Scotland’s tourism stars lit up Glasgow last night as the Scottish Thistle Awards crowned the West of Scotland’s top performers in hospitality, events and visitor experiences.

Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the ceremony honoured businesses and individuals from Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran, and West Dunbartonshire—showcasing the excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards—this year with headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts—have celebrated outstanding businesses, people and partnerships. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.

Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combine five regional finals and a national event.

At the West ceremony, Glasgow celebrated seven wins. The Tall Ship Glenlee was named Best Visitor Attraction, Celtic Connections won Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival (sponsored by STV), and DF Concerts & Events - Championing inclusivity at TRNSMT Festival and live experiences throughout Scotland - took home the Inclusion Award (sponsored by Historic Scotland). The Piper Whisky Bar was recognised as Best Bar or Pub (sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association), while Elements restaurant claimed Best Eating Experience. Glasgow Life Museums received the Innovation Award (sponsored by The Times Scotland), and Mae MacInnes from Mharsanta was honoured with the Rising Star Award (sponsored by HIT Scotland).

Ayrshire and Arran saw five winners take the spotlight. The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum received the Climate Action Award, Bellevue Farm’s Arran Tours and Experiences won Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience (sponsored by Get Your Guide), Auchrannie Resort was named Employer of the Year, Sheila Gilmore of VisitArran was recognised as Tourism Individual of the Year, and South Ayrshire Council’s International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight won Best Community Tourism and Events Initiative (sponsored by The Scottish Sun).

West Dunbartonshire’s winners included Cameron House on Loch Lomond, which received Best Hotel Experience (sponsored by Fishers), and The Bonnie Barns at Lennox of Lomond, awarded Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay (sponsored by AccessAble).

With responsible tourism at its heart, the Thistle Awards champion best practice across low carbon innovation, inclusivity, thriving communities and cultural heritage. The West of Scotland ceremony was hosted by DJ Garry Spence, with entertainment from stand-up comedian Christopher Macarthur-Boyd and supported by headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, part of the Abbey Group—specialists in inbound tourism to the UK and Ireland.

This year’s category sponsors include AccessAble, Fishers, Get Your Guide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.  

All winners will now compete at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final in November, where they’ll go head-to-head with winners from the Central and East, Highlands and Islands, Aberdeen City and Shire, and South of Scotland regions. The national ceremony will spotlight those driving excellence across the country and shaping the future of Scottish tourism.