Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2024: All the winners revealed

Held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, judges picked 15 winners from a record 225 entries.

By Alex Banks

October 7 2024, 1:42 pm

Russell Fraser of Loch Ness Hub and Travel was named tourism individual of the year. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

A total of 15 tourism professionals and businesses have been recognised at this year’s glittering Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards.

The event saw businesses including an adventure park, a distillery and brewery and a festival pick up honours on Friday night.

Hosted at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, more than 225 businesses entered the 2024 Highlands and Islands Thistle awards across 16 categories.

The annual awards are open to businesses of all sizes across the north-east of Scotland hospitality and tourism sectors.

Record numbers

Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards chairman Calum Ross said there were a record number of entries for this year’s awards.

He said: “Huge congratulations to everyone on what was a fantastic night for our tourism and hospitality community here in the Highlands and Islands.

“Over 225 tourism businesses had the confidence and self-belief to enter the awards, making 2024 a record-breaking year with the highest number of entries ever received.

Victoria Erasmus was named as the winner of the Highland ambassador award. Image: Heartland Media

“Choosing from such a high calibre shortlist is never easy but our winners and those highly commended are exceptional.

“Each and every one worthy recipients of a Thistle award and special recognition for all of their hard work, innovation and the contribution they make to our local communities. Well done everybody.”

‘Small margins’ between high calibre businesses, says chairman

Mr Ross said the judges had a difficult time picking the winners with such a “high calibre” of candidates to choose from.

He added: “Our judging teams reported that the quality of entry was higher than ever this year.

“In three categories the judges found it impossible to separate the entrants.

Ness Walk picked up the award for the best hotel. Image: Ness Walk

“A great position for HITA to be in, but it also means that many of our shortlisted finalists missed out on winning by the smallest of margins.”

The annual awards cover all the regions of the Highlands and Islands, from Argyll to Moray as well as Orkney and Shetland.

Winners will now proceed to the Scottish Thistle Awards national final in November.

All of the 2024 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards winners

Best B&B or guest house experience – Glenegedale House
Best bar or pub – The Station Bar
Best eating experience – The Dipping Lugger
Best hotel experience – Ness Walk
Best outdoor or adventure experience – Nevis Range
Best self-catering or unique stay – Kabn Company
Best visitor attraction – Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Celebrating thriving communities – Loch Ness Hub and Travel
Climate action – Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery
Inclusive tourism – Girls on Hills
Innovation in tourism – Loch Ness Hub and Travel
Outstanding cultural event or festival – Eilean Dorcha Festival
Rising star – Aedan Doig, Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa
Tourism and hospitality employer of the year – The Pierhouse Hotel
Tourism individual of the year – Russell Fraser, Loch Ness Hub and Travel
Highland ambassador – Victoria Erasmus, Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery