The Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards… And who took home the prizes

By Reporter

November 25 2017, 10:29 am

Peterhead Prison Museum

The north-east hospitality industry has honoured the memory of a leading light in the tourism sector with a posthumous lifetime achievement award.

Peter Medley, who died earlier this year from cancer, was recognised by Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) last night for his work in growing both consumer and business travel markets in the region.

Mr Medley, who was 63, worked in many tourism roles in the north-east for over a quarter of the century and was latterly marketing director at VisitAberdeen before it became VisitAberdeenshire where he took on the role of business development director.

He also held many voluntary roles with Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association and the Hospitality Training Association and is credited with breaking ground for the region by introducing many new markets.

Mr Medley led countless trade missions to Scandinavia over the years, and this was where he met his wife, Sigrid.

She collected the posthumous honour at last night’s awards ceremony, which took place at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen.

ACSTA chairman Alison Christie said: “Everyone who knew Peter would describe him as a gentleman and consummate professional. His presence continues to be greatly missed by all of those involved in tourism in the north-east.

“We felt that this award was a fitting tribute to a man who was a true ambassador for the area, and who deserves a great deal of credit for opening up Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to visitors from a number of destinations and sectors.”

In other awards presented last night, the regional ambassador was named as Peter Walker of Meldrum Country House Hotel and Golf Club. The venue also took one of the night’s other top honours – most hospitable hotel – which it has won on three occasions in the past.

Deeside Activity Park was recognised as being the region’s best outdoor experience while the award for best visitor attraction went to DogWalk Brewery Tour.

Peterhead Prison Museum was also handed the innovation in tourism award.

Hannah Beadie, who specialises in events at National Trust for Scotland property Castle Fraser, received the award for regional rising star for individuals aged under 30, while hospitality hero of the year was Colin Gunn of Holiday Inn West Aberdeen.

The best restaurant award went to No 10 Bar and Restaurant while the title it won last year – best informal eating experience – went to The Cock and Bull.

Entries for ACSTA 2018 are expected to open in the spring of next year.