We would bet big money no one knows the answer to this question. What do Nessie, the Romans, a four-time Open venue, Loch Fyne and one of Scotland’s gnarliest mountain biking trails have in common?
The answer? They’re each connected to winners at last year’s Scottish Thistle Awards final. First staged in 1992, the awards recognise the best in an industry worth £10.8 billion in visitor spend, with tourism alone accounting for one in every 11 Scottish jobs.
The winners will be announced in November, but nominations are open now for 18 categories celebrating innovation, collaboration and sustainability, from best visitor attraction to best bar or pub.
So, if you know any businesses you think really go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience, get nominating now. Or if you think your own business deserves a gong, you can enter yourself from March 17 until April 28.
Run by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, this year’s awards introduce a new main sponsor, Abbey — The Destination Experts, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK and Ireland.
Behind the glitz and glamour of the Scottish Thistle Awards lie diverse stories of innovation, talent and plain old hard work. Here, some of 2024’s winners share the secrets to their success.
Loch Ness Hub, Drumnadrochit
“What’s our secret?” asks Russell Fraser, whose travel hub in Drumnadrochit won the award for innovation in tourism. “Genuine connections,” he says. Fraser, who also won tourism person of the year, and whose hub offers a host of eco-friendly travel options, including ebike hire, says his team is made up of locals “who live and breathe community, sharing real stories, insider tips and a deep love for the area. Passion drives everything we do. We try to make sure visitors don’t just see Loch Ness — they experience it too.”
Details lochnesstravel.com
Kabn on Loch Fyne says the accommodation’s connection to nature was behind its win
Kabn, Cairndow
Kabn’s two minimalist off-grid eco-cabins right on Loch Fyne won the best self-catering or unique stay award — and it was fully deserved, Kitty Finstad, who reviewed Kabn for Alba in 2023, says. “This is a back-to-basics experience where the basics are all premium,” she said. Kabn’s co-founder Amber Pledge talks of the “deep connection to nature … every detail from design to amenities feels intentional and enhances the sense of place”. Private boat trips and dinner in a Victorian greenhouse can be arranged.
Details Two nights’ self-catering for two from £510, kabncompany.com
• Loch Fyne Retreats review — an hour from Glasgow, a million miles from anywhere
Nevis Range’s mountain biking trails come with sweeping views of Loch Eil
ALAMY
Nevis Range, near Fort William
“The Range” is Scotland’s answer to Queenstown in New Zealand, a one-stop shop for biking, hiking and skiing. Its managing director, Chris O’Brien, reckons the memories visitors forge here are what sets the business apart. “Visitors need to leave with a story to tell,” he says. With the UK’s only gondola, 33 ski routes and more than 35 miles of cycling trails for all abilities including the longest lift-accessed blue trail in Britain, it’s no wonder it won best outdoor or adventure experience.
Details nevisrange.co.uk
• Nevis Blue Doon — a terrific mountain biking trail
Trump Turnberry, which won best luxury experience, is about more than golf, with a spa, riding school, falconry and clay pigeon shooting
Trump Turnberry, near Maybole
A baroque fountain out front hints at the opulence inside this North Ayrshire landmark, but its general manager, Nic Oldham, insists lavish interiors aren’t the only reason it won best luxury experience. “Personalised touches and authentic connections with guests are the key, whether it’s remembering a guest’s preferred morning tea or arranging a surprise birthday celebration.” It’s not all golf here either: away from the Ailsa, stage of four Open golf championships, the hotel has an Ishga spa, riding school, falconry and clay pigeon shooting.
Details B&B doubles from £319, turnberry.co.uk
The Trimontium Museum won the inclusive tourism award
Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Located right by the remains of one of the largest Roman forts north of Hadrian’s Wall, this unique, immersive museum, which won the inclusive tourism award, really brings Roman history to life. Rob Longworth, heritage manager, credits its new Heritage and Landscape Observatory buildings for its success, along with its enthusiastic team of volunteers. “From the person on the front desk to our guides and archaeologists, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
Details From £4, trimontium.co.uk
To find out more and nominate your 2025 tourism hero visit scottishthistleawards.co.uk