Scottish Thistle Awards Winners

It would be fair to say, without too heavy a rose coloured tint on our glasses, that Perthshire is one of Scotland's leading lights when it comes to food and drink, and good old fashioned hospitality.  I appreciate you may think I'm a wee bit on the biased side, however, in a glittering ceremony thrown by Visit Scotland, that very statement was given an very prestigious seal of approval!

The Scottish Thistle Awards is led by a panel of industry experts from the tourism and food & drink arena and this year saw a record breaking 615 entries submitted, including hundreds of nominations from members of the public keen to recognise hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals who go the extra mile to provide customers with exceptional service.

Our Perthshire finalists were up against their counterparts from across Tayside and Fife and even though we saw prestigious competition, a total of eight Perth and Kinross businesses, events and individuals took home prizes.

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Described by judges as a true champion in the hospitality sector, Graeme Pallister for 63 Tay Street claimed the Braehead Foods - Hospitality Hero Award for his passionate commitment in helping young people to learn about food and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

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It was described as the ‘best ever’ Ryder Cup, and last night the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles earned a new accolade after being named the best sporting event.

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Winners included Perthshire Amber who saw off stiff competition from Bonfest DD8 Music and The Enchanted Forest to claim the Caledonian MacBrayne - Best Cultural Event or Festival.

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The Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry won Tennent's - Friendliest Pub / Bar, with special praise for the owners’ commitment to raising standards and promoting local produce and culture.

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Other winners included Gloagburn Farm who were named Best Informal Eating Experience. 

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Fishers - Most Hospitable Hotel Award went to Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa.

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Craigmhor Lodge in Pitlochry won Most Hospitable B&B / Guest House.

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Finally, Lucy Whitehall, Global Brand Ambassador for The Famous Grouse and Glenturret, earned the title of HIT Scotland Regional Young Ambassador for her passionate promotion of Scottish tourism, particularly at the Glenturrent distillery where she has helped showcase Scotland’s national tipple to visitors from around the world.

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Winners will now go on to fly the flag for Perthshire and the wider Tayside & Fife region, at the glittering national Scottish Thistle Award final to be held as part of the Signature Programme at the EICC in March next year.

Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director, said: “Perth & Kinross has once again made its mark on this year’s regional awards with eight outstanding finalists, spread right across the entire region. Tonight’s awards send a strong message that the tourism industry in Perth & Kinross is diverse, high-quality and in good health.

“I’m thrilled at the successes of so many excellent businesses and individuals, and I’m already crossing my fingers they’ll deliver more Perth & Kinross glory at the finals in March next year.”

Huge congratulations to everyone who took part and to these fantastic winners. A true #PerthLoveFest from our very own award-winning neighbours.