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Host of Courier country tourism and hospitality businesses in awards shortlist

The Enchanted Forest is among the nominees.
The Enchanted Forest is among the nominees.

A host of tourism and hospitality businesses from across Courier country have made the shortlist of this year’s regional Scottish Thistle Awards final.

The Scottish Thistle Awards are billed as Scotland’s premier awards for the tourism industry, and they celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Those who made it to the shortlist include The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth, Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort in Angus and Dark Dundee, who provide a series of tours giving a glimpse into the city’s dark past.

This year saw more than a thousand nominations from members of the public keen to recognise the hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, visitor attractions and individuals who go the extra mile to provide their customers with exceptional service.

The range of categories representing the broad spectrum of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry include best visitor attraction, best eating experience, regional ambassador, regional rising star, best heritage tourism experiences and best outdoor/adventure experience.

Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “We have once again been delighted by this year’s response to the Scottish Thistle Awards. These rewards aim to shine the spotlight on the businesses and individuals who have shown real commitment and dedication to tourism in Scotland.

“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change. The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance for us to celebrate those who work tirelessly to create a destination and customer

“On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all shortlisted entrants and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals.”

The awards are led by a panel of experts from several organisations involved in the Scottish tourism and hospitality sector, and the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Edinburgh’s prestigious Prestonfield House Hotel in November.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance for us to celebrate those who work tirelessly to ensure that all visitors, whether from Scotland or further afield, enjoy a truly memorable time in our country. Good luck to all those shortlisted in the regional final.”

The nominees:

Best Visitor Attraction:

Deanston Distillery – near Doune, Stirling

The Helix – Falkirk

The Engine Shed – Stirling

Most Hospitable Hotel:

Double Tree by Hilton- Queensferry Crossing – North Queensferry

Fornab Castle Hotel and Spa – Pitlochry

Kirklands Hotel – Pitlochry

Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience:

The Rings – Cupar

Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort – Angus

Leny Estate – Callander

Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House:

Errichel House – Aberfeldy

Craigmhor Lodge and Courtyard – Pitlochry

Newton Farm Holiday and Tours – Forfar

Best Eating Experience:

The Black Watch Castle and Museum – Perth

The Real Food Cafe – Tyndrum, Stirling

Thyme at Errichel Restaurant – Aberfeldy

Best Bar/Pub:

The Wine Press – Dundee

The Boudingait – Cupar

The Keys Bar – St Andrews

Regional Ambassador:

Ann Kinnes, The Black Watch Castle and Museum – Perth

Jamie Scott, The Newport Restaurant – Newport on Tay

Wendy Barrie, Scottish Food Guide – Aberdour

Best Outdoor Adventure/Experience:

Go Ape – Aberfoyle

Newton Farm Holiday and Tours – Forfar

Wee Adventures Ltd – Aberfeldy

Working Together for Tourism:

Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers – Perth

Jannettas Gelateria – St Andrews

Trosachs Mobility – Callander

Tourism and Hospitality Hero:

Mark Heirs, Private Chef – Stirling

Owen Hazel, Jannettas Gelateria – St Andrews

June Goodfellow, taste Perthshire – Perth

Innovation and Tourism:

Helicopter Glamping – Mains Farm Wigwams- Stirling

The Engine Shed – Stirling

OOVIRT Ltd – Dundee

Regional Rising Star:

Amy Paton, Falkirk Community Trust – Falkirk

Craig MacDonald, Wee Heroes – Falkirk

Best Cultural Event or Festival:

Enchanted Forest – Pitlochry

Fire and Light – Falkirk

StANZA International Poetry Festival – St Andrews

Best Heritage Tourism Experience:

The Black Watch Castle Museum – Perth

Dark Dundee – Dundee

Fife Cultural Trust – Dunfermline