Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce is publishing a round-up of some of the highlights of what's on in the region. There's no shortage of events and attractions available, from must-see culture and art displays to exciting business and training opportunities. Have a look at our list below to make sure you don't miss anything, and check out VisitAberdeenshire's events diary here . Mini-MBA in Money Management Thursday August 27 Most young people leave education knowing Pythagoras, Shakespeare and algebra, but little about budgeting, borrowing, investing or managing money. Yet these are the decisions they'll make for the rest of their lives. How do you budget? When should you start investing? What is a credit score? Why does inflation matter? These aren't abstract questions. They're decisions young adults make every day, often without ever having been taught the answers. The Mini-MBA in Money Management is a practical, fast-paced introduction to the financial knowledge most people only discover much later in life. In just 90 minutes, Your child will gain a clearer understanding of how money works, how to make smarter decisions from the start, and how the habits you build now can make a remarkable difference over time. No jargon. No textbooks. Just the conversations about money that young people rarely get to have - until it’s too late. Link - Mini-MBA in Money Management Free ‘Mentally Healthy Workplace’ training for Managers and Supervisors Thursday August 27 As an employer of any size, it’s vital for you to support your employee's mental health and wellbeing and reduce absence and retain staff in your workplace. NHS Grampian's Healthy Working Lives Team is offering Managers and Supervisors the opportunity to attend a free an online ‘Mentally Healthy Workplace training course. Delivered by NHS Grampian Public Health Workplace Team, the course will identify the key factors that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, ensure managers are aware of their responsibilities in relation to mental health and wellbeing and improve managers skills and confidence in dealing with mental health in the workplace. The course will be delivered virtually on Teams on Thursday 27th August 10am - 3pm with breaks during the session. Following the training, participants with receive a certificate from Public Health Scotland. The course content is most suitable for employers and for staff who have people management and supervisory responsibilities. To find out more and book a place visit: https://mhandsplearning.publichealthscotland.scot/mhwtcourse_registration.aspx?id=e6bacb9b-8dbb-4c40-a716-f94e0c506531 VIP – Vinted in Person Thursday August 27 Fashion, Community & Circular Style in Aberdeen. BWC is excited to introduce a brand‑new style of community event this August: VIP – Vinted in Person, a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe while connecting with local women in business. This in‑person fashion marketplace invites attendees to buy and sell quality pre‑loved clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories, bringing the popular online resale culture into a lively, social setting. Whether you are clearing out your wardrobe or hunting for your next bargain, this event blends sustainability, style, and networking. Entry: FREE. (Tables to purchase are now sold out). Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Souter Head Road, Aberdeen, AB12 3LF 6:00pm–8:00pm Horses, Heritage and a Great Day Out August 27-30 Scone Palace International Horse Trials returns from 27–30 August, bringing four days of elite competition, family entertainment and countryside hospitality, to the historic grounds of Scone Palace for its second year. At the heart of the event is international eventing, one of the most demanding disciplines in equestrian sport. Combining dressage, cross-country and showjumping, riders and horses must demonstrate athleticism, precision and partnership across several days of competition. The event hosts classes from pony level through to prestigious CCI4* competition, attracting competitors from across the UK and Europe. Beyond the headline international classes, visitors can enjoy a packed programme featuring British Showjumping, Arena Eventing, Pony Club Games, Native Breed Showing, Retraining of Racehorses competitions and the Scottish Grassroots Championships. William Stormont, Event Owner and patron commented: “The calibre of competition at Scone is reflected in the world-class riders it attracts. At the inaugural event, Olympic gold medallist and three-time CCI5* winner Laura Collett made history with London 52 by becoming the first winner of the CCI4*-S class. “My advice is to bring a picnic blanket, grab a glass of fizz, and settle in to watch horses and riders tackle fences with real skill and courage.” More than just horses You don't need to know your Clydesdales from your Connemaras to have a brilliant day out at Scone. There's plenty more to see and do. For anyone with a soft spot for country life