Scotland’s tourism and events industry shone brightly last night (20 November) as the Scottish Thistle Awards revealed its 2025 national winners.

Attractions, businesses, events and individuals from across the country were honoured during Scotland’s tourism Oscars at the Hilton Glasgow.

Finalists who triumphed in regional awards earlier this year competed for coveted national trophies, earning recognition for their outstanding contribution to Scotland’s visitor economy.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the prestigious Silver Thistle Award to Marina Huggett, celebrating decades of dedication to the tourism sector. From her early career in hospitality to her role as mentor and consultant, Marina has championed sustainability and collaboration, influenced national strategy and supported hundreds of businesses.

Reflecting on her achievement, Marina said: “Receiving the Silver Thistle Award is an incredible honour. It reflects not just my journey, but the collective effort of so many passionate people who believe in Scotland’s potential as a world-class destination. Tourism is about people, places and partnerships, and I’m proud to have played a part in shaping its future.”

Across Scotland, winners showcased the very best of the tourism and events industry. Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie was named Best Visitor Experience sponsored by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises for its inspiring wildlife encounters and conservation work, while The Torridon near Annat claimed Employer of the Year for its exceptional training programmes and sustainability initiatives.

Dumfries and Galloway celebrated two standout wins, with Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick taking Best Luxury Experience for its historic charm and Loch Ken Eco Bothies near Castle Douglas recognised as Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay for its innovative off-grid accommodation.

Glasgow’s DF Concerts & Events received the Inclusion Award sponsored by AccessAble for its accessible approach at TRNSMT and other live events, and the Isle of Arran celebrated as Sheila Gilmore, Chief Executive of VisitArran, was crowned Individual of the Year for her leadership in securing UNESCO Global Geopark status and championing community-led tourism.

Argyll and the Isles also impressed, with Ardtorna near Oban named Best B&B or Guest House Experience for its warm hospitality and sustainability practices, and Ninth Wave Restaurant on Mull winning Best Eating Experience for its innovative dining concept and locally sourced menus.

Edinburgh celebrated success with the 36th International Papillomavirus Conference at the EICC winning Best Business Event for its global impact in advancing research, boosting HPV awareness and leaving a life-saving legacy. Edinburgh Zoo took the Climate Action Award sponsored by Historic Scotland for its pioneering conservation work, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival was honoured as Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival sponsored by STV. Soldier turned tour guide Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours was recognised with the Rising Star Award sponsored by HIT Scotland for earning exceptional guest reviews and showcasing leadership and an authenticity that make him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism.

Aberdeenshire’s Kildrummy Inn, scooped Best Hotel Experience sponsored by Fishers for its strong sustainability credentials. Newton Farm Holidays & Tours in Angus won Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience sponsored by GetYourGuide for its commitment to responsible tourism, and Solsgirth Home Farm in Clackmannanshire was recognised for Best Community Tourism & Events Award sponsored by The Scottish Sun thanks to its regenerative farming and community engagement.

The Scottish Borders delivered a hat-trick of triumphs, with The Cross Keys Inn in Ettrickbridge named Best Bar or Pub sponsored by Scottish Licensed Trade Association for the third consecutive year, praised for its inclusive atmosphere and local partnerships. The Trimontium Museum in Melrose took the Innovation Award sponsored by The Times Scotland for its pioneering use of virtual reality to bring Roman heritage to life, while the region’s hosting of the opening stage of the Tour of Britain earned the accolade for Outstanding Sporting Event, showcasing the Borders’ landscapes and delivering a £2.5 million economic boost through world-class event delivery and sustainability initiatives.

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have celebrated excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of Scotland’s most important sectors. Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional programmes, the awards honour businesses and individuals who set the standard for quality, creativity and responsible tourism.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Thistle Awards celebrate all that Scotland’s rich and varied visitor economy has to offer, and I congratulate the finalists and winners, who have shown the quality and excellence visitors can expect when they come to our shores.

“The enthusiasm and dedication of those honoured tonight is helping us reach our ambition of making Scotland a world leader in 21st century tourism, and I thank them all for their contribution.

“Marina Huggett has been a driving force in shaping the hospitality and tourism industry in the Highlands, and her influence now stretches across Scotland. It was a pleasure to present her with the Silver Thistle Award.”

Barbara Smith, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards, said: “Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.

"These finalists and winners reflect the exceptional quality and creativity found throughout Scotland’s tourism and events sector.

"Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places these businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland. These awards play a vital role in recognising the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”

Responsible tourism remains at the heart of the awards, with entrants demonstrating best practice in low-carbon operations, inclusivity, thriving communities, and protection of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

National winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland. Winners from all five regional awards, which include Central and East, the West of Scotland, 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) competed at the Scottish Thistle Award national final.

This year’s sponsors are AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Scottish Licenced Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.

For a full list of winners click here