The very best of the North-east's £1.3billion visitor economy will be celebrated this September as the finalists for the 2026 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards are announced.
Across 15 categories, this year's finalists range from internationally recognised tourism businesses to independent operators, community initiatives and the people whose passion creates unforgettable visitor experiences.
From world-class visitor attractions like Glen Garoich Distillery and Castle Fraser and hotels including The Marcliffe and Sandman Signature Hotel and Spa to innovative tourism businesses such as Twin Peakes Fly Fishing, restaurants across Aberdeen City and Shire, events from Tall Ships to the Stonehaven Fireballs and inspiring individuals at all stages of their careers, this year's finalists showcase the talent, ambition and innovation driving one of the region's most important industries.
Worth around £1.3 billion annually to the Aberdeen City and Shire economy, tourism and hospitality supports thousands of jobs, attracts investment and plays a vital role in promoting the region as a destination to live, work, invest and visit.
The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards recognise those businesses, organisations and individuals who consistently deliver outstanding visitor experiences while helping strengthen the region's reputation for quality, innovation and responsible tourism.
Following a rigorous judging process involving written submissions, face-to-face interviews and, in many categories, anonymous judging visits, the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at The Chester Hotel on Friday 18 September.
Stephen Gow, Chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards
Category
Finalists
Rising Star
- Stuart Rattray – Glen Tanar
- Gavin Ord - Aberdeen Dyce Hotel
- Natalie Harper - Marcliffe
Individual of the Year
- Alan Findlater - Luxe Scotland
- Dr Gordon Drummond - Cairngorm Bothies
- Lynne McKenzie - NTS
Employer of the Year
- Hilton and Aloft Aberdeen TECA Hotels
- Leonardo Hotels Aberdeen
- The Fife Arms
Cultural Event or Festival
- Tall Ships 2025
- Stonehaven Fireballs
- Aberdeen Christmas Village
Innovation
- Twin Peakes Fly Fishing
- P & J Live
- NTS Timesliders at Drum Castle
Inclusion
- Tall Ships
- Waulkmill Menagerie
Climate Action
- NTS Birks Pond at Castle Fraser
- Tall Ships 2025
Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative
- Aberdeenshire Volunteers
- Aberdeen Arts Centre
- Taste of Buchan event
Best Visitor Attraction
- Castle Fraser
- Glen Garioch
- Farm Stop
Best Self Catering or Exclusive Use
- Boutique Farm Bothies
- Logie Newton
- Gairnshiel
Best Outdoor or Adventure
- Farm Stop
- Twin Peakes Fly Fishing
- Wild Braemar
Best Hotel
- Maryculter House
- Marcliffe
- Sandman Signature Hotel & Spa
Best Eating
- Clunie Dining Room
- Skylark Brasserie
- Black Faced Sheep
Best Bar or Pub
- The Craftsman Company
- The Harbour Bar Gourdon
- The Old Workshop
Best Accommodation or Unique Stay
- Logie Newton Lodges
- Grampian Campervan Hire & Campsite
- Boutique Farm Bothies
Stephen Gow, Chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards, said: "Every year these awards remind us just how fortunate we are to have such an exceptional tourism and hospitality industry across Aberdeen City and Shire. Behind every finalist is a team of passionate people who work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for visitors while making an enormous contribution to our regional economy.
"With tourism now worth around £1.3billion each year to the north-east, celebrating excellence has never been more important. These businesses don't just welcome visitors – they support local employment, champion local producers, invest in communities and help shape how our region is viewed around the world.
"It is fantastic to see familiar names returning to the finalists' list alongside a number of businesses and individuals reaching this stage for the very first time. That combination of proven excellence and exciting new talent demonstrates the depth and resilience of our industry.
"To be named a finalist is an outstanding achievement in itself. Everyone shortlisted should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and the standards they represent."
Regional winners will go on to represent Aberdeen City and Shire at the national Scottish Thistle Awards later this year, competing against the very best tourism and hospitality businesses from across Scotland.
The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards ceremony will take place on Friday 18 September at The Chester Hotel, bringing together more than 300 industry leaders, businesses and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the sector.
Tickets for the awards ceremony are now on sale. https://www.acsta.co.uk/products/aberdeen-city-and-shire-thistle-awards-ceremony-2026