and style, start with the Shopping Village and over 170 quality retailers offering everything from country clothing to doggie goods and homewares. Choose well and you could be crowned Best Dressed lady on Friday 27th August. https://sconehorsetrials.com/Ladies-Day-Comes-to-the-Horse-Trials When you’re feeling hungry, head for the Social Hubs, brimming over with street food trucks, coffee vans and bars, this is where you can pull up a bench and settle in to watch some live screen arena action. Perfect for those who can never decide between lunch and the sport. Families are especially well catered for. Under-12s go free, and 12–16 year-olds get in from £12. The Horse Scotland Village ( https://sconehorsetrials.com/Horse-Scotland-Village ) — run in partnership with Horse Scotland — gives kids a whole event-within-an-event: a horse simulator, therapy ponies, a Pony Club Chat, archery, indoor curling, and a dog show judged across the weekend for anyone whose four-legged friend fancies the limelight. And once the competition wraps for the day, the fun doesn't stop. Evening entertainment keeps the atmosphere going with live music and well-stocked bars long after the last horse has left the arena. Camping For those who want to soak up every minute of the weekend, onsite camping is the way to go. Pitches start from £160 for six people and one car, with excusive food and drink provision, hot showers, and shuttle buses running between the campsite and the main arena throughout the four-day event. https://sconehorsetrials.com/Horse-Trials-Camping Getting there You're never all that far from a long weekend of top-level sport, shopping and serious countryside indulgence, wherever you're starting from in Scotland. With its prime location in the heart of the country, Perth enjoys easy road and rail links from all major cities and many towns. Shuttle buses will run from Perth City Centre to Scone Palace at regular intervals. Whether you're there for elite sport, a new tweed jacket, or a great family day out, Scone Palace International Horse Trials has it covered. General admission starts from £25, with tickets and the full programme at sconehorsetrials.com. https://sconehorsetrials.com/ Dandara invites buyers to look through the keyhole at Aberdeen open house August 29 and 30 Homebuyers are being invited to step inside their future home at an exclusive Open House Event at Dandara’s Hazelwood development in Aberdeen on 29th and 30th August. Taking place from 10am to 5pm each day, the event will give visitors a rare opportunity to explore seven close-to-completion homes, offering a first-hand look at the quality, space and finishes available at this leafy development, just a short distance from Aberdeen city centre. With a range of homes to suit different needs and budgets, properties available to view range from the two-bedroom Ash, an ideal starter home, through to the impressive five-bedroom Yew. Prices at Hazelwood start from £239,995. Visitors will also have the opportunity to find out more about a range of tailored incentives available on selected properties. These could include a deposit contribution, LBTT (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax) paid, or upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, helping buyers make the most of their move. Dandara’s experienced sales team will be on hand throughout the event to discuss the homes and available packages, while free independent financial advice will also be available to help prospective buyers understand their options. Claire Bathgate, Head of Sales for Dandara Aberdeen, said: “This is the first time we have had so many different house-types available for buyers to view, and it provides a fantastic opportunity for visitors to compare the different layouts and get a genuine feel for the size and proportions of each room. “Being able to walk through a range of properties allows buyers to experience the room dimensions, natural light and flow of each house first-hand, while also seeing how the individual plots sit within the wider development. “Most importantly, visitors can visualise what everyday life could be like in their new home - which you just can’t get from a brochure, floorplan or video tour.” Hazelwood is conveniently located for all that Aberdeen has to offer, whilst also providing a semi-rural feel, with superb local amenities, and easy access to the River Dee. Ideal for commuters, Aberdeen train station is just a few miles from Hazelwood, offering regular train services throughout Scotland. For travel by road, residents benefit from their close proximity to the A90 which connects them to Dundee and Edinburgh, whilst the A96 heads further up north to Inverness. Appointments for the free Open House Event can be booked by calling 01224 947 396, although walk-ins are also welcome. To find out more about Hazelwood, visit: https://www.dandara.com/new-homes-for-sale/scotland/aberdeen/hazelwood/ Taste of Garioch Food Festival returns to Inverurie Sunday, August 30 The North-east’s premier