Eilean Donan Castle has won national recognition at the annual Scottish Thistle Awards held on Thursday the 15th of March 2018.
Regarded as the “Oscars” of the industry, Scottish tourism’s premier awards ceremony sponsored by Fishers, took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. 16 individuals, businesses and events were honoured for their innovation, excellence and success in the hospitality and tourism sector. In celebration of the Scottish Thistle Awards’ 25th anniversary, ten past Silver Thistle winners were also in attendance.
Still Game and River City star Sanjeev Kohli co-hosted the evening with STV presenter and former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch. Entertainment was provided by ventriloquist and comedian Paul Zerdin, and Hannah Rarity, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2018.
Organised by VisitScotland in association with the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, HIT Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Sportscotland and Wild Scotland. With a record-breaking 750 entrants this year, these prestigious awards are without doubt the ones our industry leaders want to have in their trophy cabinet!
Eilean Donan won the national award in the “Best Heritage Tourism Experience” category, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland.
The award caps an incredible few months for the Eilean Donan team which also saw them win their second Highlands & Islands Tourism Award, and attain its 5th Star in the VisitScotland Quality Assurance scheme.
General Manager David Win writes-
“The entire team at Eilean Donan are truly delighted to win a prestigious Scottish Thistle. This award represents the culmination of many years of sustained commitment and investment to providing the very best visitor experience and services. We’d also like to congratulate ALL other finalists and winners in this year’s Thistle Awards. From a personal perspective, I simply couldn’t be prouder or more happy for the entire Eilean Donan team. I always believed we had the potential to be considered amongst the very best in the business. This award from our peers confirms our rightful place amongst the other stars of Scottish Tourism.”