West of Scotland Thistle winners announced

Tourism and events businesses celebrated yesterday evening (25 September) as the winners of the West of Scotland Thistle Awards were announced at a ceremony at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow.  

Businesses representing accommodation, food and drink, events, visitor attractions, agritourism and adventure tourism attended the ceremony to find out who would be taking home the regional trophies for 2025. 

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 excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.    

Read on for the winners. 

Image: The winners from West of Scotland Thistle Awards 2025. Credit: Connor Mollison

Best Eating Experience

Elements 

“It’s a real honour and a reflection of the hard work from our passionate team and the incredible local producers we work with. To be recognised amongst so many incredible Scottish businesses is truly an honour – and we are so proud.” 

Best Bar or Pub

The Piper Whisky Bar 

“We are so delighted to win this fantastic award, during such challenging times in the industry this makes all the hard work and efforts from the full team worthwhile. We aim to create a Scottish experience for all of those who visit the bar, locals and tourists alike.” 

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

South Ayrshire Council – The International Ayr Show, Festival of Flight 

“We’re very proud of the success of our airshow. This was the largest free public event in Scotland and the only airshow in the country, putting South Ayrshire on the map as a destination for aviation lovers and tourists alike.” 

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Celtic Connections 

“Since its first ‘Thistles’ win nearly two decades ago, the festival’s continued commitment to ensuring its audiences enjoy fantastic, memorable experiences has resulted in Celtic Connections remaining an award-winning event ever since.” 

Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay

The Bonnie Barns at Lennox of Lomond 

“A huge thank you to my husband Dougie who hand build our Barns, Thanks to our families who have helped us on this journey and to our hard-working team. Most of all we must thank Sarah our manager, who looks after the place as if it was her own.” 

Best Hotel Experience

Cameron House on Loch Lomond 

“This recognition is a testament to our talented team’s passion for excellence and dedication to creating extraordinary moments for our guests. Every detail of our guest experience is crafted with care, and this award inspires us to continue delivering unforgettable stays.” 

Best Visitor Attraction

The Tall Ship Glenlee 

“This recognition is a tribute to our amazing team and the community who support The Tall Ship Glenlee. We’re proud to celebrate Scotland’s maritime heritage and will continue creating unforgettable experiences for all who come aboard.”  

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Bellevue Farm, Arran Tours and Experiences 

“Our team works incredibly hard to make sure that every visitor, whatever their age, enjoys the very best that our farm offers and leaves knowing a little more about life on a working Island Farm. We are thrilled that our efforts have been recognised as something special.” 

Inclusion Award

DF Concerts & Events – TRNSMT Festival

“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.” 

Cimate Action Award

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum 

“As the birthplace of Robert Burns, whose work celebrates Scotland’s natural beauty, we are proud to carry forward his legacy by actively protecting our environment for future generations. This award is a testament to the hard work of our team in embedding sustainability into everything we do.”  

Employer of the Year

Auchrannie Resort 

“This honour reflects the dedication, passion, and spirit of the amazing team at Auchrannie. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and this award very much recognises that.” 

Innovation Award

Glasgow Life Museums 

“Creating high-quality museum experiences for our visitors, while generating vital income to support our buildings, collections and communities, is at the heart of what we do. Being recognised by Visit Scotland for that work is a real honour and shows how culture can thrive through sustainable, values-led tourism.”  

Rising Star Award

Mae MacInnes, Mharsanta 

“From starting out in hospitality with a little weekend job at 13, my passion for the industry continues to grow each day. From Derek & Sophie, to the whole team at Mharsanta - I have been so fortunate to learn from & work alongside individuals who continue to inspire me everyday.” 

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!”