Central & East Thistle winners announced

The winners of the Central & East regional Scottish Thistle Awards 2024 were last night announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh. 

From family-run farms to city centre pubs, exhilarating events and climate champions, a total of 15 awards were given out to the very best of tourism and events businesses and individuals in the region.  

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry.  They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.  

Read on for the winner of each category.  

Best B&B or Guest House

Derrybeg Bed & Breakfast, Pitlochry 

Derrybeg is an eight-bedroom Edwardian Bed & Breakfast with stunning views of the Tummel Valley in Pitlochry. Since being taken over by Lesley White and Ronnie Smith, they have achieved a very strong reputation through high ratings on Booking.com and Tripadvisor and ensure they listen to customers as part of a continuous improvement programme.  

“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be receiving this highly prestigious award from VisitScotland. We would like to express our warmest congratulations to all the finalists here tonight and we should all be very proud of what we have achieved in 2024.” 

Best Bar or Pub

The Barrelman, Dundee

The Barrelman in Dundee is a family-owned pub and restaurant that blends the city’s nautical heritage with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. Following a major refurbishment, they reopened to deliver exceptional food, drinks and hospitality, all while supporting local suppliers and sustainable practices. 

“Winning a Scottish Thistle Award is an incredible recognition of the hard work put in by the full team at The Barrelman.   It highlights our dedication to offering an authentic Scottish hospitality experience and our commitment to excellence in every dish we serve and drink we pour. We’re proud to represent Dundee and showcase the best of Scotland."

Best Hotel Experience

Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee 

Apex City Quay hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel based in central Dundee which has been in operation for 20 years. It has 151 spacious rooms and stylish suites, a spa, pool and gym as well as The Quayside Bar and Grill.  

“It is an absolute honour to win a Thistle Award for Best Hotel Experience.  A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure our guests have the very best time with us.   

To be recognised by VisitScotland for all the effort is fantastic for the hotel and all our dedicated team. Thank you! "

Best Outdoor Adventure

Newton Farm Holidays & Tours

Newton of Fothringham is an award-winning farm with a difference. In the peaceful, idyllic setting of Angus, Scotland, lies the traditional, working, family run farm that offers not just a well-deserved break in the farmhouse bed and breakfast or self-catering cottage, but memories to last a lifetime. 

“Receiving recognition from VisitScotland after all our efforts is amazing. We are truly thankful to our two and four legged friends who are a huge part of our life and family, and to everyone who has visited us and supported our efforts in educating young and old about our farming life, and where their food comes from."

Best Self-catering or Unique Stay

The Bus Stop, East Lothian 

The Bus Stop is a holiday experience with a difference. Their recycled, hand-crafted accommodation is set on a working farm with beautiful panoramic views of the Lammermuir Hills, in the stunning East Lothian countryside. 

“Everyone here at The Bus Stop is delighted to win this award and it is testament to our amazing team that we have done so.

It’s been an amazing year for us and we’ve loved putting smiles on the faces of all the want to be bus drivers we’ve had to stay!” 

Best Eating Experience

Ballintaggart, Pitlochry 

Ballintaggart is an award winning refined rural hospitality destination in Highland Perthshire, run by brothers Chris and Andrew Rowley. 

"We are delighted to have won this award for best eating experience. To be recognised at this level is such an achievement for us and testament to the hard work of our team.   

Working each day with local producers and our amazing Scottish larder is a privilege. Whether it’s in our restaurant, shops, cook school or at an event, we love to create dishes which showcase the very best of Scotland and deliver outstanding experiences for our guests and customers.”  

Best Visitor Attraction

The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh 

Since 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience has been helping the world fall in love with Scotland and Scotch whisky. Full accessible and welcoming over 400,000 visitors annually, it’s celebrated for its multi-lingual tours, tutored whisky tastings and award-winning restaurant Amber.  

