A modest four-bedroom inn nestled in rural Aberdeenshire has outshone some of the nation’s most illustrious hospitality establishments, capturing the coveted Scotland’s Best Hotel Experience title at the national finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.
The Four bedroom, family run Kildrummy Inn has triumphed over some of the country’s most recognised luxury names, including Cameron House and The Torridon.
For husband-and-wife team David and Sophie Littlewood, the award is “the proudest moment in our many years at the inn,” but they’re quick to emphasise that the achievement belongs just as much to their small team of local staff and their loyal guests and diners, many of whom travel regularly from across Scotland to return “home to Kildrummy.”
David Littlewood said:
“For a small four-room inn in rural Aberdeenshire to stand alongside – and then win against – some of Scotland’s most iconic hotels is incredibly humbling. We’re proud, of course we are, but mostly we’re grateful. Our young team, our local suppliers, our regulars… they’re the heartbeat of this place.”
The Inn’s commitment to exceptional hospitality has been widely recognised over the past year, with accolades including Best Hotel Experience at the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards, AA Scottish Inn of the Year, two AA Rosettes and a place in the Michelin Guide . The win follows significant investment in guest experience, including fully refurbished bedrooms, an expanded whisky snug, and a strengthened focus on local partnerships and responsible tourism.
Guests agree: it’s the blend of warmth and quality that sets Kildrummy apart.
Recent online reviews shared with the judges paint a vivid picture of what visitors love most:
- “Perfect… these guys have got the balance absolutely spot on between 5-star luxury yet not pretentious.”
- “The décor and feel are luxurious but relaxed… staff were friendly and the owner so pleasant and genuinely interested in her guests.”
- “It is quite apparent that this place is run with passion — from the moment you arrive, the décor, the atmosphere, then the food… amazing.”
The team – all of whom live locally, many under ten miles away – includes apprentices in both the kitchen and front-of-house, a deliberate investment to help young people in rural Aberdeenshire build careers close to home. Training, mentorship and service consistency were noted as standout qualities by the judging panel.
Stephen Gow, Chair of the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards, offered his congratulations:
“Kildrummy Inn is a shining example of what Scottish hospitality can achieve, no matter the size or postcode. This win proves that location is no barrier when you invest wisely in quality, stay true to your values and deliver an experience with real heart. The Littlewoods and their team have created something genuinely special in Donside It’s rooted in place, powered by community.”
The Inn’s success is strongly tied to its commitment to the local area. The kitchen uses estate venison, allotment vegetables, eggs from the neighbouring field, and dairy from Rora Dairies. Food waste has reduced by 35%, and all organic waste is composted. Guests enjoy local music at the Inn’s Foodie Folk nights, whisky tastings in the snug, and tailored fishing experiences on the River Don, supported by local ghillies and Twin Peakes Flyfishing who were also finalists in another thistle category.
Work has already begun on the next chapter at Kildrummy — the transformation of a nearby steading into four new suites, including accessible accommodation and a farm shop championing Donside producers.
But for now, the team are simply savouring the moment.
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Sophie Littlewood added:
“We’ve never chased being the biggest or the flashiest. We just want people to feel genuinely cared for. To have that recognised at a national level is overwhelming — in the nicest possible way.”
More about Kildrummy Inn can be found at www.kildrummyinn.co.uk .
