Stirling Castle has been named Scotland’s best visitor attraction.
The centuries-old castle welcomes around 460,000 visitors a year, and was voted for by members of the public before being reviewed by an independent judging panel.
It was honoured at the first Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards, established to recognise and celebrate the best that the industry has to offer.
The castle beat off competition from Edinburgh Zoo and Dynamic Earth in the best visitor attraction category.
Winners in 17 categories were announced at the awards ceremony held in Glasgow, with Fairmont St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Loch Tay Highland Lodges also among the honours.
Liz Grant, executive manager of Stirling Castle, said: “To be named as Scotland’s best visitor attraction in this new nationwide awards programme is a wonderful achievement.
“Scotland’s heritage attractions, such as Stirling Castle, form an important part of the country’s wider tourism and leisure offering and it’s great to see this recognised.
“This accolade is made doubly special as it is initially voted for by members of the public and our visitors. It’s a real testament to the dedication of our staff who help bring centuries of Scottish history and heritage to life every day for visitors from all over the world.”
Full list of winners
Best Family Holiday Park: Drimsynie Holiday Park (runner-up: Thurston Manor Leisure Park)
Best campsite: Solway View (runner-up: Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping)
Best self-catering accommodation: Portavadie (runner-up: Mains of Taymouth)
Best bus tour company: Rabbie’s Trail Burners (runner-up: Highland Experience Tours)
Best garden centre: The Mains of Drum (runner-up: Cardwell Garden Centre)
Best motorhome hire company: Highland Campervans (runner-up: Go Explore)
Best booking agent: Glenton Holidays
Best city hotel: The Chester Residence
Best golf resort: Fairmont St Andrews
Best glamping site: Loch Tay Highland Lodges (runner-up: Eden Leisure Village)
Best leisure resort hotel: Auchrannie Resort (runner-up: Carnoustie Golf Hotel)
Best spa resort: Cameron House (runner-up: Fairmont St Andrews)
Best marina: Portavadie Marina (runner-up: Kip Marina)
Best outdoor festival: Party at the Palace (runner-up: Scotland’s Boat Show)
Best outdoor adventure experience: Quadmania (runner-up: Clyde Challenger)
Best visitor attraction: Stirling Castle (runner-up: Edinburgh Zoo)
Best newcomer: Eden Leisure Village
