Businesses across Ayrshire and Arran will have their sights set on winning big at the Scottish Thistle Awards.

A total of 11 tourism businesses, events and individuals across Ayrshire and Arran have made the shortlist of Scotland’s premier tourism and events industry awards. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsor Johnstons of Elgin, have helped shine a spotlight on individual businesses, people and partnership working. 

They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. 

Among those who will now be in the running to be named a regional winner is Dumfries House Lodges in Cumnock which has been shortlisted in the Best B&B or Guest House Experience.

Meanwhile, The Brae in Dreghorn, has been shortlisted in the Best Bar or Pub category.  

The Brae were big winners at the awards in Glasgow last year The Brae were big winners at the awards in Glasgow last year (Image: Connor Mollison)

A trio of local businesses will battle it out in the Best Hotel Experience category, sponsored by Fishers, as Glenapp Castle at Ballantrae, The Corrie Hotel and Auchrannie Resort, both on Arran, have made the shortlist.  

Similarly, the Best Self Catering or Unique Stay regional award will also go to a local business with Ayrshire Airstream in Galston, Littlemill Holidays/The Boathouse on Arran and Jack’s Alt-Stays on the Isle of Cumbrae all in the running.  

Blackstone Clydesdales, a farm based in Cumnock and home to a small select breeding herd of Clydesdale horses as well as other animals, has double reason to celebrate having been shortlisted for both the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience and the Best Visitor Attraction awards. 

Friends of Dundonald Castle were recognised in the Celebrating Thriving Communities category, sponsored by the Scottish Sun. 

A total of 11 businesses across Ayrshire and Arran have been shortlisted at the Scottish Thistle AwardsA total of 11 businesses across Ayrshire and Arran have been shortlisted at the Scottish Thistle Awards (Image: Newsquest)

Finally, VisitArran’s Katie Murchie has been shortlisted for the new Rising Star Award. 

Steven Walker, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have celebrated the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events sector.

“Winning a Thistle Award is a testament to excellence in the industry, allowing recipients to join a prestigious roll of honour. It not only raises their profile but also boosts staff morale and acknowledges their remarkable achievements.  

 “Advancing to the regional finals signifies that these businesses, events, and individuals are among the finest in the country, demonstrating their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.  

 “On behalf of the panel, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all regional finalists and wish them the very best of luck at the regional finals and beyond.” 

Those shortlisted will go on to the West of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final which will be held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on September 19. 

Winners at the regional finals will then battle it out at the national Scottish Thistle Awards final in November.  

Lynsey Eckford, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “It is fantastic to see such strong representation from Ayrshire and Arran in the regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.   

“These entries show the strength and depth of the tourism offer in the region, from quality accommodation and experiences to examples of collaboration and innovation. I wish all those shortlisted the very best of luck at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards.”