Long-standing food industry entrepreneur Stanley Morrice MBE, who is vice-chair of Opportunity North East and chair of the ONE Food, Drink and Agriculture sector board, has paid tribute to Aberdeen hotelier Stewart Spence MBE, who died aged 77.
The two first got to know each other when they served as vice-chairs of Scottish Enterprise Grampian.
Stanley said: “Stewart was a leading figure in Scottish hospitality for decades and set the standard for world-class hospitality in the region. He cared deeply about the city, the wider region and its economy. During his long and distinguished career, he’d seen the economic tide ebb and flow and he was always very encouraging of initiatives to support growth and create opportunities for future generations.
“We first got to know each other when we were vice-chairs of Scottish Enterprise Grampian board, when Pat Machray was chairman, and we stayed in touch thereafter. Stewart was a mentor to me, and I always appreciated his thoughtful advice and willingness to share his experience and knowledge of business. He was, of course, great company with a store of anecdotes.
“With his passing, the region has lost a champion of the visitor economy who has supported the careers of many in the sector, was a friend to many more and whose memorable hospitality was enjoyed by guests from across the world. I’ll miss his wise words and friendship, and my thoughts and condolences are with his family.”
Stewart Spence MBE (1947 - 2025)
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Opportunity North East Ltd
11 Queens Gardens
Aberdeen
AB15 4YD