Local industry champions celebrate Scottish Thistle Awards honour

Businesses are celebrating after winning at the Regional Scottish Thistle Awards this month recognising success, excellence and quality across the Scottish tourism industry. The regional format of the awards celebrates the exceptional efforts made by tourism businesses throughout Scotland.

The Scottish Thistle Awards is led by a panel of industry experts from several organisations including VisitScotland, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

In 2014, 670 businesses were nominated, 555 businesses entered the regional heats and there will be up to 48 finalists competing for 12 awards at the national final. Winners will now progress to the glittering national final of the Scottish Thistles Awards in Glasgow on 5 March 2015, the closing night of Scottish Tourism Week, where they will go head to head with the finalists from the other three regional ceremonies.

Congratulations to Chamber members The Hideaway experience who are winners of the North East and Tayside Best Holiday Accomodation Award. For full list of local winners please see below.

North East and Tayside winners
Final held on 11 November at Perth Race Course

• Fishers Services Most Hospitable Hotel Award Crieff Hydro, Crieff

• Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House Award Craigatin House and Courtyard, Pitlochry

• Best Holiday Accommodation Award The Hideaway Experience, Angus

• Best Informal Dining Experience Award Hornblowers Restaurant and Takeaway, Gourdon

• Auchentoshan Distillery and Visitor Centre - Best Restaurant Experience Award Barley Bree Restaurant with Rooms, Crieff

• Friendliest Pub / Bar Award Cheers Café Bar & Tavern, Fraserburgh

• ScotRail - Best Event or Festival Award The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire

• Forestry Commission Scotland - Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience Award Comrie Croft, Crieff

• Our Warmest Welcome Award Loch Leven\'s Larder, Kinross

• J. Thomson Colour Printers - Best Visitor Attraction Award Blair Castle, Pitlochry