Alistair Robertson from Sport Aberdeen was celebrated with the prestigious Regional Contribution Award, sponsored by Shell, at this year's Northern Star Business Awards.
Alistair Robertson, who retired from his role as managing director of Sport Aberdeen in January, has been celebrated this year for his regional contribution.
Throughout Alistair’s tenure, the operator of Aberdeen’s leisure facilities has transformed and grown from strength to strength – despite facing some unprecedented challenges in the form of the cost-of-living crisis, public sector budget restrictions and the pandemic.
Not only has Alistair been an excellent – and formidable – managing director but he has also been a friend to many.
His ability to connect with people on a personal level has made a lasting impact on the lives and careers of countless people within Sport Aberdeen as well as further afield.
Pre-pandemic, a £350,000 revamp of Sheddocksley Sports Centre in 2019 won the Leisure Capital Project of the Year at the Community Leisure UK Awards.
In all, the organisation received more than 50 awards and commendations in recognition of the outstanding work of staff, volunteers, venues and programmes under his tenure.
Alistair steered the organisation through the challenges of CV19, working tirelessly throughout the first lockdown with his leadership team to highlight the devastating situation faced by Sport Aberdeen and Scotland’s leisure sector. His leadership ensured that Sport Aberdeen survived this tumultuous period, returning to provide vital opportunities for sport and physical activity to our city.
Some of this impact has been measured, with the organisation having generated £8m in social value through improvements in physical and mental health, mental wellbeing, individual development and social and community development for the people of Aberdeen last year.
There has also been significant growth. In 2016, Sport Aberdeen had 1.2 million visits per year to its venues. In 2023, it had more than two million visits per year.
Click here to view the winner video.
About the sponsor
Shell is a global group of energy companies. Shell use advanced technologies to meet the world’s growing need for more and cleaner energy in ways that are economically, environmentally and socially responsible. It's Powering Progress UK strategy is designed to accelerate the transition to Shell’s overall net-zero emissions target, whilst supplying the energy the UK needs now.