Fife businesses win big at Thistle tourism awards.

CEREMONY: Winners make it through to final of Scottish Thistle Awards in capital next year

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.

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.

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 Boudingait, 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 Boudingait should be a social experience and love what we do to ensure everyone leaves happy and comes back soon.

“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 chairwoman, 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.”

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 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.

The Enchanted Forrest, Pitlochry – Best cultural event or festival.

The Boudingait, Cupar – Best bar or pub.

Wendy Barrie from Scottish Food Guide, Aberdour – Regional ambassador.

Carnegie Library, Dunfermline – Best heritage tourism experience.

“These awards let us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry. REBECCA BROOKS

Picture: Chris Watt. Some of the winners at the regional awards ceremony in Edinburgh.