BUSINESS and individuals working across Scotland’s tourism industry were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony over the weekend.
A number of prizes were dished out at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final, which took place at the Glasgow Hilton on December 1.
The Silver Thistle Award, given to those who have made an “outstanding contribution” to Scottish tourism was awarded to Wilma and David Finlay.
The couple are partners in Rainton Farm in Dumfries and Galloway where they built up a successful food product range and visitor attraction at Cream o’Galloway that they recently retired from and sold.
Elsewhere, the Climate Action Award was picked up by tour operator Wilderness Scotland in Aviemore. It also picked up the Best Outdoor Adventure Experience Award.
The Genesis Scottish Open, which was won by Rory McIlroy earlier this year at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, received the Outstanding Sporting Event award.
Nearby festival Fringe by the Sea was crowned Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival.
Melanie Allen picked up the Tourism Individual of the Year in recognition of her work with Nithbank Country Estate in Dumfries & Galloway alongside her husband John.
The estate was also named winner of the Best B&B or Guest House Experience.
The rest of the winners included:
- Best Luxury Experience – Airhouses (Scottish Borders)
- Best Pub or Bar – The Cross Keys Inn (Ettrickbridge)
- Best Eating Experience – Edinbane Lodge (Isle of Skye)
- Best Hotel Experience Award – Cromlix (Dunblane)
- Inclusive Tourism category – Glasgow Science Centre (Glasgow)
- Innovation in Tourism Award – Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions (Edinburgh)
- Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year – Sea Life (Loch Lomond)
- Best Business Event – World Congress of Soil Science (Scottish Event Campus)
- Celebrating Thriving Communities award – Rediscovering the Antoine Wall Project
