Macduff Marine Aquarium, Deeside Activity Park and Glendavan House B&B are among a host of businesses set to fly the flag for Aberdeen City and Shire at Scottish tourism’s very own Oscars.
A total of twelve Aberdeen City and Shire finalists will compete with tourism businesses from around Scotland at the national final of the Scottish Thistle Awards later this month.
Led by a panel of industry experts, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate tourism businesses or individuals across the country who have gone the extra mile to offer an outstanding visitor experience.
Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay will announce this year’s winners during a glittering ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday, March 18.
With the awards fast approaching, Fred got into the thistle ‘spirit’ at House for an Art Lover in Glasgow, a finalist in the Best Informal Eating Experience category at the awards.
The Country house, arts centre and cafe, in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park, is built based on the unrealised works of famous Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
The flagship tourism awards, now in their 28th year, are led by several organisations, including VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Tourism Alliance and Wild Scotland.
Full list of Aberdeen City & Shire finalists at Scottish Thistle Awards 2015/2016
- High Seas Hobbit and Coastal Carriage - Best Holiday Accommodation
- The Cock and Bull, Balmedie - Best Informal Eating Experience
- Deeside Activity Park - Best Outdoor / Adventure Experience
- Banchory Lodge - Best Restaurant Experience
- Taste of Grampian Festival 2015 - Caledonian MacBrayne - Best Cultural Event or Festival
- World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm - Edinburgh Airport - Tourism Everyone's Business
- Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course - Fishers - Most Hospitable Hotel
- Glendavan House B&B, Dinnet - Most Hospitable B&B /Guest House
- Elma McMenemy, Elma McMenemy Tourism Marketing & PR, Stonehaven – Braehead Foods – Hospitality Hero
- Explore Royal Deeside Geotour, Royal Deeside - Scotland CAN DO Award for Innovation in Tourism
- Macduff Marine Aquarium - ScotRail – Best Visitor Attraction
- Malones Irish Bar Aberdeen - Tennent’s – Friendliest Pub/Bar
Stephen Carter OBE, VisitScotland board member and chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “I’m thrilled that Fred will be joining us at the Scottish Thistle Awards to celebrate the stars of Scottish tourism, including those from Aberdeen City and Shire.
“Tourism is at the heart of the visitor economy in Aberdeen City and Shire, supporting communities and creating jobs across the region. It is therefore only right that we take the time to recognise those who continue to go that extra mile for visitors.
“From the industry panel’s point of view, every one of our amazing finalists should be extremely proud. They truly are leading ambassadors, positioning Scotland as the perfect place to visit. I look forward to celebrating all their achievements on the night.”
For further information about the Scottish Thistle Awards visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk.