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Stirling businesses and people shortlisted for national tourism awards

An incredible eight businesses and individuals in the Stirling area are in the running for the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.

First published

16 Jul 2024

Picture shows the Tea with Naughty Sheep experience, located to the west of Stirling, which is in the running for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience. Picture credit Airbnb.
Picture shows the Tea with Naughty Sheep experience, located to the west of Stirling, which is in the running for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience. Picture credit Airbnb.

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 listed below:

  • 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)    
  • Sarah Heward, Real Food Café (Tourism Individual of the Year).

Diversity, dynamism and depth

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr 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.”

Picture shows Real Food Café in Tyndrum owner Sarah Heward who is a finalist in Tourism Individual of the Year category
Picture shows Real Food Café in Tyndrum owner, Sarah Heward, who is a finalist in Tourism Individual of the Year category.

The winners of the Central and East Thistle Awards will be announced on 26 September 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.

The awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030.

Entrants to all categories 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

The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, a finalist in the Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year category
The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, a finalist in the Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year category.