Aberdeen International Airport has been shortlisted for a prestigious national tourism award.
The Northern Lights Lounge is one of four projects shortlisted in the Working Together for Tourism accolade.
The Scottish Thistle Awards, now in their 27th year, help shine the spotlight on individuals and businesses going above and beyond to create a destination and visitor experience worth talking about amongst our valuable tourism industry. They champion the very best of the Scottish tourism industry, celebrating innovation, success and excellence in the sector.
Winners will be announced at the National Final on March 5 at Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Jemma Forrest, travel services manager at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “We were delighted to be nominated in the Working Together for Tourism award.
“It was fantastic being recognised at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards in November.
“Our staff and suppliers work extremely hard and we love being able to showcase our amazing region and all the north-east has to offer.
“We are looking forward to the Thistle Awards next month.”
Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel and VisitScotland Board member, said: “On behalf of the panel, I’d like to wish Aberdeen Airport and all of our regional winners, the very best in the next stage of the competition.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards give businesses and individuals working within tourism in Scotland the opportunity to earn the recognition and appreciation they deserve from their own industry peers. They celebrate those people and businesses throughout the country responsible for offering the warmest of welcomes that Scotland is famous for.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. We are looking forward to celebrating the very best of the Scottish tourism industry at the National Final in March.
Opened in 2017 the Northern Lights Lounge has had more than 250,000 visitors and was recognised at the seventh annual Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards in November.
This was due to its working partnership with local suppliers showcasing the best the north-east has to offer.
Suppliers include Brewdog, Amity Fish Company, Barra Berries, Gordon Castle, Cambus O’May, Dean’s Shortbread, Summerhouse Drinks, Grants, Mackintosh of Glendaveny, The Bay, Rora Dairy, Mackie’s of Scotland, Glen Garioch, Whyte & Mackay and Benzies and many more local whisky and gin companies who feature on the unique Whisky and Gin wall feature in the Lounge itself – local suppliers such as Esker and Teasmith frequently showcase their products in the airport and lounge itself to departing passengers.
The latest nomination comes after a string of awards at Aberdeen International Airport including Sword of Honour title at the British Safety Awards at the end of November and the Iain Whyte Memorial Award by the Canine Concern Scotland Trust for its popular Therapet canine crew.
Additionally, the airport’s popular ‘Therapets’ canine crew were awarded with the National Geographic Traveller’s Award for innovation in December.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are led by Scotland’s national tourism organisation, VisitScotland, and supported by a panel of industry representatives including the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, sportscotland and Wild Scotland.
Northern Lights Lounge