Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 25 March 2024 18:29

Image Credit: Connor Mollison Photography

People across the country have just a few more days left to nominate businesses, individuals and events they think are deserving of recognition in the world of tourism and events.

The Scottish Thistle Awards have helped shine a spotlight on individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.

Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.

Last year, there were around 1200 nominations and more than 600 entries, culminating in the crowning of 17 national winners at a ceremony in Glasgow in December.

Winners included:

• The Burrell Collection in Glasgow who took home the Best Visitor Attraction Award, sponsored by the Scottish Sun.
• The Cross Keys Inn in Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders was named as the Best Pub or Bar.
• Nithbank Country Estate in Dumfries & Galloway received the Best B&B or Guest House Experience title, sponsored by Abbey UK. Meanwhile its proprietor Melanie Allen took home the Tourism Individual of the Year award, sponsored by HIT Scotland, in recognition of the positive impact she has made on the visitor experience at a regional and national level in Scotland.
• Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye, winner of the Best Eating Experience award.
• Cromlix in Dunblane, winner of the Best Hotel Experience award, sponsored by Fishers.
• Glasgow Science Centre won the Inclusive Tourism category, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland.
• Airhouses in the Scottish Borders received the Best Luxury Experience award, sponsored by The Macallan Estate.
• The Genesis Scottish Open which took place at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick in 2022 received the award for Outstanding Sporting Event.
• Nearby festival Fringe by the Sea was crowned Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival.
• Arden Holiday Cottage in Dumfries & Galloway won the Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience
• Wilderness Scotland based in Aviemore took home two awards, the inaugural Climate Action Award, sponsored by The Times, and the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience.
• Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions in Edinburgh won the Innovation in Tourism award.

While businesses and events must formally enter from 18 March to be eligible for a Scottish Thistle Awards, the nomination process allows members of the public to show appreciation to those they think deserve some extra recognition.

Nominations for the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, close on 31 March.

Steven Walker, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry panel said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards are a great way to recognise those who work so passionately to make Scotland such a fantastic place to visit and stay.

“Before our entries open next week, this is your chance to nominate your tourism heroes and give them your vote of confidence to enter the 30th Scottish Thistle Awards.

“Once you’ve made your free nomination, we’ll let those lucky nominees know so they can officially enter and be in with a chance of winning a coveted Scottish Thistle Award.”

2024 sees the introduction of a new Rising Star Award. Sponsored by HIT Scotland, the award aims to recognise the achievements of individuals that are at the start if their career within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Regional winners for Central, East and the West will be announced at two regional finals delivered by VisitScotland in September.

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.

For more information and to make a nomination in the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.

Coffeeshop Tinderbox celebrates first anniversary at Braehead Shopping Centre with Golden Cup Giveaway

This Sunday, 8th December, sees the first anniversary of Tinderbox coffee shop at Braehead Shopping Centre, located in lower level food mall.

Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.

Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan

Ice hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.

Winners announced in Provost Christmas Card Competition

Three lucky Renfrewshire school children have had their artwork selected to be made into Christmas cards through the Provost’s Christmas Card competition.

Crowds take to Paisley High Street to Reclaim the Night

Hundreds of women and men took to the streets of Paisley to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.

TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.

Johnstone lights up for Christmas 2024

Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2024.

Winners of the Paisley First Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition are announced

The results are in for this year's Paisley's Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition!

Christmas in Paisley gets underway with a sleigh load of family fun on offer this winter

The countdown to Christmas is on as Paisley's ice-rink and funfair opened their doors last night to kick off a month-long programme of festive activity taking place across the town centre.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!

Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.

Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.

Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!

Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.

Pension Credit drop in event to check eligibility being held in Paisley

People aged 66 and older are being encouraged to pop along to an event in Paisley to find out if they can get Pension Credit.

Clan fans rally to the charity cause

The Glasgow Clan's Purple Army of fans raised more than £11,000 for the charity that promotes awareness and opportunities to participate in ice sports.

Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland

A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.

Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland

To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.

Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas

Asda and Asda Foundation pledges almost £1 million to help combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this festive period through its 'Don't be Gnome Alone this Christmas' campaign.

IKEA Christmas tree offer launching in Scotland this month

IKEA is giving shoppers a £20 voucher for every real tree purchased for £29 in its Scottish stores from 23rd November – with pre-orders available now.

Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season

Aldi Scotland announces the return of its freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees, with prices starting from just £13.99.

Communities to Reclaim The Night as part of annual campaign

Renfrewshire residents are being encouraged to join the annual march to end domestic abuse, harassment and violence against women and young people.

Renfrew and Johnstone to light up for Christmas

Renfrew and Johnstone will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights in each town are due to be switched on in the coming weeks.

Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary

Legendary Scottish band Skerryvore have today unveiled plans to stage a special one-off concert – their biggest to date – to mark their 20th anniversary.

Scottish pubs to help tackle loneliness this Christmas

17 pubs across Scotland are calling on their customers to help spread a little Christmas cheer by writing cards to people facing loneliness and isolation this Christmas.