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Article published 17/03/2025

The Scottish Thistle Awards are back

Get ready to honour the best in Scotland’s tourism and events industry as the Scottish Thistle Awards return for 2025. For over 30 years, these prestigious awards have celebrated the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry, recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who make Scotland a top destination for visitors. 

New for 2025 is our headline sponsor, Abbey - The Destination Experts, part of the Abbey Group. As a leading inbound travel specialist for the UK and Ireland, Abbey - The Destination Experts are the perfect partner to support and amplify the recognition of Scotland’s exceptional tourism offerings. 

Nominations and entries are now open.

Our 2024 national winners together at the National Final in November 2024. 

Key dates for your diary

  • Nominations: 3-31 March 2025
  • Entries open: 17 March 2025
  • Entries close: 28 April 2025
  • Regional finalists announced: July 2025
  • National-only categories announced: August 2025
  • Regional award ceremonies: September - October 2025
  • National award ceremony: November 2025

A big welcome to our new headline sponsor

This year we are pleased to welcome a new headline sponsor,  Abbey - The Destination Experts, part of the Abbey Group. They are a leading collection of inbound tourism specialists to the UK and Ireland. 

For over 45 years, Abbey Group, which includes Abbey – The Destination Experts, Abbey – The Conference Experts, Abbey – The Events Experts and Moloney & Kelly DMC, has been a trusted partner in the travel industry, providing a full range of group and individual travel services across the UK & Ireland to the B2B international travel trade. 

With a commitment to moving towards more responsible travel and as a long time supporter of the Scottish Thistle Awards, Abbey - The Destination Experts share our aim for Scotland to be one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world. 

2024 winners on screen

To kick off the 2025 programme, we launched a brand-new advert on STV on 3 March to help us shine a spotlight on the awards. 

The new 30 second advert hears from previous Scottish Thistle Award winners and will run live on STV as well as on video on-demand during popular shows like This Morning, Coronation Street, and The Chase, reaching TV audiences across Scotland. 

Thistle Awards 2025 nominations now open

Businesses featured in the advert include:

Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge (Best Bar or Pub national winner): The historic coaching inn reopened in February 2023 after major investment. It quickly regained its place at the heart of the village community, delighting 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.

Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay (Best B&B or Guest House Experience national winner): 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.   

Glasgow Science Centre (Climate Action Award national winner): 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.

Watch our new STV advert

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The categories

This year’s programme includes 15 regional categories and three national-only categories, highlighting Scotland’s exceptional people, accommodation, food and drink, outdoor experiences, visitor attractions and events. The national-only categories will spotlight Scotland’s excellence in sporting events, business events, and luxury experiences. 

Responsible tourism remains at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. As well as our dedicated Climate Action Award, every entry will be required to provide evidence on how their businesses addresses key areas of responsible tourism. 

Winners from each of the five regional ceremonies will go on to compete for the national title in their category. 

Take a look at our full list of regional and national-only categories. 

Related links

The Scottish Thistle Awards

For thirty years, these awards have shone a spotlight on the best of the tourism industry. Discover why and how your business should apply for one.