THREE Scottish hotels located in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands have been shortlisted at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards.
Featuring places across the UK like the Boat Restaurant in Staffordshire and Y Talbot in Ceredigion, the shortlist aims to showcase the "exceptional finalists" at this year's awards.
Introducing the shortlist, Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services said: “We’re thrilled to announce the highly anticipated shortlists for seven of our esteemed AA Hospitality Awards.
"This year’s exceptional finalists show the highest standards of dedication and innovation, reflecting the latest 2024 trends that have shaped the UK hospitality landscape.
Mingary Castle was said to be 'remarkable' (Image: Tripadvisor)
"From sustainable practices to tech-driven customer experiences, these remarkable individuals and establishments are a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in our dynamic and ever-evolving industry."
Why these Scottish hotels were shortlisted at the AA Hospitality Awards
The three Scottish hotels shortlisted at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards were Mingary Castle in the Highlands as well as Kildrummy Inn and The Auld Kirk in Aberdeenshire.
Discussing Mingary Castle (Restaurant With Rooms category), the inspector said: "Built within the 13th-century curtain walls of Mingary Castle, this restaurant with rooms is unique and individual, with high levels of quality, charm and character.
"Luxurious feature bedrooms and en suites combine with a stunning restaurant showcasing great technical skill. Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or climb down the staircase towards the sea and the viewing platform to take in the Isle of Mull just across the water."
Kildrummy Inn has a Michelin star (Image: Tripadvisor)
Kildrummy Inn (Inn of the Year), which has a Michelin star, was said to be the "quintessential Scottish getaway" with the inspector writing: "Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond.
"This family-run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway.
"The inn provides four charming bedrooms – all are en suite and feature TVs, DVD players and free WiFi. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time.
"No visit would be complete without sampling the food on offer, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape."
Recommended Reading:
The Scottish restaurants named the best in Britain at prestigious food award
Restaurant in 'beautiful corner' of Scotland named among top coastal eateries
The Auld Kirk cleverly blends old and new designs (Image: Tripadvisor)
Last but certainly not least is The Auld Kirk (B&B of the Year) which was said to cleverly offer a "blend of original features and contemporary design".
The inspector said: "This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin.
"Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway.
"Excellent homecooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room."
All three of these hotels received glowing reviews on Tripadvisor with Mingary Castle, Kildrummy Inn and The Auld Kirk receiving 5/5 and 4.5/5 ratings from visitors.
The AA Hospitality Awards 2024 will take place on Monday, September 23.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here