The spirit of Huntly Street

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. 

And this one? It tells a story that spans decades. 

‘The Spirit of Huntly Street’ captures one of Aberdeen’s most historic streets - a cobbled thoroughfare etched with memories in every building, every brick. It’s a place that holds special significance for us because our own story began here over 33 years ago. Fifth Ring was born on Huntly Street. 

In a small office near Summer Street, our founder, Ian Ord, along with a handful of other talents, turned a vision into a reality, laying the foundations for what would become a global B2B marketing agency with offices in Houston and Singapore. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of clients craft powerful, boundary-crossing marketing strategies and helped change the future and fortunes of many. 

As our company grew, Huntly Street became more than just an address—it became the heart of our operations. By chance, a talented artist started working just outside our office. Valerijus Seremeta, originally from Lithuania, made Aberdeen his forever home 18 years ago as he fell in love with the city’s architecture and set out to commemorate the wonders found here through his art. He started working on a piece to capture the essence of Huntly Street. 

For over a month, Val poured his passion into his canvas, transforming a sketch into a masterpiece. We contributed coffee and conversation, and through those chats, we learned about Val’s inspirations—his love for the city's old architecture, his unique use of glow-in-the-dark paints, and how his Buddhist beliefs shape his philosophy: to live in the moment, to appreciate the journey. 

When the painting was finally complete, we were all in awe. Ian instantly named this piece ‘The Spirit of Huntly Street’ to capture the importance of this street to us - to capture the spirit which has attracted extraordinarily talented people who helped turn Fifth Ring into what it is today. Now, this artwork hangs in our office as a daily reminder of where we started and how far we’ve come. 

Watching Val bring Huntly Street to life was a lesson in itself. Too often, we focus only on the finished product. But seeing his process - from rough sketch to final brushstroke - reminded us that meaning comes from creation. Every great story, whether a painting or a business, is built step by step. 

As we consider relocating to a new space in the city, ‘The Spirit of Huntly Street’ will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s a tribute to our roots, a connection to over 33 years of memories, and a reminder that no matter where we go, the spirit of Huntly Street will always follow.