THISTLE BE A WINNER! Entries open for the 30th Scottish Thistle Awards
The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as entries open for the 30th Scottish Thistles Awards.
Last year, seven agritourism businesses made it to the final stages of the competition, across categories such as Best Eating Experience, Best Outdoor and Adventure Experience and Innovation in Tourism.
Regional winners included Newton Farm Holidays & Tours in Forfar, Drift in North Berwick, Lindores Stay, Ride, Relax in Newburgh, Fife, Kitchen Coos & Ewes in Newton Stewart, Dalscone Farm Fun in Dumfries, and Aberdeenshire’s Down on The Farm.
At the national final in Glasgow in December, Airhouses in the Scottish Borders emerged as winner of the Best Luxury Experience award.
For over 30 years, 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 combine five regional awards and a national final.
2023 saw more than 600 entries submitted, including almost 1200 nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, agritourism businesses, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve in the part they play in making Scotland such a fantastic place to visit.
Entries to the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, close on 28 April. The deadline for nominations is 31 March
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Director of Marketing and Digital said: “The success of several agritourism businesses at last year’s awards demonstrates the ongoing popularity of the sector, which has become a growing travel trend for visitors both in the UK and overseas.
“It was fantastic to see so many businesses receiving recognition as among the best in the country, helping make Scotland a better place to live and visit.
“In recent years, visitors from all walks of life have really embraced agritourism and are actively seeking out authentic rural experiences. As custodians of our countryside, real working farms are a vital part of Scotland’s story.”
“With entries to the 30th Scottish Thistle Awards now open, I hope even more agritourism businesses will take part to show the strength and excellence of this growing sector.”
Laura Paterson of Scottish Agritourism, added: “The Scottish Thistle Awards are a brilliant opportunity to shine a light on the diversity of Scotland’s agritourism sector and its wonderful businesses and people. They offer real prestige and recognition for winners and shortlisted businesses alike. Several Scottish Agritourism member businesses have enjoyed the accolade of Scottish Thistle Award winner in recent years and we hope to see many more in 2024!”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all 17 categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
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 enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk