Lys-Na-Greyne, a bed and breakfast in Aberdeenshire, has been crowned B&B of the Year 2026 at the AA Hospitality Awards, held earlier this week at Grosvenor House in London. The award recognises standout B&Bs across the UK for quality accommodation, personalised hospitality, and a memorable breakfast.
Owners 'ecstatic' after top prize
Run by Garry and Joyce Welsh, the couple said they were "absolutely ecstatic" to receive the award. In a Facebook post, they wrote: "We’re absolutely ecstatic to have been awarded the AA Overall Best BnB Award for Britain! Thank you @aa_hospitality for the award, and for putting together such an amazing awards ceremony." They also shared a short video, saying they were "lost for words" after winning.
Friends and previous guests have since congratulated the couple. One guest wrote: "Amazing guys. Well done to the two of you. Years of passion and knowing how to make people feel like VIP's whilst simultaneously at home. We loved our stay back in 2017. Such a beautiful spot. Well deserved and Congratulations." Another added: "Wow, that makes us even prouder to have visited you. You guys are amazing! Sadly, so many years have passed since then, and we haven't been back to your area. I hope we can make it happen again sometime. Congratulations!!"
Country house overlooking the River Dee
Lys-Na-Greyne is a country house overlooking the River Dee, built in 1912 and sympathetically refurbished. It offers six bespoke en-suite bedrooms, plus a lounge, conservatory, terrace, and grounds for guests. The property is described as an ideal base for exploring Royal Deeside, with hiking, fishing, and golfing nearby.
The AA Hospitality Awards praised the venue, stating: "This is a very well-run and genuinely hospitable B&B, where the husband-and-wife team combines high standards with warm, personal service. Bedrooms and public rooms are comfortable and well presented, while food is a particular strength." They added: "Breakfast is excellent, combining carefully sourced produce with Garry’s award-winning jams and preserves. Generous platters and occasional set-menu evenings also expand the dinner options and broaden the overall dining experience."
Other Scottish winners
Other Scottish winners at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026 included Knockinaam Lodge in Dumfries and Galloway for AA Wine Award Scotland, Swadish by Ajay Kumar in Glasgow for AA Restaurant of the Year Scotland, and 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh for AA Hotel of the Year Scotland.
