Tourism winners crowned at national final

Last night (21 November) 19 incredible tourism businesses, events and individuals were crowned the national winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards. After winning at their regional ceremonies, businesses across Scotland battled it out for the national trophy in their category.  

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 innovation, collaboration and sheer excellence in the sector and this year has been no exception with our finalists and winners demonstrating why Scotland is world-renowned as a must-visit destination.  

Take a look at who took home the national trophies...

Scottish Thistle Awards national final 2024 winners

Rising Star Award

Hannah Cochrane, SEC, Glasgow 

Hannah Cochrane is the Sales & Business Development Manager of Conference Sales, at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Joining the SEC team in March 2024, Hannah brought with her over 13 years of hospitality experience, quickly making an impact as the SEC’s first Business Development Manager.  

Hannah is also the founder of the networking group "Now That’s What I Call Networking," and a passionate advocate for the industry, sharing her expertise with university students and local primary schools.  

“This means so much, and is very personal. My journey in hospitality began with this very event as a waitress at 16, which then ignited my lifelong passion for the industry. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and worked for some outstanding businesses. I really hope this can inspire others as they have inspired me.”  

Innovation in Tourism

Loch Ness Hub & Travel, Inverness 

Offering services like electric bike hire, baggage transfers along iconic routes, and immersive "Highland Coo Tours," the business emphasises eco-friendly travel while promoting local culture. Its integration of sustainable tourism, with renewable energy options and community-focused services, has set a new standard for responsible tourism in the Highlands. Loch Ness Travel’s innovation highlights the blend of adventure, sustainability, and community benefit, making it a standout in Scottish tourism. 

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as a winner at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and community to sustainable tourism and preserving the beauty and heritage of Loch Ness for future generations.” 

Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay

Kabn, Loch Fyne 

Kabn offers a luxurious off-grid retreat in architect-designed cabins on the shores of Loch Fyne. Ideal for a digital detox, the self-catered cabins feature minimalist interiors, large windows, and sustainable materials, providing comfort in nature. Guests enjoy a range of activities, from wild swimming to paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by a wood-burning stove. Kabn emphasises sustainability with renewable energy, eco-friendly designs, and organic amenities. 

“Winning the Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay at the national Scottish Thistle Awards is an incredible honour for Kabn. It validates our commitment to providing unique, high-quality, sustainable retreats in Scotland and we’re proud to be recognised in such a competitive field. This award inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and continue creating unforgettable stays for our guests.” 

Best Hotel Experience

Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee 

Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel based in central Dundee. The hotel has been in operation for 20 years and has 151 spacious rooms and stylish suites, a spa, pool and gym and The Quayside Bar and Grill. It welcomes leisure guests visiting Dundee for short breaks and business travellers looking for industry leading meeting and hybrid conferencing spaces. 

Paul Mooney, General Manager Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa said: “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 B&B or Guest House Experience

Glenegedale House, Islay  

Glenegedale House is a multi-award-winning guesthouse located on the Isle of Islay. Run by Graeme and Emma Clark, this luxury guesthouse offers a cosy atmosphere with roaring peat fires, elegant antique furnishings, and stunning views. Guests enjoy gourmet Scottish cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, and a warm, personalised experience. 

“Glenegedale house is not only our business, it’s a passion and creating amazing guest experiences and helping them make wonderful memories to treasure until they visit again is always brilliant, but this award is a dream come true. It helps us all continue to strive to do better and feels like the biggest pat on the back for all the hard work over the years to share with the world!” 

Best Bar or Pub 

The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge 

The historic coaching inn reopened in February 2023 after major investment. It quickly regained its place at the heart of the village community. It delights locals and visitors with its traditional, freshly made bar meals, comfortable, welcoming accommodation and fine range of drinks led by local beers and ales. This is The Cross Keys Inn’s second consecutive national win in the Best Bar or Pub category.  

"We’re absolutely blown away to have won this award for the second year running! It’s wonderful to be recognised and rewarded for the huge effort our team makes every day to raise the bar in Scottish hospitality. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in putting the Cross Keys Inn right back where it belongs at the heart of our local community.” 

Best Eating Experience

The Globe Inn, Dumfries & Galloway 

As "one of Scotland’s oldest and most famous hoteleries", the Globe Inn in Dumfries is best known for its links to Robert Burns. Its 1610 restaurant prides in itself on its Anglo-Scottish roots and Michelin kitchen experience. The chefs, Jonathan and Fraser, have crafted a menu of exceptional dishes.

