Kildrummy Inn, the much-loved family-run inn nestled in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, has been shortlisted in a remarkable three categories at this year’s Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards—more than any other business in the region.
The family-run Kildrummy Inn by Alford in Aberdeenshire has been named a finalist in three categories at this year’s Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards — more nominations than any other organisation in the region.
The inn is a finalist for Best Hotel Experience, Best Eating Experience, and the Climate Action category.
It’s a special achievement for owners David and Sophie Littlewood and their close-knit local team.
Last year, Kildrummy Inn took home the Best Hotel Experience in the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle awards and was also crowned AA Scottish Inn of the Year 2024. Their return to the shortlist in this category confirms the Littlewood’s commitment to consistently delivering warm, thoughtful, and genuinely local hospitality.
In the Best Eating Experience category, the Inn’s restaurant is recognised for showcasing the best of Scotland’s larder with an emphasis on hyper-local sourcing — from wild venison from the neighbouring estate to fruit grown in their own gardens. Menus change daily to reflect what’s best in season, and every dish tells a story of place, people, and provenance.
The nomination for Climate Action is particularly meaningful, celebrating years of dedicated sustainability work. Kildrummy Inn’s approach is practical and wholehearted, from switching to induction cooking to eliminating single-use plastics and nurturing wildlife-friendly gardens. Their entire team lives locally, and they collaborate with neighbours — from allotment growers to conservation charities — to help protect the landscape they call home.
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Speaking about the news, David Littlewood says,
“We’re genuinely delighted to be named finalists in three categories this year. It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many other outstanding businesses in our region. At Kildrummy Inn, we believe true hospitality is about care — care for our guests, our community, and our environment. These nominations are really a tribute to our fantastic team and the local suppliers and partners who help us do what we do.”
The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards celebrate excellence in tourism and hospitality across the region. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday 19 September at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen. Category winners will go on to represent the North East at the Scottish Thistle Awards national finals in November in Glasgow.
