The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) is proud to have supported the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final, which took place on Thursday 9 February at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The awards, delivered by VisitScotland and sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the best of Scotland’s hospitality, tourism, and events sector.
The Scottish Thistle Awards support the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030, by championing innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Every entry was required to provide evidence on how their business addresses low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities, and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
The SLTA was proud to sponsor the Best Bar or Pub award, which was presented by Honorary SLTA President Marshall Bain to MacGregor’s Bar. The bar’s owners, Bruce MacGregor and Jo De Sylva, were praised by the judges for their collaboration with catering and events companies during the challenging period and for creating a virtual online show, “Live at 5”, which attracted audiences around the world.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered in partnership with the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards and the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards and are supported by a panel of industry representatives. For more information, please visit the Scottish Thistle Awards website.
| Category | Winner |
| Silver Thistle | Calum RossLoch Melfort Hotel, Oban |
| Best B&B or Guest House Experience Sponsored by Abbey UK | Lys-Na-Greyne Aboyne |
| Best Bar or Pub Sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association | MacGregor’s BarInverness |
| Best Eatery Experience | WeeCOOK Kitchen Carnoustie |
| Best Hotel Experience (Over 20 rooms) Sponsored by Fishers | Auchrannie ResortIsle of Arran |
| Best Hotel Experience (Under 20 Rooms) | Douneside House Aboyne |
| Best Outdoor Adventure Experience | Wild Discovery Ballater |
| Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience | Morton of Pitmilly St Andrews |
| Great Day Out Award (voted for by the readers of the Scottish Sun) | The Helix; Home of the Kelpies Falkirk |
| Food Tourism Award Sponsored by J Thomson Colour Printers | Thyme Deli & Bistro at Errichel Farm Aberfeldy |
| Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival | Edinburgh International Festival |
| Tourism & Hospitality Hero Sponsored by HIT Scotland | Graham Rooney, Platform 1864 Tain |
| Working Together for Tourism Sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland | A Taste to Gaia Edinburgh Science |
| Best Business Event | Scottish Event Campus (SEC) |
| Best Luxury Experience Sponsored by The Macallan | Glenmorangie House Tain |
| Outstanding Sporting Event | The 150th Open St Andrews |
| Responsible Tourism Award Sponsored by The Times | Comrie Croft Crieff |
Image Credit © Chris Watt