A luxury five-star hotel and a double-decker bus cafe are among the venues which have been shortlisted for a top north-east hospitality prize.
The shortlist has been revealed for the 2019 Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, with scores of unique tourism experiences recognised by judges.
The lists were drawn up to showcase the best of the region’s businesses and individuals working to give guests a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in November, with those taking home trophies also going on to represent the north-east at the national tourism Scottish Thistle Awards.
Among those in the running are new venues Sandman Signature Hotel and The Fife Arms, competing against Trump MacLeod House and Lodge and the Tor Na Coille Hotel to be crowned most hospitable hotel.
Several off-beat businesses are also being represented, with The Davron Hotel, avocado-themed restaurant Avo, the Newmachar Hotel and the Highlander Cafe Bus all shortlisted for best informal eating experience.
Attractions including The Gordon Highlanders Museum’s World War I replica trench and Peterhead Prison Museum are also in the running.
Awards chairman Stephen Gow said: “People involved in the local tourism sector recognise that winning a title at ACSTA is a ringing endorsement of what they do and what they do well.
“The judging panel was once again struck by the range of entrants from across the region, from small one-man operators through to large multi-national organisations.
“It gives a snapshot of the strength and diversity of our local tourism offering and shows that everyone has a role to play in putting Aberdeen city and shire on the tourism map.”
The finalists:
- Most Hospitable Hotel
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel, Trump MacLeod House & Lodge, Tor Na Coille Hotel, The Fife Arms.
- Innovation in Tourism
The Gordon Highlanders Museum WW1 Replica Trench, Stonehaven Tourism Group, Vanilla Ink the Smiddy.
- Best Heritage Tourism Experience
Peterhead Prison Museum; Grampian Escapes & Tours Ltd, Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and Kinnaird Head Castle and Lighthouse.
- Best Self Catering
Sweetheart Cottage Holiday Let, Downie’s Cottage, Seafront Cottages.
- Regional Ambassador
Lynda McGuigan from Discover Fraserburgh Tourism Group, David Harris at Bonnie Wee Golf.
- Working Together for Tourism
Stonehaven Tourism Group, Aberdeen International Airport and its Northern Lights Lounge food and drink suppliers, What’s Happening Aberdeen and AT Taxis.
- Best Informal Eating Experience
The Davron Hotel, The Highlander Cafe Bus, AVO, Newmachar Hotel.
- Most Hospitable B&B
No 45, Lys-Na-Greyne.
- Regional Rising Star
Karolina Weberova at Jury’s Inn, Dean Lamont from Malmaison, Leonora Brebner at Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel.
- Best Visitor Attraction
BrewDog DogWalk Brewery Tour, Trump International Scotland, Delgatie Castle Trust.
- Best Pub/Bar
The Tippling House, Grape & Grain, The Spiritualist.
- Best Cultural Event or Festival
The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Nuart Aberdeen Festival.
- Best Restaurant Experience
Carron to Mumbai, Tor Na Coille Hotel, Signature Food Festival at The Chester Hotel.
