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Article published 08/07/2025

Today (8 July), we are announcing the shortlists for the Scottish Thistle Awards for the Central & East and West of Scotland regional finals.

Regional partners have also announced the shortlists for the:

Top tourism and events businesses and individuals from across the country are in the running to be crowned regional winners at ceremonies taking place from September.

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

Dancing at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2024. Credit: Connor Mollison/VisitScotland

The shortlists

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, there are 15 regional categories, celebrating the very best of Scotland’s people, accommodation sector, food and drink, outdoor experiences, visitor attractions and events. The regional award ceremonies will take place in September and October before the regional winners go through to battle it out for a national accolade at the national final in November. 

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 and The Scottish Sun and The Times Scotland. 

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