

How is the programme organised?
The Scottish Thistle Awards are funded and delivered by VisitScotland in partnership and collaboration with regional award programmes. They combine five regional awards, with a national final and are supported by an Industry Panel of representatives from across Scotland’s diverse tourism industry.
Our official regional partners include:
We work together with our regional partners to ensure there is consistency and alignment in the categories for entry, judging criteria and process, promotional activity and scheduling of events. Our regional partners are independently responsible for the operational delivery of each part of the programme and an award ceremony for their region. All winners from the regional awards are automatically entered into the National Final.
Details on each region and the local authority areas they include are listed below.
The Regions
Aberdeen City and Shire
Delivered by Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards
Central and East
Delivered by VisitScotland
Highlands and Islands
Delivered by Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards
South of Scotland
Delivered by South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise
West
Delivered by VisitScotland
To find out more about how the awards work, click here.