SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARDS

Scotland's premier tourism and events awards



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

Regional Winners automatically progress to the National Final as National Finalists in their category. 


Thinking of entering the Scottish Thistle Awards?

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.  

Shout about your Achievements

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. 

Marketing Opportunities


Winners receive national media coverage through our partnership with News Scotland, publisher of The Times and Sunday Times Scotland and The Scottish Sun.

Get Recognition


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.



Celebrating Scotland's Tourism and Events Industry!

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



Best Best B&B or Guest House Experience
Abbey UK



AccessAble



Best Hotel Experience
Fishers



Inclusive Tourism Award
Historic Scotland



Regional Rising Star
HIT Scotland



Best Visitor Attraction
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises



Drinks Reception
Johnnie Walker Princes Street



Climate Action Award
LNER



Best Luxury Experience
The Macallan Estate



Media Partner
News Scotland



Best Bar or Pub
Scottish Licensed Trade Association



Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
STV



Celebrating Thriving Communities
The Scottish Sun

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