A prestigious Aberdeen hotel is leading the charge to attract young talent to the hospitality sector. Macdonald Norwood Hall, fondly dubbed Aberdeen’s “country house in the city”, is setting a remarkable example with its recent appointment of Katrina Wardrop as general manager.
Wardrop’s impressive journey from pastry chef to the hotel’s top position showcases Macdonald’s unwavering commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Her ascent through the ranks, including roles as executive chef and operations manager, serves as an inspiration to aspiring hospitality professionals.
During her tenure at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness, Wardrop implemented a series of initiatives designed to cultivate a skilled workforce.
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This included weekly workshops to enhance staff skills, fostering a culture that encourages experimentation, and introducing a modern apprenticeship scheme.
These programmes have proven effective in retaining and developing young talent within the industry.
Wardrop’s dedication extends beyond skill development. She has collaborated with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to promote diversity in hospitality, with a particular focus on encouraging girls and young women to join the sector.
This commitment is set to continue at Macdonald Norwood Hall.
Wardrop said: “I come from a family of chefs and hospitality professionals. My dad still works as a chef and my mum used to run a hotel in the Borders, while both my husband and brother also work in the industry.
“I’m fortunate to have experienced all aspects of what it takes to run a successful hotel over the course of my 12 years with Macdonald Hotels and Resorts.
“Hospitality is a fantastic career path and one that has provided me with so many opportunities, which is why I feel so strongly about supporting young people to get a foothold in the industry.
“For too long, hospitality has been seen as a ‘fall back’ option and not encouraged enough as a genuine career path by schools.
“Finding young people, nurturing them and giving the opportunity to prove themselves are key to the success of any business.
“Over recent years there has been a shift in people’s perception with greater numbers seeing hospitality as a genuine career path and one that can be extremely rewarding professionally.”
Macdonald Norwood Hall, nestled within the grounds of the 15th-century Pitfodels Castle, boasts 73 luxury bedrooms amidst stunning natural scenery.
Despite its rich history dating back to 1881, the award-winning hotel is firmly focused on the future.
The establishment takes pride in supporting the local community, particularly by creating opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
This commitment to fostering young talent ensures that Macdonald Norwood Hall remains at the forefront of the industry, blending traditional charm with innovative practices.
Wardrop added: “Making the decision to step out of the kitchen and move front of house was hard at first, but it has opened so many opportunities, taught me new skills, and allowed me to stay in an industry and company that I love while having a second career.
“The longer I spent working in the kitchen the more I realised the aspects I enjoyed the most were planning, speaking to suppliers, organising people, and meeting clients.
“It’s still unusual to see a chef follow this path, especially within a large organisation. My experience means I understand all aspects of the business and can help bridge the gap between the kitchen and other departments.”
