Seasonal Discussions

Reviving Banff’s Silversmithing Heritage - Drew Markou & Vanilla Ink The Smiddy

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Markou from Vanilla Ink The Smiddy for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, and community in the north east of Scotland.
We explore the history of silversmithing and metalwork in Banff, how traditional skills are being preserved and reimagined for a modern audience, and the role organisations like Vanilla Ink The Smiddy play in supporting artists, makers, and local communities.
Drew also shares his personal journey — from lecturing at Birmingham City University to building a new life in rural Aberdeenshire — and reflects on why creative spaces matter, especially outside major cities.
We also discuss:
The importance of community-led creative projects
Opportunities and challenges facing the creative sector in rural Scotland
Why heritage crafts still matter today
The future vision for creativity and collaboration in the region
If you’re interested in creativity, craft, culture, rural communities, or the future of the arts in Scotland, this is a conversation worth hearing.
🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Follow Vanilla Ink The Smiddy:
https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk
https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/vanillainkthesmiddy/

Building Forma Designs Collective: Collaboration, Craft & Scaling From Home

This week, Chris is joined by George Brown, founder of Forma Designs Collective in Aberdeen.
We discuss how Forma evolved from a university project into a growing business, the realities of building a creative company from home, and how production has gradually taken over every spare bit of space, including industrial machines running almost constantly from a spare room/workshop.
George also talks about the importance of reusability in design, working with other creatives, and what’s coming next for the brand.
Follow Forma Designs Collective:
https://formadesignscollective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/forma.designs.collective/
https://www.tiktok.com/@forma.designs.collective
https://www.youtube.com/@Formadesignscollective/

From Piercer to Founder: Nathan’s Journey Building Utopia Body Arts in Aberdeen

How do you go from starting out in body piercing to building your own respected studio in Aberdeen? In this weeks episode of Seasonal Discussions, Nathan from Utopia Body Arts shares his full story, from discovering body piercing as a career, to opening his own business, moving to Scotland, and becoming part of Aberdeen’s creative community.
We also dive into:
• Entrepreneurship and taking risks
• The reality of running a studio
• Why Aberdeen still has massive potential
• Thoughts on the future of the city centre
• Life in Scotland and what makes it unique
Check out Utopia Body Arts for yourself:
https://utopiabodyarts.com
https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/
https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/
https://www.tiktok.com/@utopiabodyartsaberdeen

How Two Creatives Built Aberdeen’s Newest Creative Charity | KIN

In this episode, Chris sits down with Julie and Nicola from KIN, Aberdeen’s newest creative charity, to find out how it all got started. We talk about how the two first met, with Nicola teaching at university and Julie joining as one of her mature students, and how that relationship eventually grew into a shared vision for supporting Aberdeen’s creative community.
We also dive into:
• The inspiration behind KIN
• Creating opportunities for local creatives
• Future events and networking plans
• Building stronger creative connections in Aberdeen
• Giving back to the community through collaboration and support
🔗 Find out more about KIN:
https://kin-abz.org
https://kin-abz.org
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kin-abz/

Setting the Standard Young: How Katie Watson Built a Standout Career Early

In this episode, Chris sits down with Katie Watson, Relationship Manager at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, UK Rising Star award winner, and board member of Aberdeen Young Professionals. Still in her early 20s, Katie has quickly become one of the most recognisable and fast-rising names in the Aberdeen business community. But her journey didn’t happen by accident.
We dive into how she built her career from the ground up, the mindset that helped her stand out early, and what young professionals often get wrong when trying to get ahead. If you’re looking to grow your network, build credibility, and create real opportunities in your 20s, this conversation is packed with practical insight.
In this episode, we cover:
• How Katie accelerated her career early
• The power of networking and relationship-building
• Lessons from winning a UK Rising Star award
• What it takes to stand out as a young professional
• Advice for anyone starting their career
Whether you’re a student, graduate, or young professional, this episode will challenge how you think about success and what’s possible early in your career.

From Skateboards To A Clothing Brand (Built AFTER his 9-5)

Gary works a full-time 9–5… but built this on the side.
From printing onto skateboards to creating an Aberdeen-based clothing brand, this is how Doric Studios started.
In this episode, we talk about how it all began, learning screen printing from scratch, and what it’s really like running your own business alongside a full time job.
Whether you’re thinking about starting something yourself or just curious how small ideas turn into real brands, this is a grounded look at building something after hours.
If you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing for more conversations like this.
Follow/check out Doric Studios:
https://doric.studio
https://www.instagram.com/doric_studio/
www.linkedin.com/company/doric-studio/
 

What it REALLY takes to plan a Golf trip to Scotland!

