2024 WINNERS

Over the past 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards has crowned hundreds of businesses and individuals as winners. See our latest winners below, or check out our Winners’ Academy to view winners from years gone by.

The experience is truly genuine which is evident in all they do for their guests seeing needs before the guests do. The way in which Graeme and Emma run their business shows their authenticity and this creates a “feeling” that guests soak up and remember. Their attention to detail creates an immersive experience as they share the local produce their heritage and culture which exemplifies Scottish hospitality and leaves a lasting world class experience and creates amazing memories. 

What makes them a national winner?
Community involvement is clearly central to this business and the owners’ passion shone through. The judges were impressed by the way that they ensure their guests have the best possible experience, not just of the B&B, but of the produce, heritage and culture of the Island of Islay; a truly great example of Scottish hospitality at its best.

The hotel has been in operation for 20 years and has 151 spacious rooms and stylish suites, a spa, pool and gym and The Quayside Bar and Grill, recently voted the most instagrammable restaurant in Scotland by Dojo.

The hotel welcomes leisure guests visiting Dundee for short breaks and business travellers looking for industry leading meeting and hybrid conferencing spaces. The hotel hosts the annual Courier Business Awards as well as weddings and other events throughout the year. 

What makes them a national winner?
The team’s enthusiasm and energy shone through in this entry, with particularly impressive highlights around accessibility, sustainability, and a clear commitment to staff training and development. There is also a strong sense of community engagement, tapping into cultural aspects of the area such as the Beano experience. 

Located on the captivating Ayrshire coast in the West of Scotland and immersed in history, Trump Turnberry has been an iconic landmark on Scotland’s renowned coastline since 1906.

Home to four Open Championships including the famed ‘Duel in the Sun’, Turnberry is a bucket-list golf destination. With two top 100-ranked links courses, 

The Ailsa and The King Robert the Bruce, alongside the admired 9-hole Arran course, Turnberry boasts a world-class golfing experience.

The resort has 198 luxury rooms and suites and a range of cottages and self-catering apartments. Trump Turnberry has its own equestrian centre and offers a range of outdoor pursuits such as clay shooting, off roading, archery and falconry.

The Spa at Turnberry offers a 65-foot heated infinity pool, bio-sauna with floor-to-ceiling vistas, sensory showers, an ice fountain, sauna and steam room.

What makes them a national winner?
The team at Trump Turnberry are consistently improving and are dedicated to offering a world-class, five-star service. As well as offering bespoke experiences, this luxury resort also boasts exclusive partnerships with local luxury brands and services, enhancing the guest experience with authentic Scottish elements. 

Nevis Range is a leading adventure destination in the Scottish Highlands, offering year-round experiences that connect visitors with the region’s breathtaking landscapes. From exhilarating mountain biking and skiing to scenic gondola rides and tranquil hikes, Nevis Range caters to adventurers of all levels. With sustainability at its core, the company is committed to responsible tourism, promoting local community engagement and environmental stewardship. 

Nevis Range combines authentic Highland experiences with innovative offerings, making it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts who seek both adventure and a deep connection to nature.

What makes them a national winner?
A seriously impressive entry, Nevis Range demonstrates ambitious product innovation and staff development throughout. With strong values and a passion for what they do, the judges commended this aspirational business. 

Since 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle, has been helping the world fall in love with Scotland and Scotch whisky.

Fully accessible and welcoming 400,000 visitors annually, it’s celebrated for its multi-lingual guided tours, tutored whisky tastings and award-winning Amber Restaurant.

Telling the whole story of Scotch whisky, the jewel in the crown is the glass vault of their world-famous whisky collection and its new £3.5M immersive tour experience.

The Scotch Whisky Experience holds Gold awards for Green Tourism and Green Meetings, and every year reinvests in the visitor experience, its team, and local community and charitable projects.

What makes them a national winner?
The team at The Scotch Whisky Experience have demonstrated exceptional achievements across the board with an impressive culture of constant innovation. The judges were impressed by the team’s passion which really shines through. An exceptional attraction which inspires, educates and enthuses visitors! 

Winner of Celebrating Thriving Communities
Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, Dundonald

Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre, incorporated as Friends of Dundonald Castle (SC031541) since 2001, is a highly-rated and award-winning community-led tourism charity.

Over 25,000 visitors are welcomed annually to our hub where we facilitate relationships between locals, community groups, and our international and UK visitors. Our successful Community Heritage and Education Programme was established in 2017. 

This was followed by a successful Community Asset Transfer in 2021, securing the future of our Visitor Centre and adjacent land.

A main employer and volunteer provider in a rural area, with 17 staff and over 40 volunteers, our charity supports community wealth building through training, procurement and local partnerships.

FoDC aim to facilitate a sense of ownership, engagement and pride in our national heritage by offering a unique community-led visitor experience whilst welcoming local, national and international visitors to Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre.

What makes them a national winner?
The team at Friends of Dundonald Castle have demonstrated a strong vision and are proud of their engagement with the local community. An important landmark in the local area, the team have also prioritised responsible tourism and the attraction is a fantastic example for other local Heritage sites to follow. 

Glasgow Science Centre is an award-winning educational charity that inspires and motivates people to discover the world around them by creating engaging and meaningful experiences with science. The Science Centre is a valued community asset, committed to working with partners to enhance the environmental sustainability of the local area and to use the changes to promote the science and technology behind climate change. 

It is also one of Scotland's most successful visitor attractions with five-star VisitScotland accreditation, welcoming over 320,000 visitors to its exhibitions and events each year.

What makes them a national winner? 
The judges were impressed with this winner’s clear vision and committment to reducing carbon emissions in all areas of the business. With measures in place across every area, including customer experience, staff involvement and the impact on the wider community, Glasgow Science Centre is a fantastic example of a business doing all they can to tackle climate action. 

What makes them a national winner?
An impressive business which supports accessibility needs in a variety of ways, providing an outstanding experience for all visitors. The judges were delighted to see development of outreach work, alongside their commitment to attracting and retaining diverse talent within their team. 

Loch Ness Hub & Travel is a community-owned visitor information centre and travel hub located in the heart of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of the legendary Loch Ness. Our mission is to provide unforgettable experiences that connect visitors with the stunning natural beauty, history, and folklore of the Highlands. 

Offering sustainable tourism solutions, baggage and shuttle transfers for long distance trails, guided tours, local insights, and eco-friendly practices, we take pride in supporting local businesses and preserving the area’s unique environment. Our team is passionate about creating memorable journeys while protecting the region’s cultural and ecological heritage.

What makes them a national winner?
Transforming a defunct tourist information centre into a thriving, community-owned venture, Loch Ness Hub and Travel stands out for its dedication to fostering community engagement and economic vitality. The judges praised their exceptional innovative solutions – such as their Highland Coo & Croft Tours and development of a real-time app for baggage transfers – which not only attract tourists, but also significantly reduce the environmental impact. 

Wigtown Festival Company grew out of a social and economic regeneration project to revive the fortunes of a small town in south-west Scotland. Our largest project, Wigtown Book Festival, takes place each autumn and attracts thousands of visitors to the town and region. The programme offers high-quality literary events – including dedicated children’s and young people’s programmes - as well as music, visual arts and theatre. 

It offers a space to showcase and celebrate Dumfries & Galloway’s distinctive culture and heritage. The festival is rare among rural events in drawing a substantial proportion of its attendees from outside its region while also retaining solid local support. More than 100 volunteers help a small professional staff deliver the event. 

What makes them a national winner?
This exceptional event is rooted in and led by the local community. The team’s Climate Action plan and initiatives for the future are inspiring and the judges were impressed by their adaptability and eagerness to constantly improve. A fantastic example of an event which has helped regenerate and positively impact the local area. 

The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 delivered a world class sporting event with the local community at its heart. The event set out to champion local communities voices across Glasgow’s diverse communities incorporating the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at its core. 

Also the goal of delivering participation programmes aligned with Glasgow’s healthy lifestyles initiatives was crucial to creating a lasting legacy. All this was further enhanced by the most ambitious sustainability programme of any World Athletics event gaining further accolades for the city and the communities represented.

What makes them a national winner?
Showcasing an outstanding commitment to responsible, sustainable event management, the Championships provided the impetus for installation of a world class athletics track at the arena, leaving a legacy for the next generation of local athletes. Prioritising volunteer and staff wellbeing, the event partnered with Scottish Action for Mental Health and was the first of its kind in Scotland. 

Hannah Cochrane is Sales & Business Development Manager, Conference Sales, at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Joining the SEC team in March 2024, Hannah brought with her over 13 years of hospitality experience, quickly making an impact as the SEC’s first Business Development Manager. Her partnership approach has already driven success across the city with major conferences.

Hannah is also the founder of the networking group "Now That’s What I Call Networking," which has raised over £20,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity. A passionate advocate for the industry, she has shared her expertise with students at Strathclyde University, local primary schools, and through her work with Young Scot to inspire the next generation.

What makes them a national winner?
The judges commended Hannah’s determination and enthusiasm, and her passion for driving initiatives and activities for positive outcomes. Hannah is establishing herself as a real trailblazer in the industry, taking up guest speaking and advocacy, and working with Young Scot throughout Careers Week. 

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction, established 1853. Across five floors, visitors enjoy over 100 mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibits, many unique, designed in-house. There’s a rooftop terrace with breath-taking panoramic views and a live demonstration of the Victorian Camera Obscura. 

Above all there’s wonder, fun and laughter for all ages. An indoor attraction, in an historic building, full of hands-on exhibits. With creativity, ingenuity and sheer hard work we continually adapted to meet visitors’ changing needs and thrived.

What makes them a national winner?
Camera Obscura pride themselves on their diverse workforce, fostering an atmosphere of dignity, honesty and respect.  Regular dialogue with staff ensures lots of opportunity for innovation and idea sharing, and staff feedback is valued. 

Russell Fraser is a distinguished leader in community tourism, having dedicated large degrees of his life to community organisations in Drumnadrochit on the shores of the world famous, Loch Ness. As Managing Director of the Loch Ness Hub & Travel since 2021, Russell has transformed the community-owned venture into a model for sustainable and responsible tourism. 

With over 20 years of experience as a self-employed entrepreneur, Russell expanded Loch Ness Travel to provide 1st class baggage and people transfer services, as well as tourism retail. His commitment to sustainability and community engagement is evident through initiatives like the introduction of eBike hire and securing the Green Tourism Gold Award for Loch Ness Hub.

What makes them a national winner?
A focussed and driven individual with an innovative approach to everything he touches. The judges were impressed by Russell’s unwavering commitment and a great ability to driving things forward in a different way.  He has dedicated his career to fostering community tourism which is evident from his extensive volunteering and transformative leadership across many organisations.