2026 REGIONAL WINNERS

Winners will progress to National Final at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 20th November 2026.

Central and East Thistle Awards

The 2026 Central and East Regional Winners | Delivered by VisitScotland

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

28 York Place, Edinburgh

Best Bar or Pub

The Original Rosslyn Inn, Roslin

Best Community Tourism & Event Initiative

The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry

Best Eating Experience

Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh

Best Hotel

Virgin Hotels, Edinburgh

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

A wee pedal, Edinburgh

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

Highland Escapism at Straloch Estate, Pitlochry

Best Visitor Attraction

Camera Obscura & World or Illusions, Edinburgh

Climate Action Award

Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh

Employer of the Year

28 York Place, Edinburgh

Inclusion Award

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh

Individual of the Year

Heather Roberto, Osteria Restaurant

Innovation Award

Newton Farm Holidays & Tours, Forfar

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh

Rising Star Award

Helen McVey, Highland Experience Tours

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Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards

The 2026 Aberdeen City and Shire Regional Winners | Delivered by Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

Logie Newton Lodges, Huntly

Best Bar or Pub

The Craftsman Company, Aberdeen

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

Welcome to Aberdeenshire

Best Eating Experience

The Clunie Dining Room - The Fife Arms, Ballater

Best Hotel

Maryculter House, Aberdeen

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Farm Stop, Portlethan

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

Logie Newton Lodges, Huntly

Best Visitor Attraction

Glen Garioch Distillery, Inverurie

Climate Action Award

National Trust for Scotland - Birks Pond at Castle Fraser, Inverurie

Employer of the Year

Hilton and Aloft Aberdeen TECA Hotels, Aberdeen

Inclusion Award

Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025, Aberdeen

Individual of the Year

Alan Findlater, Luxe Scot

Innovation Award

TwinPeakes Fly Fishing Limited, Banchory

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025, Aberdeen

Rising Star Award

Stuart Rattray, Glen Tanar Estate

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West of Scotland Thistle Awards

The 2026 West of Scotland Regional Winners | Delivered by VisitScotland

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

Jack's Alt-Stays, Isle of Cumbrae

Best Bar or Pub

The Corrie Hotel, Isle of Arran

Best Community Tourism & Event Initiative

Jackton Distillery, Glasgow

Best Eating Experience

Souter's Inn, Kirkoswald

Best Hotel

Auchrannie Resort, Brodick

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Gallus Pedals, Glasgow

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

Auchrannie Resort, Brodick

Best Visitor Attraction

Jackton Distillery, Glasgow

Climate Action Award

Jack's Alt-Stays, Isle of Cumbrae

Employer of the Year

Auchrannie Resort, Brodick

Individual of the Year

Graham Urquhart, The Scotsman Group

Innovation Award

Highlands2hammocks, Renfrew

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Celtic Connections, Glasgow

Rising Star Award

Jordan Gorman, The Scotland Card Show

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South of Scotland Thistle Awards

The 2026 South of Scotland Regional Winners | Delivered by South of Scotland Destination Alliance

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

Airhouses, Lauder

Best Bar or Pub

The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

Burns Light, Dumfries

Best Eating Experience

Oakhill Café & Deli, Carsluith

Best Hotel

The Cairndale Hotel and Spa, Dumfries

Best Outdoor of Adventure Experience

Mostly Ghostly, Thornhill

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

Dod Mill, Lauder

Best Visitor Attraction

Abbotsford - The Historic Home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose

Climate Action Award

Dod Mill, Lauder

Employer of the Year

Dunskey Estate, Stranraer

Inclusion Award

Airhouses, Lauder

Individual of the Year

Romano Petrucci, Central Cafe and Stranraer Development Trust

Innovation Award

Cedar Hus Sauna, Melrose

Outstanding Cultural or Events Festival

Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown

Rising Star Award

Lewis Graham, Feast Café, Portobello and Kirk Coo Brew

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors

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Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership and collaboration with: