The very best of the Central & East Scotland tourism and events industry were recognised at a ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh

From family-run farms to amazing attractions, exhilarating events and climate champions, a total of 15 awards were given out as part of the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards.

Hosted by Grant Stott and featuring live entertainment from Scottish accordionist and singer Calum MacPhail, the evening was a celebration of the people, places and experiences that make Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.   

From luxury hotels and unique stays to community-led initiatives and cultural festivals, the winners represent the very best of Scottish tourism.

The Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards’ winners include a double victory for Edinburgh Zoo. The city-based attraction was named Best Visitor Attraction and winner of the Climate Action Award.  

Similarly, The Real Mary King’s Close took home an award for Employer of the Year while General Manager, Paul Nixon was named Individual of the Year.

The other individual award went to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours who earned the title of Rising Star sponsored by HIT Scotland.

In the accommodation awards, Murrayshall took home the Best Hotel Experience award, sponsored by Fishers. Meanwhile, the Bus Stop in East Lothian took home the prize for Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay, sponsored by AccessAble.   

Completing the awards for accommodation, the Best B&B or Guest House Experience award, was presented to Derrybeg Bed & Breakfast based in Pitlochry.   

Other winners include The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart, which was named Best Bar or Pub, sponsored by Scottish Licensed Trade Association. The Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival award, sponsored by STV was presented to Edinburgh International Book Festival.  Solsgirth Home Farm named winner of the Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative, sponsored by the Scottish Sun, while HMS Unicorn in Dundee took home The Innovation Award, sponsored by The Times Scotland.   

Newton Farm Holidays & Tours in Forfar received the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience award, sponsored by Get Your Guide. Perthshire-based Killiecrankie House won Best Eating Experience and Camera Obscura & World of Illusion was named as the winner of The Inclusion Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland.  

The Scottish Thistle Awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030.        

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.     

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the West, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November. 

This year’s sponsors of the Scottish Thistle Awards include headline sponsor, Abbey: The Destination Experts, as well as AccessAble, Fishers, Get Your Guide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, The Scottish Sun, STV and The Times Scotland.