NEWS

PUBLISHED 25TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Outstanding tourism businesses, visitor attractions, events and industry talent from across the West of Scotland have been recognised at this year's West of Scotland Thistle Awards.

The regional awards, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on 24 September, celebrated the innovation, collaboration and excellence driving Scotland's visitor economy, with winners from Glasgow, Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire among those honoured.

For more than 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have recognised the businesses, events and individuals helping to make Scotland a world-class visitor destination. From cultural festivals and outdoor experiences to accommodation providers, restaurants and visitor attractions, this year's winners showcase the breadth and strength of tourism and events across the West of Scotland.

Among those recognised from the Glasgow area were Gallus Pedals, winner of Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, sponsored by GetYourGuide; Graham Urquhart of The Scotsman Group, named Individual of the Year; Celtic Connections, winner of Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV; and Jordan Gorman, founder of The Scotland Card Show, who received the Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland.

In Renfrewshire, Highlands2hammocks won the Innovation Award, sponsored by The Times Scotland.

South Lanarkshire's Jackton Distillery secured two titles, Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative, sponsored by The Scottish Sun, and Best Visitor Attraction.

North Ayrshire businesses also enjoyed significant success, with Jack's Alt Stays winning Best Accommodation or Unique Stay and the Climate Action Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland. The Corrie Hotel was named Best Bar or Pub, sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), while Auchrannie Resort took home Best Hotel, sponsored by Fishers, alongside Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use and Employer of the Year.

In South Ayrshire, Souter's Inn won Best Eating Experience.

Barbara Smith, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards, said: "The Scottish Thistle Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses, events and individuals who go above and beyond to create exceptional visitor experiences and make a positive impact in their communities.

"This year's West of Scotland winners demonstrate the innovation, passion and commitment that continue to strengthen Scotland's tourism and events industry. From globally renowned festivals and visitor attractions to family-run businesses and emerging talent, they represent the very best of our sector.

"Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists, and I wish them every success as they progress to the national final in November."

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the ambition for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in responsible tourism.

The awards were hosted by Radio DJ Garry Spence and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK and Ireland. Winners from the West of Scotland will now progress to the Scottish Thistle Awards national final in November, where they will compete against regional winners from across the country.

This year's sponsors also include AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and The Scottish Sun.