CATEGORIES
Regional categories
Entries open 16 March 2026. Entries are free and there are lots of categories to choose from.
View the list of regional categories below and find out more about each of them, including the full questions and criteria.
Please note, there is no self-entry for Individual of the Year or Rising Star categories. If you'd like to put someone forward for an award, we ask you to complete a short entry form on their behalf.
If you wish to submit an entry in the Highlands & Islands or Aberdeen City & Shire regions, you should enter via the Highlands or Islands Thistle Awards or Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards websites.
Each regional heat is managed independently and culminates in a regional awards ceremony. The regional winners proceed to the Scottish Thistle Awards national final to represent their region and compete with the best of the rest of the country.
Best Accommodation or Unique Stay
This category celebrates businesses with a unique accommodation experience, while going the extra mile to provide a personal, memorable and authentic experience.
Best Bar or Pub
This award celebrates
the key role of bars and pubs as part of the Scottish visitor’s memorable
experience.
Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative
This category celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working – whether that be with local businesses, communities or a group of individuals.
Best Eating Experience
This category is designed to recognise restaurants and eateries that provide an exceptional experience for diners, as well as a warm Scottish welcome.
Best Hotel
This award celebrates hotels of all sizes which provide customers with a memorable and authentic experience.
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
This category celebrates businesses that provide unforgettable, quality and authentic experiences to their visitors and who engage with the landscape and local communities in a positive and environmentally sensitive way.
Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use
This category is aimed at businesses providing outstanding overnight accommodation and which consider themselves self-catering or exclusive use.
Best Visitor Attraction
This category celebrates the variety of opportunity provided to Scotland's visitors, and the attractions which provide world class service with an authentic, memorable experience.
Climate Action Award
The purpose of this award is to celebrate success across business, events and destinations who have made demonstrable progress on their climate action journey to Net Zero.
Employer of the Year
This category celebrates employers of all sizes, who truly put their people first, creating supportive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Inclusion Award
This award celebrates a business or event that sets the standards for inclusion and demonstrates a strong commitment to serving the market and providing excellent customer service.
Individual of the Year
This category is for individuals who continually go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service, and who prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, community and responsible practices.
Innovation Award
This category celebrates businesses taking significant steps to improve and invest in the future of 21st century Scottish tourism and events.
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
This category aims to celebrate and recognise outstanding cultural events/festivals that are part of our tourism offering.
Rising Star Award
This category is aimed at anyone working full-time within the Scottish tourism, hospitality or events industry who are at the start of their working career as well as those who have made a career change and are new to the industry.
National categories
Entries open 16 March 2026
View the national-only categories below and find out more about each of them, including the full questions and criteria.
Best Business Event
This award celebrates outstanding business events that create a positive impact — for people, communities, the economy and the environment.
Best Luxury Experience
This award celebrates those businesses bringing luxury to the Scottish visitor experience.
Positive Impact Inbound Tour Operator Award
This category recognises operators who champion responsible travel and deliver a positive impact while offering world-class visitor experiences.
Outstanding Sporting Event
This category aims to celebrate and recognise sporting events that make an important contribution to our thriving communities and cities.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership and collaboration with:
