Robin Galloway: My favourite Aberdeen memories
Before he became one of Scotland's best-known radio voices, Robin Galloway was simply a young lad growing up in Aberdeen.
Born and raised in the Granite City, and going to school at Hazlehead Academy, his childhood coincided with Aberdeen's oil boom, a time he remembers fondly as feeling like 'living in a mini Las Vegas,' with luxury cars and a real buzz about the city.
After a short stint working in his family's antiques business, Bell's Antiques, Robin's natural flair for entertaining pulled him into Aberdeen's nightclub scene in the 1980s.
DJ residencies at hotspots like Villas and Sir Laffalots paved the way for his first big radio break at Northsound in 1985. Robin Galloway in his younger years. Image: Supplied
Television followed, with Robin becoming a familiar face on Grampian TV, hosting news segments and the much-loved Birthday Spot.
Now a familiar presence behind the scenes of the north-east's Original 106 and Original 106 GOLD as head of radio presentation at DC Thomson, Robin continues to champion the city that shaped him.
Here, he shares his favourite memories, places, and inspirations from his beloved hometown… What first springs to mind when you think of Aberdeen?
My home city. My birthplace. It's where I spent my childhood and formative years, so it's always close to my heart. The first thing I automatically picture is the granite — those incredible silver buildings that catch the light in a way you don't see anywhere else. Some of the finest architecture in Scotland. It's the Granite City for a reason. What makes Aberdeen so special?
It's the blend of the old and the new. The timeless beauty of the granite buildings, the incredible coastline just minutes from the city centre, and of course, the people. There's a real warmth and resilience about Aberdonians. It's a city that's shaped who I am. Most memorable night you've had in Aberdeen?
Definitely when I was DJing at Villas nightclub on Crown Street back in the 80s. I don't drink now, but I did then — and we certainly enjoyed some wild nights! Villas had such a brilliant energy back then. It was part of a vibrant Aberdeen nightlife scene that people still talk about to this day. Sir Laffalots on Shiprow, one of the nightclubs Robin DJd in. Favourite restaurant in Aberdeen and why?
Rendezvous@Nargile on Forest Avenue is a real favourite. I absolutely love the array of small plates — all Turkish dishes with their own little twists. The cold meze is phenomenal, and if you're an aubergine fan like me, the sakşuka is a must. It's the kind of place where you sit down intending to order a few dishes and end up trying the whole menu. Rendezvus@Nargile on Forest Avenue in Aberdeen. Image: DC Thomson Best place in Aberdeen when you're looking for inspiration?
I'm a bit biased here. In the 90s, I set up Pure Man, the gents' clothing store on Union Street, along with my brother-in-law Scott. I'm no longer involved in the business, but I still pop in whenever I need some sartorial inspiration. As an Aberdonian, of course, I always ask for a discount — and occasionally, I even get one! What is your first memory in Aberdeen?
It's my first day at Primary 1 at Robert Gordon's College. I was a tearful four-year-old being dropped off — well, more like pushed — into the classroom. I remember clinging desperately to my dad's beige double-breasted Gaberdine raincoat. The brown buttons pressing into my face, the tears soaking into his coat. That moment stayed with me — the beginning of school life in Aberdeen. Best place for a coffee stop in Aberdeen?
Moossh Café in Mannofield is top of my list. It's run by Claire and Lucy Tester, the daughters of my old friend and local entrepreneur George Tester. The girls have done an incredible job with the renovation and the decor. It's a perfect spot whether you're after a great coffee, a nice glass of wine or even an early evening supper with friends. Claire and Lucy, owners of Moossh Cafe. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson How is 2025 going for you?
It's shaping up to be a brilliant year. My son Myles, who's also in radio and based in Toronto, Canada, is getting married this summer. He and his fiancée Heather are tying the knot at Drumtochty Castle, with lots of Heather's family coming over to explore the North East. We're all praying for sunshine! What are you up to with work at the moment?
