Winners announced for the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards

Winners of the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards 2025 were announced at a ceremony at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on Friday 19 September. 

Businesses from across the region, representing accommodation, visitor attractions, events, food and drink and more, celebrated with colleagues and friends as the 2025 regional winners were announced. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards is an annual celebration of the very best in tourism and events, recognising excellence, collaboration and innovation within on of the country's most important and biggest growing sectors. The Aberdeen City & Shire Awards ceremony is one of five regional finals, with the winners of each going on to compete at the national final in November.

Read on for the Aberdeen City and Shire winners.

Image of: Winners on the night 

Image: Spectra, Scotland's Festival of Light

• Individual of the Year: Claire Bruce, Glen Tanar Estate
• MacRobert Trust Rising Star Award: Blaine Lyons, TwinPeakes FlyFishing
• Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival: Spectra, Scotland's Festival of Light
• Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience: Tarland Trails

• Climate Action Award: Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums
• Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative: Aberdeen Restaurants Week
• Best Visitor Attraction: Glen Gairoch Distillery
• Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay: Logie Newton
• Best Bar or Pub: The Craftsman

Image of: Aberdeen Art Gallery. Credit: VisitAberdeenshire, Damien Shields

Image of: Kildrummy Inn

• Best Hotel Experience: Kildrummy Inn
• Best Eating Experience: The Fish Shop Ballater
• Best B&B or Guest House Experience: Lys-Na-Greyne
• Employer of the Year: The Fife Arms