The owner of one of the north-east’s best-loved hotels was recognised by the Queen yesterday.
Stewart Spence, owner of the five-star Marcliffe Hotel and Spa at Pitfodels, was made an MBE for services to the tourism industry in Scotland in the New Year’s honours list.
The 67-year-old, whose career spans 50 years, received his honour during an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday.
Figures from the world of sport, business, academia and politics were also recognised at the event.
Mr Spence had been due to walk away from the hospitality trade and sell the Marcliffe site on North Deeside Road to house builder Stewart Milne in March.
However, in a dramatic turnaround, the hotelier announced the deal was off and promised the venue would stay open in the hands of his family.
Mr Spence’s first step into the industry was as a trainee chef at the age of 15. During the first six years of his career, he worked in Aberdeen, Paris and London before settling back in the north-east.
In 1972, his family bought their first hotel – The Atholl.
He has since owned seven hotels and restaurants in the Aberdeen area.
The current Marcliffe site at Pitfodels was opened in 1993 by former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev.
Guests who have stayed include royalty, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, actor Charlton Heston, rock star Rod Stewart and US golfers Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus.