Stirling firms in line for accolades
Eight businesses and individuals in the Stirling area are in the running for the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.
Organised by Visitscotland, the annual awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry, recognising its outstanding people, accommodation, food and drink, outdoor experiences and visitor attractions.
The awards are split into five regions, with Stirling part of the east and central Scotland region that covers the likes of Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth. There are a total of 15 categories in this year’s programme.
The full list of finalists from the Stirling Council area are:
Garrison of Inversnaid, Inversnaid (Best B&B or Guest House Experience); The Glasshouse, Cromlix (Best Eating Experience); Tea with Naughty Sheep, Stirling (Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience); Glengoyne Distillery, Killearn (Best Visitor Attraction); Radical Weavers Limited, Stirling (Inclusive Tourism Award); Katy Allen – Cromlix (Rising Star Award); The Real Food Café, Tyndrum (Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year); and Sarah Heward, Real Food Café (Tourism Individual of the Year).
Stirling Council leader Chris Kane said:“it’s fantastic to see so many businesses and individuals from Stirling and its communities on the shortlist for the Scottish Thistle Awards 2024.
“From tea with naughty sheep to high-end restaurants, world-class visitor attractions and talented people, the eight finalists from across Stirling show the diversity, dynamism and depth of our tourism offering.
“Congratulations to everyone in the running for the awards. You help to make the stunning Stirling area a must-visit destination for people from around the world through your excellence, innovation and collaboration.
“We know everyone coming to Stirling this year during our 900th anniversary celebrations will have a wonderful experience thanks to these businesses and people, as well as everything else we’ve got to offer.”
A Clackmannanshire farm has also made the shortlist. Solsgirth Home Farm, a Dollar-based agritourism business, has been named in the Best Self-catering or Unique Stay category.
The winners of the Central and East Thistle Awards will be announced on September 26 at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field.
Entrants must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
For the full shortlist, visit www. visitscotland.org/ news/2024/2024-thistles-shortlist
For more information on Stirling 900 and the full programme of events, visit: www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/ stirling-900