The Highlands took centre stage at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards last night as local businesses, innovators and hospitality leaders were celebrated for their outstanding contribution to the visitor economy.
Nineteen winners were recognised at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final held at the Hilton Glasgow on twenty November, marking another strong showing for the Highlands on one of the industry’s biggest nights.
Among them was Marina Huggett who received the prestigious Silver Thistle Award in recognition of her decades of commitment to improving visitor and staff experiences across Scotland.
Her career has taken her from frontline hospitality to national leadership and consultancy, supporting hundreds of businesses with a focus on excellence, sustainability and collaboration and influencing strategy far beyond the Highlands.
The finalists from the Highland and Islands Thistle Awards returned to compete against the best of the other regions, earning national recognition for innovation, quality and impact.
The Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey The Destination Experts, have showcased excellence for more than thirty years and are widely regarded as an essential platform for celebrating the people and partnerships that shape Scotland’s visitor economy.
Past winners often credit their success with boosting enquiries, inspiring staff and opening new opportunities.
The awards are delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional programmes, combining five regional finals with a national ceremony.
Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie was named Best Visitor Experience sponsored by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises.
The park has earned a reputation for combining conservation with education, offering visitors memorable encounters with rare and endangered species in the heart of the Cairngorms.
Judges praised the park for delivering an inspiring experience supported by innovative facilities, strong community engagement and a clear commitment to sustainability and environmental impact.
Deputy Chief Executive Ben Supple said:
“Being named best visitor attraction is a huge achievement and reflects the dedication and passion of our teams to save wildlife and connect people with nature.
Our natural world needs us all more than ever, which is why it is so important to provide our visitor and members with an exceptional visitor experience.”
The Torridon near Annat was named Employer of the Year.
The five star hotel blends Victorian character with modern comfort, offering luxury rooms, fine dining at the 1887 restaurant and a range of outdoor activities across its fifty eight acre estate.
Judges highlighted its strong employee focus, extensive on site training and thoughtful engagement with staff living and working in a remote rural location.
Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead paid tribute to all those honoured and described the awards as a celebration of everything Scotland’s visitor economy stands for.
He said:
“The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate all that Scotland’s rich and varied visitor economy has to offer, and I congratulate the finalists and winners, who have shown the quality and excellence visitors can expect when they come to our shores.
“The enthusiasm and dedication of those honoured tonight is helping us reach our ambition of making Scotland a world leader in 21st century tourism, and I thank them all for their contribution.
“Marina Huggett has been a driving force in shaping the hospitality and tourism industry in the Highlands, and her influence now stretches across Scotland.
“It was a pleasure to present her with the Silver Thistle Award.”
VisitScotland Destination Development Director Chris Taylor echoed the praise and highlighted the region’s strong performance this year.
He said:
“Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.
“The strong showing from the Highlands is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found throughout the region’s tourism sector.
“It is particularly rewarding to see the Silver Thistle awarded to Marina Huggett, who has been so important to tourism here in the Highlands and beyond.
“Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland.
“These awards play a vital role in celebrating the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”
Responsible tourism remains central to the awards with all entrants required to demonstrate best practice in low carbon operations, inclusivity, thriving communities and the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
This year’s national final was hosted by presenter Jennifer Reoch and delivered by VisitScotland alongside headline sponsor Abbey The Destination Experts and supporters including AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
