PUBLISHED: 18 May 2020

Given the current situation with Covid19, a decision has been taken by VisitScotland, in partnership with Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA), Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) and the industry panel, to regrettably cancel this year’s programme of Scottish Thistle Awards.

Entries for the 2020/21 awards, which were due to close at the end of May, have been suspended and the Regional Awards due to take place in November will now not be going ahead.

VisitScotland Board member Rebecca Brooks and Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel said: “In recognising the extreme challenge facing our industry, we want to support our industry during this unprecedented time and have taken the difficult decision to cancel the programme of activity for the Scottish Thistle Awards for this year, to allow industry to focus on the immediate priorities we are facing during these difficult times.

“We know that the tourism industry is a resilient one and we are confident that we will be able to come together to celebrate the industry’s achievements and successes in the future once again, when we are able to do so.”

The Scottish Thistle Awards are Scotland’s premier awards for the tourism industry, recognising businesses, events and individuals for their valuable contribution to the sector.

The Scottish Thistle Awards is supported by a panel of industry experts from several organisations including VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, Green Tourism, Orthic Consulting, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, and sportscotland.

Laurence Young, Chair of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards said: "We support colleagues across Scottish Tourism in taking the decision to cancel our regional and national awards.  A time for celebration will return, but it is not now.”

Stephen Gow, Chair of the Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards said: “Our industry will need a period of recovery and we look forward to a return to celebrating the success of our region in 2021.”

VisitScotland will continue to work in partnership with Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, as well as the industry panel and sponsors to plan for their return when it is appropriate to do so, and we will update as these plans develop.

VisitScotland and partners would like to take this opportunity to express very sincerely our heartfelt support for our industry, wishing everyone well and with hope for a brighter outlook soon.