WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025?

What’s new for 2025?  

Key Dates

For 2025 a shorter and more streamlined awards programme is in place.   

Nominations for all categories are open from 3rd March and close on 31st March 2025. It is now easier than ever for members of the public to put forward their recommendations for businesses and individuals working hard to make Scotland such a fantastic place to visit. 

Entries to all categories are open from 17th March to 28th April 2025. Businesses can enter at any time throughout this process and do not need to be nominated in order to enter. Those that have been nominated will receive an email encouraging them to complete the online entry form.

Announcements of those shortlisted for the regional awards will be made in July, with regional finals taking place in September/early October, dates vary per region. Regional winners progress to the National Final as a National finalist in their category.

The shortlist for the national-only categories will be announced in August, with the National Final taking place in November 2025.  

Categories  

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

There are a total of 15 regional categories in this year’s programme, celebrating the very best of Scotland’s people, accommodation sector, food and drink, outdoor experiences and visitor attractions. National-only categories celebrate Scotland’s outstanding sporting events, business events and luxury experiences.   

Responsible tourism remains at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Every entry will be required to provide evidence on how their businesses addresses key areas of responsible tourism.    

Media Partnership   

The Scottish Thistle Awards will once again include a media partnership with News Scotland for 2025. We look forward to building on the success of this partnership which has helped raise the profile of the awards and winners across their online and print portfolio of titles that includes The Scottish Sun, Times and Times Alba and the Sunday Times.  

The 2024 partnership culminated in a 8-page supplement featuring dedicated content on all national winners.