Hospitality charity hits new heights in north east Scotland

A record number of guests attended a hospitality charity fundraising event held in Aberdeen last week (7 October).

Now in its third year, the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland Aberdeen fundraiser attracted over 300 guests, double previous records.

Taking place at the Marcliffe hotel, the evening also raised more money than in previous years, over £24,000. All funds go towards supporting HIT Scotland's bursary and scholarship schemes for workers and students involved in Scotland's tourism, leisure, travel, catering and other related industries.

The Aberdeen event committee was chaired by Stewart Spence, Proprietor of The Marcliffe Hotel. The evening included dinner, dancing, a charity auction conducted by Peter Mitchell and guest speaker Willie Allan.

HIT Scotland is a charity working to raise professional aspirations across the hospitality industry. Over £2 million has been raised by HIT Scotland since the Trust's inception in 1994. Over 8,500 students have benefited from the bursary scheme and they have awarded over 500 individual scholarships placing talented workers on money-can't-buy work placements and taking them to top hospitality schools around the world.

Later this month HIT Scotland will open up applications for this year's scholarship scheme. Businesses of all size and with any relation to the hospitality industry are being urged by HIT Scotland to register for early notification and to encourage their staff to apply.

David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland said: "This year's event demonstrates the strength of the industry in the North East of Scotland. Stewart and his team did a wonderful job bringing together old friends and new supporters to help grow HIT Scotland's activities in the region."

Words: Clare Riley

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