Original 106 has had a fantastic couple of years — we've been near market leaders for most of that time. This year, we decided to roll the brand out further, bringing in listeners from Tayside and Fife too. We've also launched a brand extension, Original 106 GOLD, on DAB and smart speakers, targeting the over-55s audience. It's an exciting time for us. Describe your perfect day in Aberdeen
It would start with a visit to the Vegan Bay Baker on Castlegate for one of their legendary vegan rowies. I've been vegan for over 30 years now, and Aberdeen is fantastic for dairy-free options these days — Vegan Bay is right up there with the best. After that, I'd head along Lower Deeside Road and out to the Linn of Dee for a bit of wild swimming — a spot I loved visiting with friends during the summer holidays growing up. The summers always seemed better then, didn't they…? Vegan Bay Baker on Castlegate. Image: DC Thomson
My Aberdeen: Michael Gove on beating Rangers, and why the Granite City is 'the best place in the world'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Courier
9 hours ago
- The Courier
Prom photos: Bertha Park High School Class of 2025
Bertha Park senior prom was an unforgettable night for the Perth school's Class of 2025. Leavers dressed to impress in gowns, suits and kilts to celebrate the end of their school days. Our photographer Steve MacDougall joined them as they arrived for the special occasion at Piperdam on Thursday evening. Bertha Park High senior prom features in our Class of '25 photo gallery series. Look out for more throughout June from secondary school leavers' proms and dances across Tayside and Fife. All photographs by Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.
The Courier
9 hours ago
- The Courier
Prom photos: Montrose Academy Class of 2025
Montrose Academy leavers' formal was a rite of passage for the Angus school's Class of 2025. Exams finished, S6 pupils put on their glad rags for the party marking the end of their school days. Our photographer Kim Cessford was there as they celebrated at Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa, Dundee, on Thursday evening. Montrose Academy leavers' formal features in our Class of '25 photo gallery series. Look out for more throughout June from secondary school leavers' proms and dances across Tayside and Fife. All photographs by Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Daily Record
'I went to all-inclusive family resort on my own and one part was totally ridiculous'
I took a trip to Club Med's all-inclusive luxury resort under the Taurus mountains in Turkey - with six pools, four restaurants, a constant sea view and a huge amount to do Turkey was not a place that fell very high on my list of dream travel destinations. Nor was heading by myself to an all-inclusive mega hotel that specialises in family holidays. That is, until Club Med put Palmiye on my radar, and now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains and tucking into the truly exceptional buffet. As someone who loves to immerse themselves in the culture of a new place, I have to say I had my doubts about an all-inclusive Turkish experience, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I could absorb without leaving the resort. The stunning, lesser-known coastal spot an hour outside of Antalya, Turkey, is tempting for travellers who want a true holiday experience without the hustle and bustle of tourist towns. Every day that I woke up at Palmiye, I couldn't help but look up in awe at the peaks surrounding us, whether it was on my walk to breakfast, lounging around the pool, or looking back out at the resort from the boat. This scenic view acted as the backdrop to all of my moments spent at Club Med, and if I close my eyes, I can still picture them towering over me. It's the all-inclusive aspect that appeals to families who are desperate to keep their kids occupied and have a sense of freedom, all within the confines of safety. Of course, being childless and in my twenties, I can't talk about the experience of family life in Palmiye, but feeling safe and having opportunities to meet new people was also important to me. Activities Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities for both adults and kids alike – from tennis lessons to paddle, volleyball, Pilates, water skiing, yoga and more. It would be virtually impossible to try and squeeze it all into one week, and they don't expect you to. The idea is that you can start lessons on your first day and, by the end of the week, potentially have picked up a new skill. As a solo traveller, it can feel daunting booking onto activities and excursions, whether it's down to fears of being scammed, your safety, or just the general admin of booking. I found myself constantly going back to lounge around the zen pool at the very end of the resort, submerging myself in an adult-only area. No screaming kids or splashing water and, more importantly, a bar with a beach view. Although this wasn't unique to this pool, each one of the resort's six main pools has a bar right by it and is never far away from the beachfront. If you're less of an active traveller and just want to unwind, the Palmiye resort has not one but two spas – one in the Villagio area and another based in the newly renovated hotel. It was here that I lived out my true White Lotus dreams with a relaxing back massage catered to my own choice of scent, product and pressure. After, I entered another dimension by slipping into the sauna. The next time I saw my masseuse was when we were both dancing the night away at the Efes bar. In fact, that was a common theme throughout my