And the winners are…..

BUSINESSES and individuals working within the tourism and events industry have received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards. 

A total of 17 businesses and individuals were honoured at the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final, the highest accolade in the Scottish hospitality, tourism and events sector. 

After a break of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Final returned to Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 9 February.  

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland, sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin and include a media partnership with News Scotland for the first time this year. They celebrate the very best of tourism in Scotland and the excellence that is helping to rebuild this vital part of the Scottish economy.  

Other national award winners included Lys-Na-Greyne in Aboyne which received the Best B&B or Guest House Experience, sponsored by Abbey UK; MacGregor’s Bar in Inverness in the Best Pub or Bar category, sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association; WeeCOOK Kitchen in Carnoustie, winner of the Best Eatery Experience award; Auchrannie Resort on the Isle of Arran, winner of the Best Hotel Experience (over 20 rooms) award, sponsored by Fishers. 

Other national winners were: Thyme Deli & Bistro at Errichel Farm in Aberfeldy in the Food Tourism Award; A Toast to Gaia, Edinburgh Science in the Working Together for Tourism category, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland; the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) received the Best Business Event award for its delivery of the COP26 conference in November 2021.  

The evening, which brought together more than 400 representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry, was hosted by TV and radio presenter Jennifer Reoch and TV presenter JJ Chalmers.  

“After an incredibly challenging few years for our tourism and events industry, the Scottish Thistle Awards have given us an important opportunity to recognise the positive impacts the industry brings to Scotland. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered in partnership with Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) and the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) and supported by a panel of industry representatives.  

The awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030.    

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the refreshed Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field.    

As well as a new category celebrating those businesses and events which have embraced responsible tourism, every entry was required to provide clear evidence – covering the last two years - on how their business addresses four key areas of  

a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.  

For more information on the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk