Why the Scottish Thistle Awards?

For more than 25 years the Scottish Thistle Awards have been recognising and championing the very best of the Scottish tourism, hospitality, and events industry. We continue to do so as the sector adapts and changes to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism is worth £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy and we want to celebrate the individual and business successes within the industry that contribute towards this vital part of our economy. The Scottish Thistle Awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030.  Responsible tourism is at the heart of the refreshed Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. This year, entrants 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.

Whether it is the quality food and drink, thrilling adventure activities or friendly and welcoming faces, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate all aspects of what makes Scotland a fantastic place to visit, and we know there will be some steep competition from across the country this year. 

By winning a Scottish Thistle Award, tourism businesses join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country, providing inspiration to peers and supporting tourism recovery. To learn about how you can take part, read more here. 

The awards are funded and delivered by VisitScotland, supported by an Industry Panel of representatives from across Scotland’s diverse tourism industry. Since 2015, the Scottish Thistle Awards have partnered and collaborated with Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) and Highland & Island Tourism Awards (HITA) to implement the awards.

VisitScotland is responsible for the operation and promotion of the three regional awards for Lothian & Borders, West and Central, Fife & Tayside, as well as the National Final. Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) and Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) are responsible for their own regional awards, with winners from all five regions progressing to the National Final.

Details on each location and the areas they include are listed below.