26 Sep 2025
A historic ship, whisky bar, Michelin Guide restaurant, two music festivals, museums and a tourism champion have been crowned Glasgow’s best at Scotland’s top tourism and events industry awards.
Seven businesses and individuals from the city received awards at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow last night.
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased 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. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.
Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
Winners from across the city include:
The Tall Ship Glenlee on the River Clyde was named Best Visitor Attraction. Judges praised the Glasgow attraction for its community collaborations and partnerships which are positively feeding into the regeneration of the wider local area.
Lauren Macrae, Visitor Experience Manager, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to win the Scottish Thistle Award for Best Visitor Attraction in the West of Scotland.
“This recognition is a tribute to our amazing team and the community who support The Tall Ship Glenlee. We’re proud to celebrate Scotland’s maritime heritage and will continue creating unforgettable experiences for all who come aboard.”
Glasgow’s music city status was reaffirmed as Celtic Connections was named Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival - sponsored by STV. The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
Celtic Connections Festival Manager, Lesley Shaw, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards are the most prestigious accolades for tourism and events in Scotland so we’re delighted Celtic Connections has been named Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival at this year’s Regional Finals.
“Since its first ‘Thistles’ win nearly two decades ago, the festival’s continued commitment to ensuring its audiences enjoy fantastic, memorable experiences has resulted in Celtic Connections remaining an award-winning event ever since.
“The endorsement of excellence that a Scottish Thistle Award represents is hugely important. As well as being a considerable marketing asset, it’s a much-valued acknowledgement of the outstanding contribution made by so many wonderful staff, volunteers and musicians who have helped make Celtic Connections an internationally acclaimed cultural highlight that shines a global spotlight on Glasgow and Scotland.’’
And the Inclusion Award – sponsored by Historic Scotland was won DF Concerts & Events for TRNSMT and live experiences across Scotland where organisers strive to create accessible, welcoming environments where every fan and team member feels they truly belong. Judges were impressed by the festival’s use of creative and innovative tools to provide reassurance and confidence for fans in the pre-event stage as well as at the live event.
Louise Hutchison, Customer Service & Accessibility Manager, said: “We’re honoured to receive the Inclusion Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards.
“This recognition celebrates the incredible effort of our dedicated team and wider stakeholder network, whose shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion helps us create truly welcoming and inclusive live music experiences for all.”
The city’s stellar food and drink offering was recognised with The Piper Whisky Bar winning Best Bar or Pub – sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and Elements winning Best Eating Experience.
The Piper Whisky Bar overlooks George Square and features lively bar and relaxing lounge. Owner, Gillian Kirkland, said: “We are so delighted to win this fantastic award, during such challenging times in the industry this makes all the hard work and efforts from the full team worthwhile. We aim to create a Scottish experience for all of those who visit the bar, locals and tourists alike. Recognition from the Scottish thistle awards is a great accolade for us all, Thank you.”
Elements restaurant in the city suburb of Bearsden is the first solo venture of acclaimed chef Gary Townsend that opened in July 2024. Just a few months after opening it made its debut into the Michelin Guide. In 2025 it was awarded 3 AA Rosettes at the AA Awards and won Best Newcomer at The Scran Awards and now adds a Thistle Award to the mix.
The Elements team said: “We’re delighted to receive the Best Eating Experience award at the Scottish Thistle Awards. It’s a real honour and a reflection of the hard work from our passionate team and the incredible local producers we work with. To be recognised amongst so many incredible Scottish businesses is truly an honour – and we are so proud.”
Glasgow Life Museums – trade and group experiences took home The Innovation Award, sponsored by The Times Scotland. This category honours businesses driving forward positive change in innovative ways, and those creatively adapting in line with the changing landscape and consumer behaviour.
Lauren Rhodes, Commercial Development & Programming Manager, Glasgow Life Museums, said: “Creating high-quality museum experiences for our visitors, while generating vital income to support our buildings, collections and communities, is at the heart of what we do.
“Being recognised by VisitScotland for that work is a real honour and shows how culture can thrive through sustainable, values-led tourism.”
Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Mae MacInnes from Mharsanta.
Mae is the general manager of Mharsanta Restaurant and Bar in the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City. Originally from Skye, Mae has worked in hospitality since the age of 13. As well as running the daily operations, Mae has been crucial to the success of the award winning 'Immersive Taste of Scotland Dining Experience' at Mharsanta and offsite locations with the National Trust of Scotland. She also led the team to deliver the 'Make Travel Matter' experience as part of VisitScotland and The Travel Corporation’s decarbonisation project.
Mae said: “What an honour to be recognised in this way. From starting out in hospitality with a little weekend job at 13, my passion for the industry continues to grow each day. From Derek and Sophie to the whole team at Mharsanta - I have been so fortunate to learn from and work alongside individuals who continue to inspire me every day.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Lynne Cooper said: “A huge well done to all our regional winners for this amazing achievement.
“Having such strong representation from Glasgow as regional winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards highlights the quality found across the city.
“Being recognised by the Scottish Thistle Awards, means tourism businesses are considered some of the best in the country. The awards help to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are praised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.
“I wish everyone the best of luck for the national final in November where they will be representing Glasgow.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Regional winners for the West were announced at a ceremony hosted by DJ Gary Spence and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland.
This year’s category sponsors of the Scottish Thistle Awards include AccessAble, Fishers, Get Your Guide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Central and East, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.
For a full list of winners, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk
