FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the dates I need to know?

All entries open – 3rd April 2023 

Entries Open: 3 April 2023 
Entries Close: 15 May 2023 

Regional Finalists Announced: Summer 2023 
Regional Award Ceremonies: Autumn 2023 

National Finalists Announced: Winter 2023 
National Final Award Ceremony: Winter 2023 

Regional Winners automatically progress to be considered for National Award. 

I’ve been nominated, what are my next steps?

Our nomination process gives your industry peers and customers the opportunity to highlight that your business or event deserves recognition, and to encourage you to enter the awards. 

Should you choose to get involved in the Scottish Thistle Awards after receiving a nomination, you will then be asked to complete an entry form to provide the judging panel with all the information they need to consider your business for an award. 

For more information about the awards process, click here. 

Do I need to have been nominated to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards?

You do not need to have been nominated to enter the awards, entries are free and with 17 different categories to choose from, there is something for everyone!  Please be aware that the number of nominations received per nominee will not be taken into consideration by our judging panel. If you want to apply and highlight the achievements of your business, please head straight to enter. (Entries open 3 April 2023).

Who can enter the Scottish Thistle Awards?

Entries are welcomed from anyone wanting to highlight the efforts and achievements of their business, event or even an individual. You do not need to have been nominated to enter the awards, entries are free and there is an array of categories to choose from.   

Visit our categories page to find out more.

Is there a cost to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards?

No, there is no cost to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards. The entry process is quick, simple and the team are available to assist you with any questions.

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes you can! We welcome you to enter as many categories as are relevant to the business or individual, however you must submit unique entries for each category. Before you enter, we suggest you look through the Categories section of the website and have a look at our previous winners.

I don’t see a category for my business to enter?

If you don’t immediately see an awards category for your business, you might find that there are still a number of opportunities for you to enter.

Do you work with an individual who deserves recognition, or should your business be celebrated for its partnership working or innovative practices? One of our non-sector-specific categories may be the perfect category to enter. Visit our Categories page to find out more.

Categories are reviewed annually with our Industry Panel, taking into account industry feedback and insights, to ensure the awards are as representative as possible. 

Can I enter in more than one region?

You can enter more than one region if your business operates in more than one region.  You must complete a unique entry form for each region you are entering.

Please note, if you wish to submit an entry in the Highlands & Islands or Aberdeen City & Shire regions, you should enter via the Highlands or Islands Thistle Awards or Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards websites.

What if my business is not specific to a region?

If your company operates nationally or across regions, you can choose to focus your entry on one region or submit separate unique entries for the regions which are relevant.

How are the Scottish Thistle Awards judged?

Judging takes place at both a regional and national level working with a panel of independent industry experts. To find out more about the process, visit our judging page.

Can I get feedback regarding my entry?

Absolutely – feedback on individual entries will be provided on request. Please get in touch with the Scottish Thistle Awards Team who will liaise with the relevant judging panel to provide this for you.