Key dates for 2025
Nominations: 3 - 31 March 2025
Entries Open: 17 March 2025
Entries Close: 28 April 2025
Regional Finalists Announced: July 2025
Regional Award Ceremonies: September - October 2025
National-Only Finalists Announced: August 2025
National Final Award Ceremony: November 2025
For over 30 years, The Scottish Thistle Awards have been recognising and championing the very best of the Scottish tourism, hospitality and events industry. The Awards honour the very best individuals, businesses and partnerships for their innovation, excellence and success.
The awards are a great way to share your success with your industry peers and a chance to celebrate and reward the hard work of individuals and teams.
Winners receive national media coverage through our partnership with News Scotland, publisher of The Times and Sunday Times Scotland and The Scottish Sun.
As a winner, you join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best tourism and events businesses in the country, providing inspiration to peers and supporting tourism growth.
Every year, businesses and individuals are honoured with a Scottish Thistle Award; the highest accolade in the Scottish hospitality, tourism and events sector.
Hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions, wildlife tours, festivals, events, luxury experiences, local food and drink, thrilling wildlife tours and friendly and welcoming faces - the Scottish Thistle Awards shine a spotlight on all aspects of what makes Scotland a fantastic place to visit.
Watch the video to hear what it means to receive this prestigious award from winners themselves - the people working hard to deliver the warm welcome and incredible experiences that Scotland is famous for.
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors
Headline Sponsor
Johnstons of Elgin
AccessAble
Inclusive Tourism Award
Historic Scotland
Best Visitor Attraction
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises
Climate Action Award
LNER
Media Partner
News Scotland
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
STV
Innovation in Tourism
The Times/Alba
CONTACT US
Scottish Thistle Awards
c/o VisitScotland
Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8
8BG
0131 472 2228
info@scottishthistleawards.co.uk
© Copyright Scottish Thistle Awards 2025