Host of our businesses gain tourist awards nod
Three well-known Perthshire landmarks are set to battle it out in the hope of winning a top tourism award.
The Scottish Crannog Centre near Kenmore, SSE’s Pitlochry Dam, and the Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth have all been shortlisted for the Historic Environment Scotland best heritage tourism experience at the upcoming Scottish Thistle Awards.
A total of 24 businesses, individuals and events from Perth and Kinross have been shortlisted for a number of awards in the Central, Fife and Tayside regional final. This year, the silver anniversary of the awards, saw a record-breaking 734 entries from members of the public.
Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “These awards aim to find the creme de la creme of Scotland’s tourism industry, to recognise the shining lights who have shown real commitment and dedication to the industry.
“From the sheer volume and calibre of entries, it is clear that this year’s competition will be the fiercest yet and on behalf of the panel I’d like to congratulate all the shortlisted entrants and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals.”
Also vying to win at the awards is Errichel Farm in Aberfeldy, shortlisted for best accommodation, and the Enchanted Forest – which is currently ongoing near Pitlochry – for the Caledonia Macbrayne best cultural event or festival award.
For best informal eating experience both the Black Watch Museum’s Copper Beech cafe and Heaven Scent in Milnathort are shortlisted, with Nae Limits in Ballinluig up for best outdoor or adventure experience.
Highland Perthshire is again in the spotlight for the Fishers most hospitable hotel award – with the East Haugh House Hotel and Knockendarroch Hotel, both in Pitlochry, and Moor of Rannoch named as finalists.
For most hospitable B&B or guest house, Ballintaggart Farm in Grandtully, Derrybeg B&B in Pitlochry and Errichel Farm will look to win the award.
Dewars Distillery in Aberfeldy and the Black Watch Castle and Museum have been nominated for the ScotRail best visitor attraction, and Comrie Centre The Crannog Croft will look to win the working together for tourism award.
The team at Errichel Farm in Aberfeldy and Jane Goodfellow from Taste Perthshire will also hope to win the tourism and hospitality hero title.
In the sporting event category, the only local shortlisted finalist is the Blair International Horse Trails.
Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland’s regional partnerships director, congratulated the nominees and said: “Perth and Kinross is renowned for its sterling tourism offering and with 24 shortlisted finalists it’s clear the region is leading the charge when it comes to excellence.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. 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 experience.
“I wish all the Perthshire businesses and events shortlisted the best of luck in the regional final.”
The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh on November 23.