Sustainable holiday accommodation provider Cairngorm Bothies is celebrating a major industry milestone following the announcement that owner and director Dr Gordon Drummond has been named a finalist for Individual of the Year at the 2026 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA).
The prestigious regional awards, taking place at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on Friday, September 18, recognise businesses and individuals who consistently deliver exceptional visitor experiences while supporting the region's £1.3billion visitor economy. Gordon’s nomination highlights his multi-faceted contribution to North-east tourism - combining his background as a doctorate engineer in the global energy sector with a practical, low-impact approach to off-grid hospitality powered entirely by renewable energy.
Beyond his day-to-day work maintaining high guest standards across Cairngorm Bothies and Cairngorm Lodges, Gordon serves as Chair (North East) for Scottish Land & Estates. The nomination also reflects his industry advocacy, including stepping forward during a challenging period of business rate revaluations to represent and champion rural tourism operators across the region.
"Being shortlisted as an ACSTA finalist is a true privilege, but tourism in Aberdeenshire is built on the shared efforts of so many passionate people and local enterprises," said Dr Gordon Drummond, Owner of Cairngorm Bothies. "It is an honour to be nominated alongside such outstanding individuals and businesses who are all working tirelessly to strengthen our rural economy, champion sustainability, and showcase the very best of the North-east."
Read more on www.cairngormlodges.co.uk and www.cairngormbothies.co.uk