A Michelin-starred restaurant, an Aberdeenshire pub, a whisky distillery on Islay and a man instrumental in bringing the Ryder Cup to Gleneagles were among those to be crowned tourism champions at the Scottish Thistle Awards.
A total of 13 winners received Scottish Thistle Award during a glittering final ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, hosted by TV and radio star Edith Bowman. Among the winners were Edinburgh-based eateries Mimi’s Bakehouse and The Kitchin, The Enchanted Forest in Perthshire, Auchrannie Resort on Arran, and Islay’s Laphroaig Distillery.
Silver Thistle Award
Peter Lederer (pictured above) – who was instrumental in bringing the Ryder Cup to Gleneagles – was named the winner of the prestigious Silver Thistle Award, given to an individual who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the country’s tourism industry.
Having worked in Scottish tourism for over three decades, the former Chairman of Gleneagles was also recognised for his work in transforming the Perthshire hotel into one of the country’s most luxurious resorts as well as his passion for improving quality, educational standards and training opportunities within the Scottish tourism industry.
This year the Scottish Thistle Awards also extended a special thank you to the people of Glasgow for the warm welcome they had offered to guests during the major events of 2014.
Celebrating Scottish tourism businesses or suppliers
Led by panel of experts from the Scottish tourism industry, the awards celebrate tourism businesses or suppliers across the region who have gone the extra mile to offer an outstanding visitor experience.
With a particular focus on customer service, this year members of the public were invited for the first time to nominate their tourism champions, with judges determining the final winners. Entries were made across a range of different categories including Friendliest Pub, Most Hospitable Hotel, and Our Warmest Welcome.
Exceptional year for Scottish tourism
Stephen Carter OBE, VisitScotland Board Member and Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “2014 was an exceptional year for Scottish tourism, it was the year we welcomed the world. I’d like to congratulate all our tourism champions for their dedication and commitment to Scotland’s tourism industry. Tourism is at the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, and all those nominated, are leading the way when it comes to making our country a fantastic place to visit and do business..
“The Scottish Thistle Awards is about celebrating excellence, sharing best practice and inspiring a stronger, more cohesive sector. It is important that we continue to recognise those going the extra mile to enhance the visitor experience. “
The Scottish Thistle Awards is led by several organisations, including VisitScotland, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.
Nominations are now open for the Scottish Thistle Awards 2015/2016. Using a simple and easy online application form, nominations can be submitted by individuals, by others in industry or by the general public.
The Scottish Thistle Award winners 2015
Category / Award Title | Winner |
Forestry Commission Scotland – Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience Award | Kilda Cruises (Isle of Harris) |
J. Thomson Colour Printers – Best Visitor Attraction Award | Laphroaig Distillery (Isle of Islay) |
Best Holiday Accommodation Award | Eagle Brae (Beauly) |
Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House Award | Craigatin House & Courtyard (Perthshire) |
Fishers Services Most Hospitable Hotel Award | Prestonfield (Edinburgh) |
Friendliest Pub / Bar Award | Cheers (Fraserburgh) |
Best Informal Dining Experience Award | Mimi’s Bakehouse (Edinburgh) |
Auchentoshan Distillery and Visitor Centre – Best Restaurant Experience Award | The Kitchin (Edinburgh) |
Our Warmest Welcome Award | Cruise Forth Welcome Volunteers (Edinburgh & Fife) |
ScotRail – Best Event or Festival Award | The Enchanted Forest (Perthshire) |
Creative Ambition | Auchrannie Resort (Isle of Arran) |
Discovering Scotland Award | Helen Fraser – Afternoon Tea Tours (Edinburgh) |
Silver Thistle | Peter Lederer CBE (Perthshire) |
Glenisle Hotel & Bistro on the Isle of Arran received a special commendation in the Fishers Services Most Hospitable Hotel Award category
To enter or for further information on the Scottish Thistle Awards click here
For information on VisitScotland click here