celebration of food and drink is back as the Taste of Garioch Food Festival returns to Inverurie. Completely free to attend, the popular festival brings together around 70 top-tier local producers, street food vendors and artisan makers for a day of vibrant, family-friendly food culture. Organised by We Are Inverurie, Taste of Garioch shines a spotlight on the region's rich local talent. Visitors can explore a bustling event village packed with street food vans, sweet treats and handcrafted local produce. In addition to the extensive lineup of food and drink, the festival offers entertainment for all ages, including funfair attractions and child-friendly activities. A highlight of this year’s event is the return of the Festival Buttery Challenge—a fast-paced 60-second eating contest where hungry participants compete for a cash prize and local bragging rights. "Taste of Garioch is a true celebration of local food and local people," said Derek Ritchie, BID Manager at We Are Inverurie. "It showcases why Inverurie is known as the Food Capital of the North East, giving residents and visitors the chance to support fantastic local businesses while enjoying a brilliant day out." Entry to the Taste of Garioch Food Festival is free. For full details, event times and to enter the Buttery Challenge, visit events.weareinverurie.co.uk/taste-of-garioch . Wildlife watching with Greyhope Bay Until end of August Port of Aberdeen and Greyhope Bay have launched a joint wildlife watching volunteer initiative on the North Pier this summer. Volunteers are based at the North Pier for six weeks throughout the summer, helping visitors spot Aberdeen's wildlife and learn more about the port's history and the community's relationship with the coast. When: North Pier is open daily, 07:00–19:00. Volunteers are available: Thursday evenings, 16:00–19:00 Friday mornings, 09:00–12:00 Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00–16:00 Where: North Pier Cost: Free, no booking required MacGregor Industrial Supplies to host open day at Aberdeen branch Thursday, September 3 MacGregor Industrial Supplies is holding an open day at its Aberdeen branch on Thursday September 3, running from 7:30am to 4:30pm, with everyone welcome to attend, not just trade customers. The event will feature live demonstrations, exclusive discounts, giveaways and goodie bags, alongside representation from a broad selection of manufacturers, giving visitors the chance to explore new products, speak directly with specialists and discover solutions across a wide range of industries. MacGregor Industrial Supplies has served businesses and communities across Scotland for decades, and the open day forms part of the company's ongoing commitment to engaging directly with its local community in Aberdeen. Graeme Taylor , Aberdeen Branch Manager at MacGregor Industrial Supplies, said: "I personally cannot wait to open our doors to everyone for the day. It's a brilliant opportunity for the local community to come in, meet the team, and see everything the branch has to offer, whether that's for trade or just out of curiosity." Iain MacIntosh , External Sales Manager at MacGregor Industrial Supplies, said: "We're really looking forward to welcoming the local community and manufacturers along on the day. It's a great chance for people to see what's new, get hands-on with live demonstrations and speak to our specialists and manufacturer partners face to face." The open day will take place at MacGregor Industrial Supplies' Aberdeen showroom, Hareness Road, Altens Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, AB12 3LE AI-Assisted Supplier Evaluation in Offshore Energy Thursday September 3 Join Hypercube on Thursday 3 September at 13:00 for a lunchtime webinar exploring how AI can support more informed and efficient supplier evaluation across offshore energy procurement. As offshore energy supply chains become increasingly complex, procurement teams are balancing commercial, contractual, technical, ESG and local content considerations while working through growing volumes of supplier information and evidence. At the same time, procurement decisions are facing greater scrutiny and can have a significant impact on programme certainty, supply security, contractual exposure and long-term asset performance. Hosted by Dr Adam Sroka (CEO & Technical Co-Founder) and Dr Ivona Voroneckaja (Product Owner) , the webinar will explore how AI can reduce the time specialists spend searching, comparing and reconciling supplier information, allowing them to focus more of their expertise on assessing risk and making informed procurement decisions. The session will explore: Managing growing volumes of supplier information and evidence Evaluating submissions consistently against defined procurement criteria Identifying material differences, risks and gaps requiring specialist judgement Reducing time spent searching, comparing and reconciling supplier submissions Maintaining human control, auditability and traceability throughout supplier evaluation