West of Scotland Thistle Awards Winners 2026

The winners of the West of Scotland Thistle Awards were announced last night at the regional awards ceremony at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow. 

On an evening focused on celebrating the success, hard work and achievements of the tourism and events industry, a female-led distillery, unique hot-tub cabins and the world's largest winter music festival celebrating folk, roots and world music were among the winners crowned as regional champions for the 2026 programme.

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Abbey- The Destination Experts, recognise the very best of our industry. They are an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important growth sectors. 

Read on for the winner of each category. 

Winners celebrating at the regional ceremony in Glasgow. Credit: Connor Mollisons/VisitScotland

Best Hotel

Auchrannie Resort

Founded in 1988 Auchrannie is a multi-faceted resort consisting of two hotels, 30 lodges, 14 luxury retreats and a motorhome stopover. The accommodation is complemented by two restaurants and three bars, extensive leisure facilities and a destination spa. Employee-owned since 2017, the resort employs over 170 people and welcomes over 55,000 of the island's visitors annually, playing a large part in the community and tourism infrastructure of the island.

Award sponsored by Fishers

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

Jack's Alt-Stays

Jack’s Alt-Stays is the next generation of accommodation in Scotland created by the Jack cousins. Located on the scenic Isle of Cumbrae, the one-of-a-kind accommodation concept offers eight uniquely themed hot tub cabins, powered by 100% renewable energy. An in-cabin sensory experience, playing upon all five senses, immerses the guest into an alternative reality, for the ultimate island escape.

Best Eating Experience

Souter's Inn

Located in the heart of the community, this beloved venue is renowned for its warm atmosphere, exceptional local produce, and a menu that celebrates traditional flavours. Whether you’re enjoying a casual drink in the vibrant bar or savouring a delicious meal in our cozy dining spaces, Souter’s Inn offers an authentic experience for every visitor. 

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Celtic Connections

Established in 1994, Celtic Connections has grown significantly in scale and reputation over more than three decades to become the world's largest winter music festival of its kind and Europe's premier celebration of folk, roots and world music. Taking place in January each year, the acclaimed diverse and inclusive international festival stages over 300 events in 25 venues across the city, with performances ranging from large 4,000 capacity arena venues to intimate spaces for 40 attendees.

Award sponsored by STV

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

Auchrannie Resort

Founded in 1988, Auchrannie is a multi-faceted resort consisting of two hotels, 30 lodges, 14 luxury retreats and a motorhome stopover. The accommodation is complemented by two restaurants and three bars, extensive leisure facilities and a destination spa. Employee-owned since 2017, the resort employs over 170 people and welcomes over 55,000 of the island's visitors annually, playing a large part in the community and tourism infrastructure of the island.

Best Bar or Pub

The Corrie Hotel

The Corrie Hotel has been welcoming guests for more than 175 years and is owned by Rodger and Andy. As villagers themselves, they're passionate about bringing people together, being the beating heart of our community and treating their team fairly. They give over a quarter of annual profits to Island charities – and love small and local suppliers, for their draught, meat, fish and dairy products and much more. 

Award sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association

Climate Action Award

Jack's Alt-Stays

"We’re beyond buzzing! It’s a huge privilege to be placed alongside the very best and most prestigious tourism businesses in the region. We’d like to dedicate these awards to our Granda Jack, who was so incredibly proud of the family business we created!"

Award sponsored by Historic Scotland

Best Community Tourism or Events Initiative

Jackton Distillery

Jackton Distillery is an independent, family-run, female-led Lowland distillery. With the launch of its inaugural Single Malt in 2026, Jackton enters an exciting new chapter while remaining firmly rooted in its local community. Every tour, event and dram reflects a simple ambition: to create memorable experiences that encourage more people to discover and enjoy Scotch whisky.

Award sponsored by The Scottish Sun

Innovation Award

Highlands2Hammocks

Highlands2Hammocks is a Scottish travel business built entirely on social media, turning a personal travel account into a £1.1 million enterprise. Founded by Gemma and Campbell Kerr, who left careers in engineering and nursing to follow their passion for adventure, the business operates three interconnected brands: Highlands2Hammocks, a content platform with 177,000 followers; Destination Earth Guides, a road trip publishing house with over 107,000 products sold; and Scotland Escape, a campervan rental business. 

Award sponsored by The Times Scotland

Employer of the Year

Auchrannie Resort

"We’re absolutely thrilled to have won a VisitScotland Regional Thistle Award. 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 truly recognises that."

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Gallus Pedals

Gallus Pedals is a Glasgow-based outdoor experience business delivering story-led bike and e-bike tours, complemented by walking, food and drink, and combination tours. Founded in 2021, their vision is to create the highlight of every guest’s trip to Glasgow and Scotland. We showcase Glasgow’s people, places, humour, history and culture through active, sustainable and memorable tours rooted in genuine local connection.

Award sponsored by GetYourGuide

Best Visitor Attraction

Jackton Distillery

"To be recognised by VisitScotland means a great deal to our whole team. Every member of the Jackton family works incredibly hard to create a genuine welcome for our guests and to play a positive role in our local community. We're proud to see that recognised alongside so many inspiring Scottish tourism businesses."

Rising Star

Jordan Gorman, Scotland Card Show

Jordan is the founder of The Scotland Card Show, Scotland's first and largest trading card convention. Starting with just a £300 budget, Jordan has grown the event into one of the UK & Europe’s leading trading card conventions, welcoming over 10,000 attendees and attracting global brands. His passion is creating community-driven events that bring together trading card, anime and sports fans while putting Scotland on the map.

Award sponsored by HIT Scotland

Individual of the Year

Graham Urquhart, The Scotsman Group

Graham Urquhart, Director of Sales for Scotsman Group. Graham is responsible for driving commercial growth and leading sales activity across the group’s portfolio of hospitality venues and experiences in Scotland. Within his current role, Graham is also involved in supporting major commercial initiatives for the business, including large-scale events and partnerships across the group’s venues, including this summer's Commonwealth Games.