Hannah Cochrane, Sales and Business Development Manager at the SEC, Glasgow was the inaugural winner of the Rising Star Award at our Scottish Thistle Awards in 2024.
Hannah recently completed the HIT Scotland Scholarship programme, a prize gifted to recipients of the award.
We caught up with Hannah to hear how she got on with the scholarship and what advice she has for our 2025 recipient.
Hannah accepting the award onstage.
Winning the Rising Star award meant everything. I was equally delighted to receive a scholarship with HIT Scotland, who offer incredible developmental opportunities for the industry.
It acknowledged the hard work, energy and commitment I have poured into the industry from a young age and gave me a renewed sense of confidence in the path I am on. It was also incredibly humbling to be in a category alongside so many deserving peers.
More than anything, this experience has inspired me to keep growing, to champion others coming into the sector, and to continue to say yes to opportunities, even when they seem daunting.
Hannah with her Scottish Thistle Award at the 2024 ceremony.
My HIT Scotland scholarship was, in one word, transformative. As part of the Women in Tourism programme with We Are Extraordinary training, I was surrounded by inspiring women from across the industry, and that environment alone was incredibly energising.
Over nine months, I took part in workshops, leadership sessions and conversations that pushed me to think bigger about my role and the impact I can make. It also gave me valuable space to reflect, which is not always easy in such a fast-paced industry.
What I took away was a mix of practical leadership tools and a renewed sense of confidence. I gained a clearer understanding of my strengths, how to use them intentionally, and left with a stronger voice and vision for the professional I want to be.
Both the award and the scholarship have shaped how I show up in my role at the SEC. The scholarship gave me a leadership toolkit I use every day, whether I’m managing relationships, supporting colleagues, or thinking strategically about how we represent the SEC and Glasgow on a wider stage.
The Rising Star award has also opened doors, creating new connections and giving me opportunities to share my journey. I’ve been able to speak with fantastic educational organisations, including the University of the West of Scotland and Skills Development Scotland, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of talent. That’s hugely important to me. I want to lead by example, spotlighting the incredible opportunities that exist within hospitality, tourism and events.
Being on the judging panel for this year’s Rising Star award was a genuine privilege. It felt very full circle. One year I was standing on that stage, and the next I was helping to choose someone else who deserved that moment.
Reading all the submissions was incredibly inspiring. The passion, creativity and talent across Scottish tourism is genuinely impressive. I took the responsibility very seriously because I know how meaningful this recognition can be for someone’s career. Every applicant demonstrated outstanding dedication and innovation, and it was inspiring to see so many people making a real impact and pushing the industry forward. It left me feeling really proud of my contribution.
Hannah with Alyson Gray, HIT Scholarship Manager at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2025
Absolutely - enjoy every second of it! Winning Rising Star is more than an award; it’s a launchpad. Use the year ahead to say “yes” to opportunities, to connect with people, and to back yourself even when you feel out of your depth.
And most importantly, celebrate the moment and let it fuel you.