A host of tourism and hospitality businesses from across Courier country have made the shortlist of this year’s regional Scottish Thistle Awards final.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are billed as Scotland’s premier awards for the tourism industry, and they celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Those who made it to the shortlist include The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth, Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort in Angus and Dark Dundee, who provide a series of tours giving a glimpse into the city’s dark past.
This year saw more than a thousand nominations from members of the public keen to recognise the hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, visitor attractions and individuals who go the extra mile to provide their customers with exceptional service.
The range of categories representing the broad spectrum of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry include best visitor attraction, best eating experience, regional ambassador, regional rising star, best heritage tourism experiences and best outdoor/adventure experience.
Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “We have once again been delighted by this year’s response to the Scottish Thistle Awards. These rewards aim to shine the spotlight on the businesses and individuals who have shown real commitment and dedication to tourism in Scotland.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change. The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance for us to celebrate those who work tirelessly to create a destination and customer
“On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all shortlisted entrants and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals.”
The awards are led by a panel of experts from several organisations involved in the Scottish tourism and hospitality sector, and the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Edinburgh’s prestigious Prestonfield House Hotel in November.
Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance for us to celebrate those who work tirelessly to ensure that all visitors, whether from Scotland or further afield, enjoy a truly memorable time in our country. Good luck to all those shortlisted in the regional final.”
The nominees:
Best Visitor Attraction:
Deanston Distillery – near Doune, Stirling
The Helix – Falkirk
The Engine Shed – Stirling
Most Hospitable Hotel:
Double Tree by Hilton- Queensferry Crossing – North Queensferry
Fornab Castle Hotel and Spa – Pitlochry
Kirklands Hotel – Pitlochry
Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience:
The Rings – Cupar
Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort – Angus
Leny Estate – Callander
Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House:
Errichel House – Aberfeldy
Craigmhor Lodge and Courtyard – Pitlochry
Newton Farm Holiday and Tours – Forfar
Best Eating Experience:
The Black Watch Castle and Museum – Perth
The Real Food Cafe – Tyndrum, Stirling
Thyme at Errichel Restaurant – Aberfeldy
Best Bar/Pub:
The Wine Press – Dundee
The Boudingait – Cupar
The Keys Bar – St Andrews
Regional Ambassador:
Ann Kinnes, The Black Watch Castle and Museum – Perth
Jamie Scott, The Newport Restaurant – Newport on Tay
Wendy Barrie, Scottish Food Guide – Aberdour
Best Outdoor Adventure/Experience:
Go Ape – Aberfoyle
Newton Farm Holiday and Tours – Forfar
Wee Adventures Ltd – Aberfeldy
Working Together for Tourism:
Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers – Perth
Jannettas Gelateria – St Andrews
Trosachs Mobility – Callander
Tourism and Hospitality Hero:
Mark Heirs, Private Chef – Stirling
Owen Hazel, Jannettas Gelateria – St Andrews
June Goodfellow, taste Perthshire – Perth
Innovation and Tourism:
Helicopter Glamping – Mains Farm Wigwams- Stirling
The Engine Shed – Stirling
OOVIRT Ltd – Dundee
Regional Rising Star:
Amy Paton, Falkirk Community Trust – Falkirk
Craig MacDonald, Wee Heroes – Falkirk
Best Cultural Event or Festival:
Enchanted Forest – Pitlochry
Fire and Light – Falkirk
StANZA International Poetry Festival – St Andrews
Best Heritage Tourism Experience:
The Black Watch Castle Museum – Perth
Dark Dundee – Dundee
Fife Cultural Trust – Dunfermline