“We are thrilled and honoured to receive the award for Best Visitor Attraction. A huge thanks to our amazing customer-facing and support teams. This award is truly the culmination of everyone working together to welcome the world and help them on their journey to fall in love with Scotch whisky.” 

Celebrating Thriving Communities

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, Pitlochry 

The Enchanted Forest is one of the UK’s most successful cultural events, an annual sound and light show, transforming the beautiful Faskally Wood into a magical destination each October.  

“We’re thrilled to have won this award. It’s a true testament to the dedication of the entire team to engage and work with the local community as effectively as possible. It’s also a recognition of the significant positive impact the Enchanted Forest Community Fund has had on Highland Perthshire communities."

Climate Action Award

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh 

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction, established in 1853. Across five floors, visitors enjoy over 100 mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibits, many of which are unique and designed in-house.  

“We are very grateful to the judges for these prestigious awards and to our dedicated team for their tireless efforts. Their commitment to enhancing our facilities and visitor experience has been invaluable. Thank you to our visitors for continuing to enjoy our unique offer of interactive fun.” 

Innovation in Tourism

The Hickory Golf Workshop, Fife 

The Hickory Golf Workshop is a unique visitor destination, offering a unique experience into the history of golf. The workshop showcases the craftsmanship of Scotland’s oldest and last remaining golf club maker.  

“We are thrilled to win VisitScotland's Innovation in Tourism Award. At The Hickory Golf Workshop, we are proud to have created a truly unique and innovative visitor attraction that celebrates golf's rich heritage through hands-on experiences.   

This award underscores our passion and dedication to preserving and promoting Scotland's golfing history.”  

Inclusive Tourism Award

Homelands Trust - Fife

Homelands Trust – Fife is a registered Scottish charity offering accessible lodges which have been specifically designed to meet the needs of people with a wide range of disabilities  and a drop-in centre pen to guests and day visitors, offering activities including alternative therapies, social activities and gentle exercise. 

“Homelands Trust-Fife is honoured to win the Inclusive Tourism Award. Ten years ago this month we opened up four of our lodges and last year we opened up a further five.   

All nine lodges are fully accessible because we believe firmly that everyone, regardless of abilities should be allowed to enjoy a holiday by the sea with friends and family. Thank you for believing in what we do.”    

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – 30th Anniversary Celebrations 

In 2023, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay once again welcomed the world to party in Scotland’s capital, celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary. Over 100,000 revellers partied their way into 2024 during a four-day carnival of fire, light, music and dance.  

“We are immensely proud that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has been recognised at the Thistle Awards. Reaching a milestone 30th anniversary in 2023, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay goes from strength-to-strength, and we can’t wait to welcome the world to party at the Home of Hogmanay again this year.  

A huge thank you to the incredible Unique Assembly team and all our event partners who make the festival happen.” 

Rising Star Award

Annika Schneider – The Scotch Whisky Experience 

“We are incredibly proud of Annika and delighted that with the Rising Star award she has the recognition that she deserves. From day one, she has been a joy to work with, an amazing colleague and addition to The Scotch Whisky Experience team. Inquisitive and creative, Annika epitomises our values and is a worthy Rising Star award winner!” 

Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year 

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh 

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction, established in 1853. Across five floors, visitors enjoy over 100 mind-boggling ilusions and interactive exhibits, many of which are unique and designed in-house.  

“We are very grateful to the judges for these prestigious awards and to our dedicated team for their tireless efforts. Their commitment to enhancing our facilities and visitor experience has been invaluable. Thank you to our visitors for continuing to enjoy our unique offer of interactive fun.” 

Tourism Individual of the year

Amanda Wrathrall - EICC 

“To be recognised in this particular category is incredibly humbling. Tourism in Scotland thrives because of the multitude of talented and passionate people who choose to work in this brilliant sector.  

“Whilst individual recognition is gratifying, for me, this award is shaped and shared with the inspirational colleagues I have been fortunate enough to work with over the last 35 years.”