Celebrating success at the Scottish Thistle Awards

On Thursday 20 November, 19 incredible tourism businesses, events and individuals were crowned the national winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards. After winning at their regional ceremonies, businesses across Scotland battled it out for the national trophy in their category.

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry. They have become an annual celebration of innovation, collaboration and sheer excellence in the sector and this year has been no exception with our finalists and winners demonstrating why Scotland is world-renowned as a must-visit destination.

Take a look at who took home the national trophies:

• Best B&B or Guest House Experience
  Ardtorna, Oban
• Best Bar or Pub
  The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge, Scottish Borders
• Best Business Event
  The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 at EICC
• Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative
  Solsgirth Home Farm, near Dollar, Clackmannanshire
• Best Eating Experience
  Ninth Wave Restaurant, Isle of Mull
• Best Hotel Experience
  Kildrummy Inn, Alford, Aberdeenshire
• Best Luxury Experience
  Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway
• Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
  Newton Farm Holiday & Tours, near Forfar, Angus
• Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay
  Loch Ken Eco Bothies, near Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway
• Best Visitor Attraction
  Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
• Climate Action Award
  Edinburgh Zoo
• Employer of the Year
  The Torridon, Annat, Highlands
• Inclusion Award
  DF Concerts & Events – TRNSMT Festival
• Individual of the Year
  Sheila Gilmore – VisitArran
• Innovation Award
  Trimontium Museum, Melrose, Scottish Borders
• Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
  Edinburgh International Book Festival
• Outstanding Sporting Event
  Tour of Britain – Scottish Borders
• Rising Star Award
  Hugh Mackay – Highland Experience Tours
• Silver Thistle Award
  Marina Huggett – Achnagairn Castle & Tourism Excellency Consultant