The winners and 11 best pictures from the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards 2022 at The Chester Hotel

By Julia Bryce and Emma Grady

November 12 2022, 11:01 am

The award for Best Eatery Experience went to Kirk View.

Thirteen north-east businesses have been recognised at this year’s glittering Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards.

The 2022 event saw businesses including gin schools, jazz festivals and fine dining establishments take home accolades for their determination and grit throughout the pandemic.

Hosted at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen last night, more than 260 tourism professionals turned out to show their support for the event.

It was the first time the awards ceremony had taken place since 2019.

Aboyne’s Lys-Na-Greyne retained their 2019 title-winning Best Bed and Breakfast or Guest House Experience, while Douneside House near Tarland and Maryculter House were crowned Best Hotel Experience under 20 rooms and over 20 rooms, respectively.

Businesses ‘striving to innovate and excite’

The judges commented that Douneside “placed customer experience at the heart of all decision-making” and that Maryculter House’s laudable commitment to local staff development were key in securing the venue’s win.

Hospitality industry professional Marta Skowron Thielun, of Hilton TECA in Dyce, was named as the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism and Hospitality Hero.

Described as “a self-starter with energy, initiative and self-motivation who went above and beyond in the workplace,” Marta was delighted to receive the award.

As for the food and drink sector, it was a successful night for venues operating in the region, too.

Tonight’s celebrations demonstrate their tenacity and resilience in the face of pandemic adversity but, importantly, their optimistic, creative approach to the future.”

Stephen Gow

The team at The City of Aberdeen Distillery’s, which specialises in tours and gin making experiences, bagged the Food Tourism Award category, with Aberdeen’s Kirk View winning Best Eatery Experience following their achievements during the darkest times for hospitality during the pandemic.

The restaurant moved from its Union Terrace location earlier this year and has taken Belmont Street by storm since.

A focus on local suppliers and a reduction in food miles were highlighted by judges as a key factor in The Titan Sky Bar at Meldrum House Hotel’s Best Bar or Pub award win.

It launched in November 2021 to huge success and was said to be one of the biggest dome experiences in the UK at the time.

Also on the accommodation front, Down on The Farm near Rosehearty was crowned Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience as a result of their new products, services and collaborations.

The farm offers a range of farm experiences and different, quirky accommodation options for guests to enjoy.

Winners go forward to Scottish Thistle Awards

And Stephen Gow, who is the chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards and is the general manager of The Chester Hotel on Queen’s Road, was recognised on the night, winning the Regional Ambassador award.

Stephen is also the chairman of Hospitality Apprenticeship North East and expressed his delight at the return of the awards.

He said of the event: “These awards recognise tourism business and individuals striving to innovate and excite within our sector.

“Tonight’s celebrations demonstrate their tenacity and resilience in the face of pandemic adversity but, importantly, also their optimistic, creative approach to the future.”

The Aberdeen Jazz Festival, The Macduff Marine Aquarium, Wild Discovery and Cairngorm Lodges and Bothies were also recognised across various tourism categories.

All Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards winners will now go forward to represent the region at the national Scottish Thistle Awards, which take place in Edinburgh in February.

Steven Walker, VisitScotland board member and chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “Congratulations to all of the winners at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards who will now progress to the national final of the Scottish Thistle Awards in February next year.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards present an opportunity to showcase tourism as a force for good, helping to ensure that tourism is recognised for the positive impact it brings to the country.”

Images: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media.