Entries are now open for the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards 2026 – the region’s biggest celebration of tourism, hospitality and events. Organisers calling on businesses of every size to put themselves forward for recognition.
Entries for the 2026 awards, which are free to enter, open on Monday 16 March and close on 27 April, with finalists announced in early summer ahead of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards ceremony on Friday 19 September 2026 at The Chester Hotel. Businesses can apply at www.acsta.co.uk.
Last year’s winners demonstrated the breadth and quality of the region’s visitor economy. Among those recognised were The Fife Arms (Employer of the Year), Spectra – Scotland’s Festival of Light (Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival), Glen Garioch Distillery (Best Visitor Attraction), The Fish Shop (Best Eating Experience) and The Craftsman Company (Best Bar or Pub).
Stephen Gow, Chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards
The 2026 awards feature 15 categories recognising excellence across the industry, including Best Hotel, Best Visitor Attraction, Best Eating Experience, Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, Climate Action Award and Rising Star Award, celebrating both established businesses and emerging talent.
There are two new categories – Best Self Catering or Exclusive Use and Best Accommodation or Unique Stay.
The coveted Best Hotel 2025 title was awarded to Kildrummy Inn, which went on to achieve national success by being crowned Best Hotel at the Scottish Thistle Awards, placing the north-east firmly on the national tourism stage.
Now organisers of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) are inviting businesses and individuals across the region to enter the 2026 awards and showcase the innovation, creativity and warm welcome that define the area’s visitor experience.
Stephen Gow, Chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards, says: “Every year we are inspired by the talent, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the tourism and hospitality businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“Last year’s winners showed exactly why our region is such a special place to visit – from innovative events like Spectra and outstanding food and drink at The Fish Shop Ballater to world-class accommodation at Lys Na Greyne in Aboyne and best visitor attraction won by Glen Garioch Distillery. The fact that Kildrummy Inn went on to win the national Best Hotel title demonstrates the calibre of businesses we have here.
“The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards are open to everyone in our tourism and hospitality community – from family-run enterprises, solo business owner operators and independent restaurants to visitor attractions, events and young people starting their careers. If you believe you deliver an exceptional experience, we want to hear your story.”
2025 ACSTA winners
Winning an Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Award offers more than just recognition. Winners and finalists gain valuable industry exposure, increased profile and the opportunity to progress to the national Scottish Thistle Awards, competing with the very best tourism businesses from across the country.
David Littlewood of Kildrummy Inn says of their national win: “For a small, rural four-bedroom inn like ours to win at the Thistle Awards shows the strength and ambition within Scotland’s hospitality industry. Competing alongside such outstanding businesses highlights that visitors value authentic, personal experiences as much as scale or profile — and that’s a powerful message for rural tourism and small business owners and I’d encourage everyone to enter to show our world class destination.”
Stephen Gow adds: “Our tourism industry is built on passionate people and brilliant ideas. These awards are about recognising that hard work and sharing success stories that inspire the whole sector. I would encourage every business and individual who is proud of what they do to take the opportunity to enter.”
Entries can be submitted online at www.acsta.co.uk.