trip: bumping into the Club Med team as though they were old friends. Everyone working at the resort was friendly, fun, happy to help and, most of all, looked like they enjoyed their own free time. Anne Browaeys, CEO of Club Med, explained the philosophy to me. "What we do have a lot of is groups of friends. It's a significant part of our clientele, quite specific to the UK market. What they look for when they come to Club Med is that they can be happy together and separately. You can have the 'me time' and 'we time'. And when you go as a group of friends, there's usually a huge amount of time for someone in the group, spent planning, organising, and aligning the plans. But at Club Med, it's freedom." Food This resort was ridiculous, in every sense of the word, and I mean that with the utmost positivity. I didn't know what day it was, my screen time was low, and the food sent me into a dream state. When I talk about enriching yourself in a true Turkish experience, that is where Club Med's incredible chefs come on board, across their four in-house restaurants. Like any vegetarian, I go into a restaurant with anxiety that I'll get lumped with a lack of choice, but here it was quite the opposite – I was overwhelmed. The Olympus restaurant offers a chef that specialises in their own cuisine, prepped there and then in a live-cooking station – whether you want a true Turkish kebab, trusty Italian dishes or Asian-inspired foods, you are truly spoilt for choice. Almost all of the produce is sourced locally, and so while you're dining, you know you're tucking into true Turkish cheeses, chicken and salads. As someone who loves nothing more than a Greek salad on holiday, I couldn't have asked for more from the Olympus, where they deliver an entire station with chopping boards so you can customise and build your own salads. I couldn't help but be blown away by the settings in which the Topkapi restaurant sits. It has a stream running alongside it and blue waters that you overlook from the terraces. Entertainment There ain't no party like a Club Med party. The brand's slightly unhinged twist on entertainment is perfect for getting everyone involved, even the most apprehensive of Brits. From their theatrical performances in the huge amphitheatre, their early evening jazz-esque singers, or their full-blown dance parties, wherever the staff were, the party was. Above all, the standout nighttime entertainment had to be at the Club Med White Party, which I was informed is a weekly occurrence across all of their resorts. Not only are you greeted by a sit-down, all-white setting, reminiscent of an extravagant wedding, paired with mouth-watering food, but also five-star entertainment. As I tucked into my food, I watched beautiful acrobatic routines before the resort's manager kicked off the night's dance party. Before I knew it, there were drummers, dancers and sparklers galore, circling their way through the crowd. When we practically conga-lined our way over to the Efes bar, there were dancers on podiums, a trusty DJ, and a saxophone player on the dancefloor – it was as though Club Med had transformed itself into an Ibiza beach club for one night only. Newly renovated hotel When the day is done, whether it's an early night or an early morning finish after partying until the bar shuts at 1am, you have the option of staying in a newly renovated hotel room. Fresh, modern, and with a Mediterranean vibe to it, with an endless number of rooms offering both pool and sea views, I couldn't really complain. One of my favourite aspects of the resort was that your all-inclusive wristband also worked as your room key. It sounds so simple, but my god was it handy; I could bid farewell to the stress of losing a room key, and it also meant that for people sharing a room, especially families, they never had to worry about sending the other back off to the room. Everything about the hotel screams 'relax', from the light wash colours of the décor, to the quiet ambience inside, and the way every room and exit flows into one another, so you're never finding yourself lost. Decades after its opening, the resort had no choice but to roll with the times and innovate. The CEO of Club Med further explained: "What we see is that our clients want it all. We're in the post-pandemic world, and holidays are an even more important moment of their lives. And the summer holiday when it's with the family and parents and kids, is something memorable you want for the year. And so when they have it, they want both the great infrastructure and the great experience. "We see our client when they're on vacation, first they want to rest, and then they want to catch up for all the time they've lost. So investing in the renovation is both offering a great place for sleep and the food, but then having that on top of the unchanged." My stay at Club Med Palmiye has most definitely made me rethink the idea of travelling to more all-inclusive resorts; they know just how to do it right. I've spent an extortionate amount on food and drinks on holidays before I even got around to looking at activities or travel to excursions, so at a price starting from £1,981 per adult, I think it's great value for money. Not only do I think you get your money's worth, but you also get the trip of a lifetime. Book your stay A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Club Med Palmiye, Turkey, starts from £2,654 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from London (LGW) and transfers. Without flights, seven-night all-inclusive stays start from £1,981 per adult (based on double occupancy). You can find out more and book on
