Three projects in the running for honours
An art project that raised over £500,000 for charity and animal welfare groups have been shortlisted as finalists in the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards.
Wild Dolphins, run in aid of The ARCHIE Foundation, WDC Whale and Dolphin Conservation and World Horse Welfare will go head to head with the region’s top tourism operators in the scheme.
Co-ordinated by Wild In Art, Wild Dolphins has been shortlisted in the best event or festival section.
The public art project involved 50 individually painted dolphin sculptures being installed at venues across Aberdeen over the summer.
It is a very inclusive scheme which acknowledges outstanding operators that make a difference, including those in the third sector
It became a popular attraction with both visitors and locals, and sparked a “dolphie” craze with people being photographed with each of the brightly coloured sculptures.
The dolphins were auctioned off, raised £531,000 for WDC and ARCHIE – a charity set up in conjunction with hospitals in the region to make a difference to the lives of sick children.
Wild Dolphins is up against Run Balmoral – a running festival taking place in the shadow of the Queen’s Scottish home – and Bon Accord Vintage Steam Fair in the best event or festival category.
World Horse Welfare, a rescue and rehoming centre based at Aboyne near Aberdeen, has been shortlisted in the section for best visitor attraction.
The charity has recently opened a visitor centre and café on its site at Belwade Farm, from which members of the public can watch staff rehabilitating the animals.
Other finalists in the best visitor attraction category are Glen Garioch Distillery at Oldmeldrum and Glen Dronach Distillery near Huntly.
Iain Watson, chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, said: “We set up ACSTA because we believed that tourism providers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are providing an incredible experience for visitors to the region.
“While one would think that the awards are for traditional tourism businesses like hotels and guest houses, it is a very inclusive scheme which acknowledges outstanding operators that make a difference, including those in the third sector.
“Aberdeen City and Shire has so much to offer visitors, including world-class golf, shopping and leisure attractions as well as accommodation and fantastic transport links. We are delighted to be able to celebrate those who go the extra mile for their customers in the north east of Scotland.”
Final judging will take place before the end of the year and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen on 30 January, 2015. Host for the evening will be broadcaster Tam Cowan.
Further information about the awards is available at www.acsta.co.uk
