Edinburgh and in particular Edinburgh on the 31st of December has been recognised in the Scottish Thistle Awards which were announced at Prestonfield last night.
The night at the Scottish tourism industry’s Oscars was a very good one for the capital with around half of the categories won by Edinburgh businesses.
The National Museum of Scotland won in its 150th anniversary year and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay won an award for the end of year festival.
The new galleries at the Museum were lauded by the judges who said they offer ‘new, innovative elements to the experience.
Helen Ireland, Interim Director of External Relations at the National Museum of Scotland, said: “In the National Museum of Scotland’s 150th anniversary year, and following the opening of 10 innovative new galleries in July, we are delighted to receive the Scottish Thistle Award for Best Visitor Attraction in the Lothians and Borders.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, produced by Unique Events, is a highlight in the city’s festival calendar. Judges were impressed with the “constant reinvention and innovation used to keep the three day Hogmanay programme fresh whilst engaging both international and local audiences”.
Penny Dougherty, Director of Unique Events, said: “Unique Events are thrilled that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has been awarded Best Festival at the regional Thistle Awards and would like to thank everyone who helps deliver this world-class event for Scotland. We look forward to welcoming the world to this year’s festival and to representing Edinburgh at the award finals in 2017.”
The full list of Edinburgh winners:
- GSI Events – Edinburgh Marathon Festival (Best Sporting Event)
- Unique Events – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (Best Cultural Event or Festival)
- Motel One – Royal Edinburgh (Most Hospitable Hotel)
- Barony House (Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House)
- The Chester Residence (Best Accommodation Provider)
- Number One at Balmoral Hotel (Best Restaurant Experience)
- National Museum of Scotland (Best Visitor Attraction)
- Alastair Watson (Director, Can You Escape?) (Regional Rising Star)
- Peter Duncan (Radical Travel) (Regional Ambassador)
Alastair Watson, director of Can You Escape?, was one of two individual winners from the city, taking home the Regional Rising Star award which recognises young people aged 30 and under who have shown real passion for tourism. Peter Duncan, general manager at Radical Travel, was named Regional Ambassador.
Alastair Watson said: “It was a bit of a surprise to be nominated so I’m over the moon to win. I hope to inspire other budding entrepreneurs who are considering making their way into the tourism market to go and do. I’ve received great support from my staff, ScotEdge and companies like Business Gateway and Power of Youth, all of which have helped to make Can You Escape? the business it is today. We have some really exciting plans in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to next year.”
Peter Duncan said: “Scottish Tourism is a fantastic industry to be in and I am honoured to have been named Regional Ambassador. To be selected when there are so many dedicated and talented people working together every day to ensure our visitors enjoy their time with us makes me extremely proud. I am very passionate about our industry and strongly believe that through collaboration and innovation, we will continue to provide growth, employment opportunities and exceptional visitor experiences.”
Regional winners will go on to the glittering Scottish Thistle Awards National Final held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in March 2017.
Manuela Calchini, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “What a brilliant night for Edinburgh. The winners are shining examples of innovation, success and excellence in the capital and the region. Tourism is the driving force for providing the jobs of today and tomorrow and these awards recognise the tireless effort that goes into creating a memorable experience for visitors to the capital. I wish the winners the best of luck as they go forward to represent the region at the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final.”
This year the Scottish Thistle Awards received a record-breaking number of entries, totalling 715 across the 15 regional categories, amounting to a 16% increase on last year.
Photos Copyright Chris Watt Tel – 07887 554 193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
