Tourism businesses, leading events and inspiring industry professionals are celebrating today after being crowned the national winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards 2024.

Held at the Hilton Glasgow on Thursday 21 November and delivered by VisitScotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. 

2024 saw more than 700 entries submitted by individuals, businesses, events and community organisations in a bid to be recognised for the role they play in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination. 

The national final saw winners from across the five regional ceremonies compete for the national trophy in their category.

First up was the inaugural Rising Star award, sponsored by HIT Scotland, which was awarded to Hannah Cochrane from the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), in Glasgow.

There was a double victory for Loch Ness Hub & Travel in Inverness, taking home the Innovation in Tourism award, sponsored by The Times, and the Tourism and Hospitality Individual of the Year award for their Managing Director, Russell Fraser.

Best Visitor Attraction, sponsored by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, was this year awarded to The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.

In the accommodation awards, Kabn in Loch Fyne took home the Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay award whilst Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa in Dundee won Best Hotel Experience, sponsored by Fishers.

Completing the awards for accommodation was Glenegedale House on the Isle of Islay, awarded the Best B&B or Guest House Experience, sponsored by Abbey UK.

Other winners included The Cross Keys Inn, in Ettrickbridge which was named Best Bar or Pub, sponsored by the SLTA; The Globe Inn in Dumfries for Best Eating Experience; Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience was presented to Nevis Range, Fort William; Glasgow Science Centre won the Climate Action award, sponsored by LNER; the Inclusive Tourism award, sponsored by Historic Scotland, was presented to Trimontium Museum in Melrose while Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO took home the trophy for Celebrating Thriving Communities, sponsored by The Sun.

Turning to events and festivals, the World Athletics Indoor Championships picked up the award for Outstanding Sporting Event, Wigtown Book Festival was named winner of the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival Award, sponsored by STV and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions Annual Conference 2023 with the EICC in Edinburgh won Best Business Event.

Trump Turnberry in Girvan picked up the national-only prize for Best Luxury Experience, sponsored by The Macallan Estate, and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh was named Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year.

The final award of the evening was the Silver Thistle Award, presented to Kat Brogan, CEO of Mercat Tours for her outstanding contribution to the tourism sector and for her commitment to making her business and the industry as inclusive and sustainable as possible.

Steven Walker, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel said: Congratulations to all of our winners on being crowned winners at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards national final. This is a remarkable achievement and shines a spotlight on the excellent tourism offerings available across Scotland.

"Earning recognition as one of the best in the country is a fantastic accomplishment. It not only shines a spotlight on our region but also underscores the positive impact our tourism and events industry has on Scotland as a whole.

“Winning a Scottish Thistle Award means joining a prestigious roll of honour, placing these winners among the country’s finest and opening doors to new opportunities.”