Their close relationships with Scottish producers allows them to source the very finest local ingredients, and through their shared vision and perfect blend of traditional and modern culinary techniques, they bring bold and exciting flavours to every plate. 

"We're ecstatic! This award recognises our team's dedication to creating a truly special dining experience. Fresh, local ingredients, innovative cuisine, and passionate service come together at The Globe Inn. It's a win for us and for the South of Scotland!” - Head of Cuisine Jonathon Brett 

Tourism Individual of the Year

Russell Fraser, Loch Ness Hub & Travel

Russell Fraser is a distinguished leader in community tourism, having dedicated large degrees of his life to community organisations in Drumnadrochit on the shores of the world famous Loch Ness. As Managing Director of the Loch Ness Hub & Travel since 2021, Russell has transformed the community-owned venture into a model for sustainable and responsible tourism. With over 20 years of experience as a self-employed entrepreneur, Russell expanded Loch Ness Travel to provide 1st class baggage and people transfer services, as well as tourism retail. 

“Living on the shores of the world famous Loch Ness, I am extremely proud to champion Drumnadrochit and Glen Urquhart to the world, with a focus on community led initiatives and showcasing everything our community has to offer, simultaneously demonstrating that we are much more than a monster! Leading Loch Ness Hub and Travel, representing our community, as well as being Chair of SCOTO, is an honour. With such a supportive and talented board of directors and passionate colleagues, I am proud to be at the forefront of Scotland leading the way in community led tourism.” 

Best Visitor Attraction

The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh

Since 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle, has been helping the world fall in love with Scotland and Scotch whisky. Fully accessible and welcoming 400,000 visitors annually, it’s celebrated for its multi-lingual guided tours, tutored whisky tastings and award-winning Amber restaurant. Telling the whole story of Scotch whisky, the jewel in the crown is the glass vault of their world-famous whisky collection and its new £3.5 million immersive tour experience. 

“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.” - Susan Morrison, Chief Executive 

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience 

Nevis Range, Fort William 

Nevis Range, offers a range of outdoor adventures set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Known for its year-round activities, it features mountain biking, hiking, and winter snowsports, including skiing and snowboarding. The Mountain Gondola provides breathtaking views and access to trails of varying difficulty.

"We are incredibly honored to win the Scottish Thistle Award for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering world-class, sustainable adventures in the Highlands. We’re proud to continue setting the standard for adventure tourism in Scotland.” 

Climate Action Award

Glasgow Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre is an award-winning educational charity that inspires and motivates people to discover the world around them by creating engaging and meaningful experiences with science. The Science Centre is a valued community asset, committed to working with partners to enhance the environmental sustainability of the local area and to use the changes to promote the science and technology behind climate change.   

"It's a real honour to be recognised for the effort and commitment we are putting into our ongoing sustainability journey. Our team have worked exceptionally hard to not only use our unique position to help inform and educate our visitors about climate change and empower them to be advocates for action, but to look at how we adapt our own business practices and engage with partners to improve our local environment.” 

Celebrating Thriving Communities 

Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, Kilmarnock 

Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre is a highly-rated and award-winning community-led tourism charity. Over 25,000 visitors are welcomed annually to their hub which facilitates relationships between locals, community groups, and visitors. A main employer and volunteer provider in a rural area, with 17 staff and over 40 volunteers, the charity aims to facilitate a sense of ownership, engagement and pride in national heritage by offering a unique community-led visitor experience whilst welcoming local, national and international visitors to Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre. 

"Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO is honoured to receive the Scottish Thistle Award for Celebrating Thriving Communities. This recognition highlights our charity’s dedication to encouraging community spirit, and to promoting a sense of ownership, engagement and pride in our national heritage.” 

Inclusive Tourism Award

Trimontium Museum, Melrose 

Located in Melrose, the Trimontium Museum brings Roman history to life, focusing on the Trimontium Roman fort and the intersection between Romans and native tribes. It offers an immersive, accessible experience with interactive exhibits, including VR and "Hands-on History" sessions. The museum inclusive offering includes wheelchair access and family-friendly activities.   

“Inclusion and community outreach are at the heart of Trimontium Museum’s ethos and we are delighted that our work has been recognised with the Inclusive Tourism Award, especially considering the exceptional standards of our fellow finalists. Whether as a visitor or a volunteer, we always strive to ensure everyone is able to engage with our wonderful heritage in a positive, welcoming environment.” 

