A north-east distillery raised a glass in toast to a double success last night (Friday, November 23 2018) after winning two accolades in the region’s annual tourism Oscars. Glen Garioch Distillery at Oldmeldrum picked up best heritage tourism experience and the working together for tourism titles at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA).
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Staff from the distillery – one of the oldest in Scotland welcoming thousands of visitors each year – joined businesses and individuals from the local tourism scene to celebrate success at last night’s ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen.
The distillery’s neighbour – Meldrum House Country Hotel – won the most hospitable hotel title for the fifth time, while luxury venue Lys-Na-Greyne at Aboyne took the trophy for most hospitable bed and breakfast for the second year running.
The regional ambassador title went to David McCubbin, a business engagement executive with VisitAberdeenshire, while the regional rising star award for those with a bright future in the industry was presented to Nicola Downie, conference and banqueting manager at Meldrum House Country Hotel.
ACSTA chairman Alison Christie said: “All of our winners – and indeed shortlisted finalists – deserve congratulations for making such an outstanding contribution to the tourism industry across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“Although there can only be one winner in each of the categories, the judges were incredibly impressed with all of the contenders. I know that, for many of them, settling on a shortlist of finalists was very difficult, and choosing a winner was an almost impossible task.
“Once again we have seen that there is a tremendous amount of work going on – front of house and behind the scenes – to put the region on Scotland’s tourism radar and to deliver an outstanding visitor experience to travellers.”
ACSTA winners will now go on to fly the flag for the area nationally at VisitScotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards which take place in March. Money raised during last night’s awards and gala dinner will be donated to the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, which helps to provide development opportunities for those working or studying within the hospitality industry..
The full list of ACSTA winners is:
Most Hospitable Hotel – Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course
Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House – Lys-Na-Greyne
Best Self Catering Accommodation – Dalriada Luxury Lodges
Best Bar/Pub – Grape & Grain
Best Visitor Attraction – Peterhead Prison Museum
Working Together for Tourism – Glen Garioch Distillery
Innovation in Tourism Award – SnowRoads
Tourism and Hospitality Hero – Elma McMenemy, Elma McMenemy Tourism
Regional Rising Star (Age -30) – Nicola Downie, Meldrum House Hotel
Regional Ambassador (age 31+) – David McCubbin, VisitAberdeenshire
Best Heritage Tourism Experience – Glen Garioch Distillery
Best Eating Experience – Eat on the Green
Best Cultural Event – Nuart Aberdeen/Aberdeen Inspired
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