2026 REGIONAL FINALISTS

Browse the 2026 Highlands and Islands Finalists below.

NB: Please visit the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards for further information or to book tickets for this region.

Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Watermill

Harris Hideaway

Loch Riddon Bothy

Best Bar or Pub

Macgochans

MacGregors Bars

The Station Hotel

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

Buth Bharraigh Limited

Glenurquhart Highland Gathering & Games

The Victorian Market

Best Eating Experience

Crofter’s Kitchen

Glenmorangie House

Knipoch House Hotel – Sonas Collection

No88 Kitchen & Bar

Best Hotel

Ardbeg House

Knipoch House Hotel – Sonas Collection

The Lovat Hotel & Restaurant

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Hebrides Cruises

Nature Scotland

Shetland Seabird Tours – Noss Boat

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

KABN

Mayen Estate

Orkney Retreats Ltd

Best Visitor Attraction

Cruise Loch Ness

Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat

Shetland Seabird Tours – Noss Boat

Climate Action Award

Winner announced on the evening

Highland Ambassador

Winner announced on the evening

Inclusion Award

High Life Highland, Inverness Botanic Gardens

RZSS Highland Wildlife Park

Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat

The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery

Individual of the Year

Celia Smith, Blyde Welcome

Emma Harrison, Visit Inverness Loch Ness

Sine MacKellaig Davis, Road to the Isles

Innovation Award

Hebrides Cruises

Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Fèis Rois

Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week

Tiree Music Festival

Rising Star Award

Drew Moody, Highland Coast Hotels

Gemma Shaw, The Macallan Estate

Jolene Levy, The Pierhouse Hotel

Winners will be announced at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards on 9th October 2026 at Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors

Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership and collaboration with: