The winners of this year’s Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) will attend the Scottish Thistle Awards finals in Glasgow on November 21 where they could scoop the national title.
The 15 businesses and individuals showcase the exceptional talent, innovation, and commitment found in the region’s tourism and hospitality sector. Representing all sectors of local tourism and hospitality, the winners include standout establishments and individuals, each contributing uniquely to the region's appeal as a premier travel destination.
Local winners heading to the national stage are:
- The Bay Fish and Chips, Stonehaven - Climate Action
- Farm Stop, Portlethen - Inclusive Tourism
- Northern Frights and Fantasy Scotland, Aberdeen - Innovation in Tourism
- Cowden Farm Holidays, by Stonehaven - Best Self Catering or Unique Stay
- No 45 Ballater - Best B & B or Guesthouse
- Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen - Best Visitor Attraction
- Twin Peakes Fly Fishing, by Banchory - Best Adventure or Outdoor Experience
- We Too, Aberdeen - Celebrating Thriving Communities
- Big Hop Trail by Clan Cancer Support, Aberdeen - Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
- Harbour Bar Gourdon - Best Bar or Pub
- The Library at Douneside, by Tarland - Best Eating Experience
- Kildrummy Inn, by Alford - Best Hotel Experience
- The Fife Arms, Braemar - Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year
- Alison Christie of Leonardo Hotels -Tourism Individual of the Year
- Ellie Gray of The Chester Hotel, Aberdeen - the MacRobert Trust Rising Star
Winning a national Thistle Award would be a monumental achievement for these businesses and individuals, underscoring the north-east’s quality, sustainable, inclusive and innovative tourism product. Beyond the honour for the businesses and individuals themselves, a national title would elevate the region’s profile as a top Scottish destination, potentially attracting new visitors and recognition for Aberdeen and Shire’s commitment to excellence.
Stephen Gow, chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards, expressed pride in all the regional winners, noting: “The calibre of this year’s winners has been outstanding. It’s fantastic to see our local businesses — from small family-owned inns to innovative events — gain recognition for their dedication to enhancing tourism in the north east. National success would spotlight the exceptional quality and vibrancy of our region’s offerings on an even larger stage.”
He continued: “The national finals present an opportunity for the region to shine, bringing acclaim not only to individual winners but also to the area as a whole. I, and the whole ACSTA committee, wish our 15 finalists the very best of luck in Glasgow.”
For more information on the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards and to view a complete list of winners, please visit www.acsta.co.uk