as Chairman of Hospitality Training steers the policy and management of the affairs of the Association with the support of the foregoing office bearers. He is passionate about training in the industry, which Stewart feels is absolutely vital to the continued growth of the sector, and the satisfaction of customers who visit our area from all over the world.

Peter Medley, Vice Chairman
Peter Medley is director and general manager of Skene House Suites in Aberdeen. In total Skene House Hotel Suites have 145 one to three bedroom suites to choose from. Skene House is one of the largest providers of city centre accommodation in Aberdeen.

Nigel Franks, Honorary Treasurer
Nigel Franks is the proprietor of the Darroch Learg Hotel that has been owned by the Franks family for over 40 years. The hotel has won various accolades, including the Good Hotel Guide and Scotland the Best (amongst the best of its type in the UK). The Darroch Learg has one of the best restaurants in the region and has been accredited with 3 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence.

Marilyn Paterson, Gordon District
Marilyn Paterson is the Group Training Manager of ANM Group Ltd. The company is one of the largest and most progressive farmer-owned agri-businesses in the UK and plays a major role in Scotland's agricultural economy. There are associated companies within the ANM Group portfolio, including Highland Cuisine, a multi-skilled catering and event service provider, based at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.

Andrew Davies, Kincardine and Deeside
Andrew Davies is the General Manager of Maryculter House Hotel which is unique among Scottish Country House Hotels as it is founded on the site where the Knights Templar once trained, in around 1227AD. The hotel was recently nominated for Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year 2007.

Jeff Purves, Chef Representative
For 13 years Jeff Purves was owner and head chef at the Green Inn restaurant in Ballater. Jeff' specializes in local products to make regional dishes, and is currently Head Chef at the Banchory Lodge Hotel. He has strong views on food and on the way food is marketed, and the training of young chefs in Scotland. Jeff was recently crowned Grampian Seafood Chef of the Year 2007.

Mike Edward, Aberdeen City
Based at the Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen, Mike's career spans over 40 years as a chef and educator. Mike trained with British Transport Hotels before lecturing at both Aberdeen and Robert Gordon's colleges. Mike is committed to the development of young people to recognised industry standards.