NEWS

PUBLISHED 21ST SEPTEMBER 2026

Tourism businesses, events and individuals from across Edinburgh, Fife, Perthshire, Angus and Midlothian have been recognised at the 2026 Central and East Scottish Thistle Awards, celebrating the people and organisations helping to create memorable visitor experiences across the region.

Held at Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms, the awards recognised excellence across Scotland's tourism and events industry, honouring businesses that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, inclusion and outstanding customer service. Regional winners will now go on to represent Central and East Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards final in November.

Delivered by VisitScotland with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts, part of the Abbey Group, the Scottish Thistle Awards have championed excellence in tourism for more than 30 years, recognising businesses, events and individuals helping to shape Scotland's reputation as a world-class destination.

Among those recognised were some of Scotland's most celebrated attractions, events and hospitality businesses. Winners included the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and Perthshire's much-loved Enchanted Forest.

Edinburgh's tourism excellence recognised

The capital enjoyed a successful evening, reflecting its status as one of Scotland's leading visitor destinations. Boutique hotel 28 York Place won both Employer of the Year and Best Accommodation or Unique Stay, while Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was named Best Hotel, sponsored by Fishers. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions collected the award for Best Visitor Attraction and Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience won Best Eating Experience.

Edinburgh's internationally renowned events sector was also recognised. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was named Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV while the Edinburgh International Festival received the Climate Action Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland. Edinburgh Zoo secured the Inclusion Award, sponsored by AccessAble and cycling tourism business A Wee Pedal was recognised as Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, sponsored by GetYourGuide.

Celebrating success across Fife, Perthshire, Angus and Midlothian

The awards also showcased the breadth and strength of tourism businesses across the wider Central and East region. In Fife, Heather Roberto of Osteria Restaurant in Cupar was named Individual of the Year in recognition of her contribution to customer service and her local community.

Perthshire enjoyed success with Enchanted Forest winning Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative, sponsored by The Scottish Sun, during its 25th anniversary year. Straloch Highland Retreats, near Pitlochry, was recognised in the Best Self-Catering and Exclusive Use category.

In Angus, Newton Farm Holidays and Tours received the Innovation Award, sponsored by The Times Scotland, for its inclusive agritourism experiences, helping visitors connect with farming, food production and the natural environment.

Meanwhile, Midlothian's Original Rosslyn Inn, located beside the world-famous Rosslyn Chapel, was named Best Bar or Pub, sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), with judges recognising its authentic Scottish hospitality and strong community focus.

Recognising the best of Scottish tourism

Barbara Smith, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards, congratulated this year's winners and highlighted the important role they play in supporting communities, jobs and local economies while delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

She said: "The winning businesses, events and individuals reflect the innovation, dedication and passion that continue to make Scotland one of the world's most inspiring visitor destinations.

"From outstanding visitor experiences and exceptional hospitality to internationally renowned events and attractions, these winners showcase the very best of Scotland's tourism and events industry. They play a vital role in supporting jobs, communities and local economies while delivering memorable experiences for visitors from near and far.

"The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across our sector, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work of the teams behind each business and event. I wish all of our winners the very best as they go on to represent the Central and East of Scotland at the national final later this year."

Delivered by VisitScotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards have championed excellence in tourism for more than 30 years, recognising businesses, events and individuals helping to shape Scotland's reputation as a world-class visitor destination.