The finalists for the 2025 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) have been revealed, shining a spotlight on the very best of the region's tourism and hospitality industry.
This year's shortlist recognises exceptional businesses and individuals who deliver outstanding visitor experiences, champion sustainability, and help make the north-east of Scotland a world-class destination.
Notable among this year's shortlist are first-time finalists Festival of the Sea and Provenance Festival, both competing in the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival category. Tarland Trails is also celebrating a double nomination, shortlisted for both Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative and Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience.
The 2025 awards also recognise consistent excellence, with several businesses shortlisted in multiple categories. Kildrummy Inn leads the way as a finalist in three categories — Best Hotel Experience, Best Eating Experience, and the Climate Action Award. Douneside House and The Fife Arms each have two nominations, underlining their commitment to quality hospitality and to being top employers in the region.
A dedicated Climate Action Award category once again highlights the sector's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, with finalists including Cairngorm Bothies, Kildrummy Inn, and Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums.
Stephen Gow the chair of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards says: "We're delighted to reveal such an impressive field of finalists for the 2025 awards. This year's shortlist demonstrates the resilience, creativity and commitment of our region's tourism and hospitality sector. From boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants to adventure experiences, visitor attractions and cultural festivals, the finalists represent the rich variety and quality of the region's tourism offer
"It's fantastic to see so many new names in the running alongside established favourites. These businesses and individuals are delivering world-class experiences for visitors to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire while championing sustainability and strengthening our communities. We can't wait to celebrate their achievements at this year's awards ceremony in September."
The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards are known for their fair and robust judging process, which includes incognito visits for many business categories and interviews with individual finalists. The awards are part of Scotland's wider Thistle Awards programme.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in September at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen. Tickets for the event are now on sale - https://acsta2025.rsvpify.com/.
Full list of 2025 finalists can be found below.
Individual of the Year sponsored by P & J Live
- Claire Bruce - Glen Tanar Estate
- Mary Martin - The Douglas Hotel
- Carolanne Duncan - Douneside House
MacRobert Trust Rising Star Award sponsored by The MacRobert Trust
- Blair Lyon - TwinPeakes Flyfishing
- Maryn Grieve - VisitAberdeenshire
- Morgan Ritchie - Leonardo Hotels
Employer of the Year sponsored by P&J Live
- Douneside House
- The Fife Arms
- Hilton & Aloft Aberdeen TECA
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival sponsored by VisitAberdeenshire
- Spectra Scotland's Festival of Light 2025
- Festival of the Sea 2024
- Provenance Festival 2024
Climate Action Award sponsored by Keenan Recycling
- Cairngorm Bothies
- Kildrummy Inn
- Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums
Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative sponsored by NorthLink Ferries
- Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks
- Tarland Trails
- The Gordon Highlanders Museum
Best Visitor Attraction sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport
- Grampian Transport Museum
- Farm Stop
- Glen Garioch Distillery
Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay sponsored by Aberdeen City & Shire Hotels' Association
- Logie Newton Lodges Unique Self Catering Stay
- Grampian Campervan Hire
- Seafront Cottages
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
- Tarland Trails
- Glen Tanar Estate - The Lookout & Eagle Photography
- Ride In Peace Adventures
Best Hotel Experience sponsored by Fishers
- Kildrummy Inn
- Darroch Learg
- The Fife Arms
Best Eating Experience sponsored by The Full Range
- Kildrummy Inn
- Fish Shop
- Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish
Best B&B or Guest House Experience sponsored by Leonardo Hotels
- Lys-Na-Greyne
- Leslie Castle
- The Auld Kirk B&B, Ballater
Best Bar or Pub sponsored by Shepherd and Wedderburn
- Bartenders Lounge
- The Craftsman Company
- Harbour Bar Gourdon