£75m offices and hotel 'boost city'

First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday hailed the opening of a £75 million hotel and office development in Aberdeen as a major economic boost for the city.

The 185-bedroom Radisson Park Inn is part of a regeneration scheme in the city centre.

Mr Salmond said: "The hotel has not only created 50 new jobs but will be a major contributor to the local economy as part of the overall 75m iQ development project.

"This opening is a clear demonstration that, in spite of very challenging times facing the sector, Scotland's tourism businesses continue to play an important role in achieving sustainable economic development."

A spokesman for the developers explained: "The hotel is part of the 75m iQ development project by the Edinburgh-based Hazledene Group, owned by Aberdonian businessman Mark Shaw. Hazledene has retained ownership of the hotel but it will be run by Rezidor."