19 Mar 2026
Entries are now open for the 2026 Scottish Thistle Awards.
Organisers of music festival TRNSMT are encouraging tourism and events businesses across Glasgow to have their time to shine by entering the 2026 Scottish Thistle Awards.
DF Concerts – which runs the Glasgow extravaganza as well as many other events across Scotland - wants others to follow in their footsteps after scooping the national Inclusion Award at last year's.
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have shone a light on the people, places and partnerships that make Scotland such an unforgettable destination. From exceptional hotels and memorable eating and drinking experiences, to stand‑out visitor attractions and innovative events, the awards champion those who are raising the bar for the industry.
Delivered by VisitScotland in collaboration with Scotland’s regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards bring together five regional competitions culminating in a national final later this year. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.
Louise Hutchison, DF Concerts' Customer Service & Accessibility Manager explains how entering the Inclusion Award category – which rewards those striving to create accessible, welcoming environments where every fan and team member feels they truly belong - meant win or lose, turning more eyes towards the importance of inclusion.
She said: "If you win, it’s a great way to be recognised in your industry and beyond. It’s a celebration of your hard work and a chance to engage more people surrounding the important topic of inclusivity.
"Also, even if you don’t win, being part of the awards opened a lot of doors for us to collaborate with the wider industry - allowing us to enhance live event experiences in Scotland even more - which is a positive thing for everyone."
Last year, more than 640 businesses, individuals and events entered from across the country, with 19 national winners crowned at a ceremony in Glasgow in November. As well as DF Concerts' national win, other regional champions from the West of Scotland final included The Tall Ship Glenlee on the River Clyde which was named Best Visitor Attraction, Celtic Connections which was crowned Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, The Piper Whisky Bar which won Best Bar or Pub, Elements which scooped Best Eating Experience. Plus Glasgow Life Museums – trade and group experiences took home The Innovation Award, and the Rising Star Award, was presented to Mae MacInnes from Mharsanta.
Since the beginning of March, people across Glasgow have been nominating the businesses, individuals and events they believe deserve recognition. Although businesses and events need to submit a formal entry to be considered for a Scottish Thistle Award, the nomination process gives the public a chance to highlight the people and places they feel truly deserve recognition.
Entries for the 2026 programme - supported by headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, part of the Abbey Group - close on 27 April.
VisitScotland Regional Director Lynne Cooper said: “Across Glasgow, tourism and events businesses and individuals go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors. The Scottish Thistle Awards provide a great chance to pause and celebrate that dedication. They shine a light on the enthusiasm, skill and hard work helping make our area - and Scotland - such an incredible place to visit.
“Earning a Scottish Thistle Award is a standout achievement, one that sees winners considered one of the country’s best. It’s a meaningful recognition of the positive contribution tourism brings to local people, local places and the wider visitor economy.
“Tourism and events play a vital role in Glasgow, and I’d encourage businesses, events and individuals to put themselves forward for an award. This is a brilliant moment to showcase the exceptional talent, innovation and hospitality that define our region.”
Regional winners for Central and East and West of Scotland will be announced at two finals delivered by VisitScotland in September. They will join winners from the 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, before competing for the national titles in November.
For more information and to enter, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk