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival 

Wigtown Book Festival 

Held annually in Scotland’s National Book Town, the Wigtown Book Festival offers a ten-day celebration of literature, featuring author talks, workshops, and discussions that attract both local and international audiences. Beyond books, the festival also hosts outdoor activities, performances, and events that embrace the region's natural beauty. Its commitment to community engagement, inclusivity, and cultural enrichment has cemented its reputation as a leading literary festival. 

"Over the last 26 years Wigtown has grown into a much-loved mainstay of the annual festivals calendar, attracting large numbers of visitors to Galloway and contributing significantly to Scotland’s amazing cultural tourism offering. It’s terrific that the work of our staff and dedicated army of volunteers has been recognised with this award. It's a real boost to our confidence and morale. We're thrilled." - Cathy Agnew, Chair of Wigtown Festival Company

Outstanding Sporting Event

World Athletics Indoor Championships

Held in Glasgow in March 2024, the World Athletics Indoor Championships brought together elite athletes from around the globe to compete in a wide range of track and field events. The event not only showcases athletic excellence but also boosted the city’s global sports profile. The award highlights Glasgow’s ability to host world-class sporting events. 

“It’s fantastic that the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships has been named Outstanding Sporting Event – the most prestigious recognition of exceptional quality in tourism and events. 

“Glasgow Life was honoured to be able to deliver the 19th edition of the championships with partners including UK Athletics, EventScotland and the Scottish Government, along with Glasgow City Council. A real highlight of this year’s national events calendar, it once again shone a global spotlight on Scotland as the perfect stage for high-profile events.” 

Best Business Event

Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions Annual Conference 2023 at the EICC, Edinburgh 

In June 2023, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) welcomed 450 delegates to the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions’ (ACNAP) Annual Conference. The conference served as a vital platform that brings together cardiovascular nurses, allied professionals, pharmacists and health care scientists in cardiovascular care. The teams collaborated closely to plan and host an engaging, informative, educational conference which showcased the latest achievements and advancements in the field.  

At the EICC, we’re dedicated to hosting impactful business events. ACNAP’s 2023 conference is a brilliant example of how a business event can be a catalyst for positive societal impact, by raising public awareness and driving policy change. We’re really proud to see this legacy work recognised with a Thistle Award.” - Marshall Dallas, EICC Chief Executive

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 1853. Across five floors, visitors enjoy over 100 mind-boggling illusions and interactive exhibits, many unique, designed in-house. There’s a rooftop terrace with breath-taking panoramic views and a live demonstration of the Victorian Camera Obscura. Above all there’s wonder, fun and laughter for all ages.  

“We are very grateful to the judges for this prestigious award 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.” 

Best Luxury Experience

Trump Turnberry, Girvan 

Located on the captivating Ayrshire coast in the west of Scotland and immersed in history, Trump Turnberry has been an iconic landmark on Scotland’s renowned coastline since 1906.  

Home to four Open Championships including the famed "Duel in the Sun", Turnberry is a bucket-list golf and hotel destination.  

“Trump Turnberry is more than a destination; it's an unparalleled luxury experience in iconic surroundings with the very finest of Scottish hospitality at its heart.

The most positively remarked aspect of the Trump Turnberry experience by our guests is the unique blend of location, tradition, impeccable surroundings and our world class amenities, however, it is the passion our team has for delivering unique and outstanding experiences which leaves a deep and lasting impression on our guests and truly sets us apart as a resort.” - Nic Oldham, General Manager at Trump Turnberry

Silver Thistle

Kat Brogan, Mercat Tours

In the words of the judges, Kat represents the "very spirit of the Silver Thistle Award; a leader whose passion, vision, and commitment to excellence has left a lasting impact on Scottish tourism."

Her determination and unshakeable values have been the driving force behind Mercat Tours, now one of Scotland’s leading and most progressive tourism businesses. At the same time, her tireless advocacy for fair labour practices and focus on inclusivity and sustainability are an inspiration.

Under Kat’s stewardship, Mercat Tours has also earned countless accolades, most recently becoming the first BCorp-accredited visitor attraction in the UK.

Her innovations have transformed how tourism supports Edinburgh’s communities, demonstrating that tourism can be a force for positive change and community building.

Her contributions have been pivotal in setting a new standard of excellence for Scotland’s tourism sector.