2025 Finalists

We’re delighted to announce the finalists for the 2025 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards!

Finalists across our categories demonstrate excellence in showcasing the unique character of the north-east of Scotland, supporting our communities and environment, and offering visitors a warm Scottish welcome.

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

  • Blaine Lyon - TwinPeakes Flyfishing
  • Maryn Grieve - VisitAberdeenshire
  • Morgan Ritchie - Leonardo Hotels

Employer of the Year sponsored by Alliance

  • 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 and Braehead Foods

  • 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

Book your tickets for the awards ceremony on Friday 19 September at The Chester Hotel here.