Regional categories
Entries are now closed for 2025. Entries are free and there are lots of categories to choose from.
Please note, there is no self-entry for Individual of the Year or Rising Star categories. If you'd like to put someone forward for an award, we ask you to complete a short entry form on their behalf.
If you wish to submit an entry in the Highlands & Islands or Aberdeen City & Shire regions, you should enter via the Highlands or Islands Thistle Awards or Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards websites.
Each regional heat is managed independently and culminates in a regional awards ceremony. The regional winners proceed to the Scottish Thistle Awards national final to represent their region and compete with the best of the rest of the country.
Best B&B or Guest House Experience
This category
celebrates businesses going the extra mile to provide a personal, memorable and
authentic experience with a warm welcome to all visitors.
Best Bar or Pub
This award celebrates bars and pubs offering an authentic Scottish experience with a warm welcome, who have sustainability at their heart and who strive to support the local community.
Best Eating Experience
This category is designed to recognise restaurants and eateries that provide an exceptional experience for diners, as well as a warm Scottish welcome.
Best Hotel Experience
This award celebrates hotels of all sizes that provide all visitors with a memorable and authentic experience and that have sustainability at their heart.
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
Celebrating businesses that provide unforgettable, quality and authentic experiences while engaging with the landscape and communities in a positive and sustainable way.
Best Self-Catering or
Unique Stay
This category
celebrates those providing outstanding overnight accommodation, which do not
consider themselves a hotel, inn or guest house.
Best Visitor Attraction
This category celebrates the variety of opportunity provided to Scotland's visitors, and the attractions which provide world class service with an authentic, memorable experience.
Climate Action Award
The purpose of this award is to celebrate
success across businesses, events and destinations who have made demonstrable
progress on their climate action journey to Net Zero.
Employer of the Year
This award aims to
highlight and celebrate employers who are showcasing tourism, hospitality and
events as an exciting career path and inspiring the next generation.
Inclusion Award
This award celebrates businesses and events that sets the standards for inclusion and demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the market while providing excellent customer service.
Individual of the Year
This category is for individuals who continually go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service, and who prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, community and responsible practices.
Innovation Award
This award sets out
to honour businesses driving forward positive change in innovative ways, and those
creatively adapting in line with the changing landscape and consumer behaviour.
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
This category aims to celebrate and recognise cultural
events and festivals delivering unique and excellent experiences that are part of our tourism offering.
Rising Star Award
This award celebrates individuals who are at the start of their career within the tourism, hospitality and events industry. They display passion and enthusiasm and give companies an opportunity to demonstrate the investment they make in their workforce.
National categories
Entries are now closed for 2025
View the national-only categories below and find out more about each of them, including the full questions and criteria.
Best Business Event
This category celebrates business events as
catalysts for economic and social transformation, from corporate conferences and incentive programmes to annual global congresses
Best Luxury Experience
This award celebrates those businesses bringing luxury and the 'wow-factor' to to every step of their visitors' journey.
Outstanding Sporting Event
This category aims to celebrate and recognise sporting events that make an important contribution to our
thriving communities and cities.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
CONTACT US
Scottish Thistle Awards
c/o VisitScotland
Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8
8BG
0131 472 2228
info@scottishthistleawards.co.uk
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