Celebrating success at the Scottish Thistle Awards

Last night (20 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 Abbey: The Destination Experts 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...

Winners of the 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards

Best B&B or Guest House Experience

Ardtorna, Oban 

"Ardtorna is truly honoured to have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation, VisitScotland. The continual high levels of service and quality provided to all guests is testament to the success of this outstanding 5-star property, that strives to be at the pinnacle of the industry at all times, always looking to innovative and set a benchmark of excellence.” 

Best Bar or Pub

The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge, Scottish Borders

“To be recognised at a national level for the third year running is incredibly special for our whole team, who work tirelessly to keep our passion for quality, community, and amazing hospitality at the heart of everything we do.

We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together and so grateful to our wonderful team, loyal guests, and local community — we couldn’t do it without you.”

Sponsored by Scottish Licensed Trade Association

Best Business Event

The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 at EICC

“IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh embodied the EICC’s vision of inspiring ideas that change the world, proving that business events can deliver impact well beyond the conference floor. This recognition underlines the transformative role of business events in shaping healthier, stronger futures.” 

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

Solsgirth Home Farm, near Dollar, Clackmannanshire

"Thank you for this incredible honour! This is a testament to our amazing team at Solsgirth Home Farm; thank you to them, to our supportive friends, family, and local community. 

We are so grateful to VisitScotland for their support to businesses like ours. A special mention to our fellow nominees and finalists whose businesses we admire.” 

Sponsored by The Scottish Sun

Best Eating Experience

Ninth Wave Restaurant, Isle of Mull 

Located on the wild moors of Mull, Ninth Wave is an innovative restaurant run by owners Carla and John Lamont, serving seafood fresh from their own boat, organic island meats and unique produce from their Highland croft garden. 

Best Hotel Experience

Kildrummy Inn, Alford, Aberdeenshire

“For a small, rural inn like ours to win at the Thistle Awards shows the strength and ambition within Scotland’s hospitality industry. Competing alongside such outstanding hotels highlights that visitors value authentic, personal experiences as much as scale or profile — and that’s a powerful message for rural tourism.” 

Sponsored by Fishers 

Best Luxury Experience

Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway

“Winning Best Luxury Experience at the Scottish Thistle Awards is a recognition of the commitment and professionalism of our entire team. Every member of staff works hard to deliver exceptional service and memorable stays, and this award highlights their dedication to maintaining the highest standards.” 

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Newton Farm Holiday & Tours, near Forfar, Angus

“Winning the national award for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience is an incredible honour. Every experience at Newton Farm Holidays & Tours shares our authentic farming life, creating unforgettable memories while connecting visitors to rural Scotland. We’re so grateful to VisitScotland, our amazing team, and the visitors who make this possible.” 

Sponsored by GetYourGuide

Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay

Loch Ken Eco Bothies, near Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway

“We are thrilled to have been able to represent the South of Scotland for this award. There are so many unique and fabulous places to stay in Scotland and we are so proud to have been able to fly the flag for our wonderful part of the world.” 

Best Visitor Attraction

Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie 

“Being named best visitor attraction is a huge achievement and reflects the dedication and passion of our teams to save wildlife and connect people with nature. Our natural world needs us all more than ever, which is why it is so important to provide our visitor and members with an exceptional visitor experience.” 

Sponsored by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises

Climate Action Award

Edinburgh Zoo 

“Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife. It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award, including the installation of our new solar meadow.” 

Sponsored by Historic Scotland

Employer of the Year

The Torridon, Annat, Highlands

"We are delighted to be recognised as Employer of the Year and this award is testament to the dedication and hard work of our outstanding team who show an unwavering commitment to delivering world leading hospitality at The Torridon.” 

Inclusion Award

DF Concerts & Events - TRNSMT Festival 

“We’re honoured to receive the Inclusion Award. This recognition celebrates the incredible effort of our dedicated team and wider stakeholder network, whose shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion helps us create truly welcoming and inclusive live music experiences for all.” 

Sponsored by AccessAble

Individual of the Year

Sheila Gilmore – VisitArran 

“I am overwhelmed to be nominated, let alone win. It is such an honour to be considered alongside such respected professionals. To win the Tourism Individual of the Year is not just for me, but for all my Arran colleagues too - I am absolutely over the moon!” 

Innovation Award

Trimontium Museum, Melrose, Scottish Borders

“The use of the latest technological developments such virtual reality & augmented reality twinned with high-definition film, imaging and digital models is at the heart of the work at Trimontium. These new technologies facilitate greater access and understanding of Scotland’s rich history and unique heritage.” 

Sponsored by The Times

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Edinburgh International Book Festival 

“We’re honoured to be recognised for our work bringing authors and audiences together through a shared love of books, ideas, and conversation. This nomination is a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment of our team and the many brilliant partners we collaborate with across Scotland and beyond.” 

Sponsored by STV

Outstanding Sporting Event

Tour of Britain – Scottish Borders 

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Scottish Borders stage of the Tour of Britain recognised at the Thistle Awards. This honour celebrates the dedication of our communities, partners, and volunteers-and reinforces the region’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for cycling, events, and unforgettable visitor experiences.” 

Rising Star Award

Hugh Mackay – Highland Experience Tours 

“As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.” 

Sponsored by HIT Scotland

Silver Thistle Award

Marina Huggett – Achnagairn Castle & Tourism Excellency Consultant  

Under Marina’s leadership, Achnagairn Highland Estate has become a globally recognised luxury events venue. Through her consultancy firm, she has helped shape resilient, quality-driven businesses. And with her work with HIT Scotland, Visit Inverness Loch Ness, and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, she has helped define the qualities we now associate with Scottish tourism: equality, excellence, and a deep respect for people and place.