The best tourism businesses in Tayside and Fife have been given gold at the regional Scottish Thistle Awards.
The ceremony in Prestonfield House Hotel Edinburgh highlighted the work of various organisations in Courier Country that are championing tourism.
Among the winners in the Central East and Tayside regional final were Carnegie Library, Newton Farm and The Enchanted Forest.
The Boudingait, in Cupar, was named the best pub in what was the second consecutive year the bar made it to the regional final.
#Tourism talent was recognised last night at the Scottish Thistle Awards regional finals for Central East & #Tayside, and #Lothian & #Borders. Congratulations to all the winners and the many more who were shortlisted #ThistleAwards ?? https://t.co/hG7M6YP2np pic.twitter.com/UAZo2a5Wbf
— VisitScotland News (@VisitScotNews) November 16, 2018
The Perth-based Association for Scotland’s Self Caterers was presented with the Working Together for Tourism Award for their first consumer marketing campaign Paws for a Break.
The winners will get to fly the flag for Courier Country at the national final in Edinburgh in March next year.
This year saw more than 640 entries across Scotland, including well over 1,000 nominations from members of the public.
Lorna Lidderdale, proprietor of The Boundingait, said: “We are overwhelmed at reaching the regional finals for this awards two years in a row and the continued support we have received from our customers. We believe visiting The Boundingait should be a social experience and love what we do to ensure everyone leaves happy and comes back soon.
“We are delighted that our dedication, hard work and vision have been recognised. I am exceptionally proud of the entire Boudingait team. They are pleasure to work with and deserve this accolade.”
Rebecca Brooks, Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel chair, said: “On behalf of the panel, I’d like to congratulate all our regional winners. They are a credit to themselves, their local area and the entire Scottish tourism sector.”
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Ms Brooks, who is also a board member of VisitScotland, added: “Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. These awards let us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry.”
There are five regional ceremonies: Highlands and Islands, Aberdeen City and Shire, West, Central East and Tayside and Lothian.
The West regional final will be held on November 29, but all the other regional finalists are in.
The Central East and Tayside regional final was hosted by STV presenter Jennifer Reoch.
The Courier Country winners are:
Newton Farm Holiday and Tours, Forfar – Most hospitable B&B or guest house and best outdoor experience.
Kirklands Hotel, Kinross —Most hospitable hotel.
Thyme at Errichel Restaurant, Aberfeldy — Best eating experience.
Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers, Perth — Working together for tourism.
June Goodfellow from Taste Perthshire, Perth — Tourism and hospitality hero.
Enchanted Forrest, Pitlochry — Best cultural event or festival.
The Boundingait, Cupar — Best bar or pub.
Wendy Barrie from Scottish Food Guide, Aberdour — Regional ambassador.
Carnegie Library, Dunfermline — Best heritage tourism experience.
