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Article published 18/08/2025

National-only category shortlist

Today (18 August), we are announcing the shortlists for the national-only categories for the Scottish Thistle Awards 2025.  

The winners of these categories will be announced at the National Final ceremony this November after the regional finals have taken place.  

The three national-only categories are Best Business Event, Best Luxury Experience and Outstanding Sporting Event, celebrating businesses and events at the top of their game, delivering exceptional visitor experiences and unforgettable events. 

Congratulations to everyone on the shortlist and in the running to win a coveted Scottish Thistle Award, joining a prestigious list of previous winners. 

Thistle awards guest clapping

The shortlist

 

Best Luxury Experience finalists 

  • Johnstons of Elgin, Moray 

  • Knockinaam Lodge, Dumfries & Galloway 

  • House of Bruar, Perth & Kinross 

  • Trump Turnberry, South Ayrshire 
     

Outstanding Sporting Event finalists 

  • The Gralloch (Red on Sports) in Dumfries and Galloway 

  • Tour of Britain, Scottish Borders Leg 

  • World Orienteering Championships 2024, Edinburgh 

 

Best Business Event finalists 

  • Scottish Event Campus for their delivery of the 92nd Interpol General Assembly 

  • The EICC for their delivery of the 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 

  • BSI Group for their delivery of the IEC General Meeting 

About the Scottish Thistle Awards 

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have showcased 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. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.  

Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.  

This year’s sponsors of the Scottish Thistle Awards include headline sponsor, Abbey – The Destination Experts, and Fishers, STV, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Historic Scotland, News Scotland.  

people celebrate at the awards

Regional shortlists 

There are 15 regional categories being awarded at five regional ceremonies across the country this autumn. The winners at each of these ceremonies will then go on to compete for the national trophy at the ceremony in November. 

Find out which businesses, events and individuals are in the running for regional awards. 

View the regional shortlists