A BOUTIQUE bed and breakfast in Arrochar and Helensburgh’s submarine centre are among the nominees representing Argyll and Bute in this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards.

The shortlist for the regional finals of the 2019 awards was unveiled this week ahead of the showpiece ceremony at the Oran Mor in Glasgow on Thursday, November 28.

Ashfield House in Arrochar, which offers views of Loch Long, and the Scottish Submarine Trust, which runs the exhibition centre on West King Street, are included in the Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House and Innovation in Tourism categories, respectively.

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The Scottish Thistle Awards, now in their 27th year, champion the very best of the Scottish tourism industry, celebrating innovation, success and excellence in the sector.

This year, almost 600 entries were submitted, including more than 1,000 nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve from their own industry peers.

Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “Once again, the Scottish Thistle Awards have attracted entries from right across the country, with the regional winners earning their place at the prestigious national final in March, where they will join the country’s tourism elite to be honoured with the highest accolade in the Scottish hospitality and tourism sector.

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“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance to celebrate those people and businesses responsible for offering the warmest of welcomes that our country is famous for.

“On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all shortlisted entrants and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals.”

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