A live demonstration of Procurement Assist, showing how AI can bring supplier evidence, risks and key differences into focus while keeping procurement professionals firmly in control This webinar is an opportunity for procurement and supply chain professionals across the offshore energy sector to explore practical applications of AI and see how it can support faster, evidence-backed supplier evaluation without compromising professional judgement or oversight. Register for the webinar: AI-Assisted Supplier Evaluation in Offshore Energy - Hypercube | AI for Energy The Archie Foundation Variety Show Saturday, September 5 The Archie Foundation Variety Show is coming to the iconic Tivoli Theatre on Saturday 5 September, and the charity would love businesses, their teams and their families to come along and support it. With two shows to choose from, it’s a brilliant opportunity to enjoy an afternoon or evening of live entertainment while helping The Archie Foundation support babies, children and families through healthcare and bereavement. Almost 30 talented young performers, all of whom have been supported by The Archie Foundation or NHS Grampian, will take to the stage for an afternoon or evening packed with singing, dancing, comedy and plenty of surprises. The show will once again be hosted by Scottish television and panto favourite Alan McHugh and Call the Midwife actress Laura Main. Whether you are looking for a fun family day out, a great night with friends or simply a way to support children and families in the region, The Archie Foundation team would love you to join them and cheer on their young stars. Saturday September 5 | Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen 2.30pm matinee or 7.30pm evening show Adults £24.50 | Under 16s £16.5 Every ticket helps the charity continue providing practical, emotional and financial support to babies, children and families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Book your tickets and join the team at the Tivoli on September 5: https://www.thetivolitheatre.com/whats-on/the-archie-foundation-variety-show-2 Family fun day to launch free training for parents at NESCol September 5 Critters, characters, Esports and arts and crafts are just some of the attractions on offer as North East Scotland College prepares for family fun at its Aberdeen City Campus on 5 September. The Saturday session, from 10am to 2pm, will include guest appearances from the Critter Keeper (10am to 12pm), Love Rara characters (10am to 12pm) and activities including face painting, glitter tattoos and balloon modelling (10am to 12pm). The NESCol Esports Hub, packed with gaming technology, will also be part of the programme (10am to 2pm). The event will serve as the launch for new free training opportunities for parents across the region. The College has been awarded more than £1million of funding from the Scottish Government to tailor delivery of part-time courses for parents or carers earning below £33,000. The training is designed to help participants gain qualifications, secure a new job or progress in a current career. Help with travel and childcare costs may also be available. Priority is given to the following groups, although all parents and carers are encouraged to apply: Lone parent families; Families with a disabled adult or child; Larger families (three or more children); Minority ethnic families; Families with a child under one year old; Families with mothers under the age of 25. The City Campus family fun activities are part of NESCol’s wider Doors Open Day activity on 5 September across all of the College’s campuses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Duncan Abernethy, NESCol’s Assistant Principal Curriculum and Commercial Development, said: “Upskilling and reskilling for parents will be a major focus for our teams in 2026/27 and we’re excited about the potential the new funding streams offer. Employability and career development are crucial in giving parents and families the chance to thrive and are looking forward to ramping up our delivery in the months ahead. “We know it isn’t always easy for parents to find the time to explore opportunities like these and the family fun day at City Campus will hopefully help to break down some of those barriers. “Our young visitors will have a raft of activities to keep them busy and entertained, with our teams available to offer guidance about the new training opportunities for the parents and carers who attend in a very relaxed and informal setting. “The thought of returning to education, even on a part-time or online basis, can be daunting – but our aim is always to make it as accessible and engaging as we can.” Visit https://www.nescol.ac.uk/college-services/free-courses-for-parents/ for further information on the free training for parents. For more on the wider Doors Open Day activity at Aberdeen Altens Campus and the Energy Transition Skills Hub, Aberdeen City Campus, Fraserburgh Campus and Scottish Maritime Academy on 5 September visit www.nescol.ac.uk/open-days . Doors Open across NESCol’s campuses in September September 5 North East Scotland College will host a Doors Open Day across its campuses on September 5 as visitors are invited to explore facilities and sample a range of demonstration activity. The Saturday session will run from 10am to 2pm at the Aberdeen City and Aberdeen Altens campuses, including the Energy Transition Skills Hub at Altens, as well as Fraserburgh Campus and the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead. The City Campus programme will include guided tours of a range of learning areas, from the College’s training restaurant and Basement Theatre to new simulated care facilities and hair and beauty salons, as well as drop-in Planetarium screenings. There will also be a range of children’s activities on offer, designed to encourage families to attend to find out more about a new programme of free training for parents being rolled out in the 2026/27 academic year. At Altens Campus there will also be guided tours, taking in learning areas including construction workshops as well as engineering and vehicle technologies facilities, and the opportunity to explore the Energy Transition Skills Hub. Visitors to Fraserburgh Campus will be able to sample demonstration activities in the Future Skills Zone, hair and beauty, hospitality and sports areas as well as enjoy guided tours covering all of the subjects offered. At the Scottish Maritime Academy the Doors Open Day will provide an informal opportunity to view the facilities, including immersive simulators and the traditional net hall, as well as to find out more about careers at sea. At each campus, members of the NESCol team will also be on hand to provide guidance and advice to anyone keen to find out more about full-time, part-time and online study at the College or to discover the range of professional development courses available to employers and individuals. NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said: “We take great pride in our role as an anchor institution in the North East and our approach is all about having wide doors and deep reach. “On 5 September we’re looking forward to opening the doors at all of our campuses to provide an informal and relaxed opportunity for anyone interested in discovering what we have to offer. This isn’t just a day for those interested in studying with us, it’s for all in the communities we serve to come and explore.” Visitors are encouraged to register in advance at www.nescol.ac.uk/open-days . The main NESCol Open Day for the year ahead will take place on 16 January 2027, coinciding with applications opening for full-time courses starting in summer 2027. At that event representatives of every curriculum area will be available to provide detailed information on full-time courses, entry requirements and the application process. Stars set to shine as tickets go on sale for Archie's biggest variety show yet September 5 Tickets for The Archie Foundation Variety Show are now on sale, with hundreds of supporters already preparing to take their seats at the iconic Tivoli Theatre on September 5. Talented young dancers, magicians, singers and comedians who have been supported by The Archie Foundation or NHS Grampian will take to the stage to raise funds for the charity. One youngster gearing up to make her Variety Show debut is Millie Davidson, who has a gastrostomy tube. Aged just five, she is one of the youngest participants in this year’s talent showcase and will be singing and dancing to the song 'Six' from the musical Six. Millie’s mum, Kirsty, said: “Millie loves to perform so when I saw the call for participants, I knew I had to sign her up. The song Millie has chosen to perform is usually sung by six people but she's doing it all on her own, so she's not given herself an easy task!" Performing is already a big part of Millie's life. She is a member of her local theatre group The Song Shop, appeared as a pumpkin in last year's Cinderella pantomime and attends both Highland and street dance classes at Evolution and The Gordon School of Dancing. However, for Kirsty, the Variety Show is about far more than showcasing talent. "Taking part in the show has given Millie the chance to meet other children who have been through similar experiences to her, but instead of meeting in hospital, they're meeting in a fun environment while being involved in something so exciting," she said. One way Archie has supported Millie and her family is by donating them a book titled 'My Gastrostomy Tube', which explains what the tube is and its purpose in a child-friendly way. "What may seem like such a small thing has made the world of difference to Millie's life. When she got her tube fitted, she had just started P1, so she was not only adjusting to a new environment but also to the foreign object now in her stomach,” said Kirsty. "To help her adapt, Millie brought the book into school for her teacher to read to her classmates, helping them to understand what she's going through and to answer any questions they may have as kids are naturally very curious. The book has also been a great help for Millie. I often find her sitting in her room with the book and she now answers with confidence when she is asked questions about her tube." Now in its third year, the Variety Show has become one of Archie's most anticipated fundraising events, celebrating the resilience, creativity and achievements of children who have faced health and wellbeing challenges. The Variety Show is generously endorsed by new headline sponsor Phil Anderson Financial Services and supported by the Tivoli, Airhop and Vivid Horizon, which is providing the live music for the show. Archie volunteer and show organiser Cassie McGunnigle said: “This year is going to be the biggest Variety Show yet, with almost 30 young people signed up to showcase their talents. "Rehearsals for the show are already underway, allowing the young people time to hone their performances and build their confidence when performing on stage ahead of September. "The show gives children a chance to shine, celebrating everything they've overcome and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We can't wait for audiences to see what they've been working so hard on." Returning to host the event are Scottish television and panto favourite Alan McHugh and Call the Midwife actress Laura Main, who will once again lead audiences through an unforgettable programme of entertainment. This year’s show will include a matinee performance to give even more people the chance to enjoy the fun-filled family event. There will be a performance at 2.30pm and a second at 7.30pm. Tickets are now available, priced at £24.50 for adults and £16.50 for under 16s. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Archie’s vital work. To anyone thinking of attending the show, Kirsty said: "All the young people who are taking part have been through so much, yet they get on the stage and give it their all. It's a night to celebrate them and their amazing talents. I guarantee you'll leave with a smile on your face." Archie has helped children and families across the north of Scotland for more than 25 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, at Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin. Due to the specialised treatment Millie requires, she attends both Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Tayside Children’s Hospital, with some of her nursing team set to take on the Dundee Kiltwalk this August to raise funds for Archie. To book tickets for The Archie Foundation Variety Show 2026, visit www.thetivolitheatre.com/whats-on/the-archie-foundation-variety-show-2 Hutton invites visitors to Craigiebuckler campus for Doors Open Day 2026 Saturday September 5 10:00am - 3:00pm The James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s pre‑eminent interdisciplinary research institute for sustainable land, crop and natural resource management, is inviting visitors to its Craigiebuckler campus for Open Doors Day on Saturday 5 September. This event will offer visitors a chance to learn more about the vital work the Hutton is doing to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises through trusted science and research. Visitors will get to hear from leading experts - such as Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science, Professor Dame Lorna Dawson, and senior land use researcher, Professor David Miller - on a number of fascinating topics, including forensic science, land use, flooding and local wildlife. In addition to the lectures, visitors can enjoy interactive displays on soil minerals and scanning electron microscope imaging. These displays will include games suitable for any age, letting visitors learn more about a world too small to be seen with the naked eye. A tour of the Hutton’s lab facilities will also be available, with lab-based activities for kids (and adults) taking place four times throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to follow a self-guided tour of the new wildlife sculpture trail at the campus, and see James and Isabella Hutton brought to life by talented young actors. The Open Doors Day will also offer an opportunity to experience the Hutton’s new touch tables, VR headsets and Immersive Suite – a state-of-the art facility which allows for photos, videos, graphics, models and simulated environments to be projected on all four walls in an all-encompassing experience. The campus will be open to the public from 10am to 3pm, with refreshments available throughout the day. Entry is free; however pre-registration is required for the talks by Dame Professor Dawson (The use of soil and related evidence in criminal investigations) and Professor David Miller (The interpretation of landscapes and their changes over time as mapped in 1700s through to the present day). For more information, visit: The James Hutton Institute - Doors Open Day Tickets, Saturday, September 5 • 10 AM - 3 PM | Eventbrite Doors Open Weekend
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.agcc.co.uk