What does it REALLY take to plan a golf trip to Scotland?
In this episode, Chris sits down with David Harris, founder of Bonnie Wee Golf, to break down the reality behind golf tourism in Scotland, from how far in advance you need to book (it’s longer than you think) to what actually goes into planning a world-class golf experience. With over 20 years in the industry and recent recognition as Golf Tour Operator of the Year at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, David shares insider knowledge on how these trips are built, what golfers get wrong, and how to make the most of your visit.
We also dive into:
• How far in advance you REALLY need to plan
• What goes into organising a golf tour
• What clients can expect from their experience
• The realities of demand for iconic Scottish courses
• Behind the scenes of the global golf tourism industry
If you’re thinking about planning a golf trip to Scotland, this is essential viewing.
Connect with Bonnie Wee Golf:
https://bonnieweegolf.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/bonnieweegolf/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonnie-wee-golf/
https://x.com/bonnieweegolf
https://www.facebook.com/bonnieweegolf
https://www.youtube.com/user/BWGTV

A pigeon, a Crow & a Seagull walk into a brand meeting...

This week on Seasonal Discussions, things get…a little unhinged (in the best way).
I’m joined by Mark Thouless from Flux, a brand agency that doesn’t just talk about making brands happen, they actually give a sh*t about doing it properly. But don’t expect a neat, buttoned-up branding masterclass…that’s not how this conversation goes.
Instead, we get into the real stuff:
Why branding so often misses the mark, what it actually takes to make something resonate, and how creativity, honesty, and a bit of chaos all play a role.
Along the way, there are:
– questionable (but surprisingly accurate) analogies
– deep dives into geek culture and toxic fandoms
– a completely unnecessary (but unforgettable) stand-off between a pigeon, a crow, and a seagull
– and just enough insight to make you rethink how brands should show up in the world
It’s messy, it’s funny, and somewhere in the middle of it all…it makes a lot of sense.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when serious brand thinking meets zero interest in taking itself too seriously, this one’s for you.
Check out Flux for yourself:
https://www.readytoflux.com
https://www.readytoflux.com/flog
https://www.instagram.com/readytoflux/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/readytoflux/

Built in Aberdeen: Family, Loss & Carrying On the Securastore Legacy

What happens when a family business faces loss and has to find a way forward?
In this episode, Chris sits down with Rachael Wright and Tanya MacDonald from Securastore in Aberdeen to talk about legacy, leadership, and stepping into new roles after the passing of Tanya’s brother & Rachael's husband, David.
We cover:
• Taking over a family business and what that really means
• Navigating grief while keeping things moving
• Rachael’s journey from Australia back to Aberdeen
• Tanya stepping up (and passing her forklift licence 👏)
• Football, fitness, networking, and the human side of business
• What the future could look like for Securastore.
This is a relaxed, honest conversation about resilience, community, and what comes next. If you’re part of a family business, based in Aberdeen, or just interested in real stories behind local companies, this one’s for you.
Subscribe for more conversations with people shaping business and community in the North East.
Find out more about Securastore:
https://securastore.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/securastore-ltd/

Big Energy & Brilliant Events | Jill Butler-Rennie: Event Hosting & Engineering Consultancy

This weeks Seasonal Discussions is sponsored by Stellar Blue Accounting Services.
https://www.stellar-blue.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellar-blue-accounting-services/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576312027266
In this episode, Chris sits down with Jill Butler-Rennie to explore her journey from marine biology into the world of event hosting.
Jill shares how she transitioned into a career in events, what it takes to create meaningful experiences, and why bringing people together is at the heart of everything she does. We also talk about her roots in South Shields, her love for Sunderland AFC, and the importance of finding where you truly belong, both personally and professionally.
🎙️ Topics in this episode:
• Career change: from marine biology to event planning
• Event hosting & creating memorable experiences
• Community, culture & belonging
• South Shields roots & Sunderland AFC
• Life and work in Aberdeen
👍 Like, comment & subscribe for more conversations with inspiring people.