Businesses in the Helensburgh and Lomond area are urged to submit themselves for a prestigious competition – with entries closing next month.
The Scottish Thistle Awards – which are celebrating their 30th anniversary – have now officially opened to nominations.
Tourism and events businesses across Argyll and Bute can now officially submit their applications to be recognised across a range of different categories including Best Hotel Experience, Best Eating Experience, Best Bar or Pub and Best Visitor Attraction.
Three Helensburgh and Lomond businesses were nominated for regional prizes for the west of Scotland at last year's awards - Rosneath Castle Park, Sea Life Loch Lomond, and the Riva Boutique Hotel in Helensburgh, where Marion Cunningham made the shortlist for the 'tourism individual of the year' accolade.
Past west of Scotland winners from the local area include Ashfield House B&B in Arrochar, the Scottish Submarine Centre in Helensburgh, and Knockderry House in Cove.
Ashfield won the 'most hospitable guest house or B&B' prize for the west of Scotland in 2019, while the Scottish Submarine Centre scooped the 'innovation in tourism' award in the same year.
Entries to the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards close on Sunday, April 28 while the deadline for public nominations is Sunday, March 31.
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland's regional director, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards represent an exciting opportunity for individuals and businesses to gain recognition for all the work they do to make the region and Scotland such a fantastic place to visit and stay.
“By winning a Scottish Thistle Award, tourism businesses join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country, helping to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.
“I would encourage those working in tourism and events across Argyll and Bute to get their entries in and help shine a spotlight on the region’s vibrant and diverse offering.”
Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combine five regional awards and a national final.
Last year more than 600 businesses entered from across the country, culminating in the crowning of 17 national winners at a ceremony in Glasgow in December.
While businesses and events must formally enter to be eligible for the Scottish Thistle Awards, the nomination process allows members of the public to show appreciation to those they think deserve extra recognition.
Entrants to all 18 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.
2024 sees the introduction of a new Rising Star Award which aims to recognise the achievements of individuals that are at the start if their career within the tourism and hospitality industry.
Regional winners for the central, east and west regions will be announced at two regional finals in September.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards, and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, will compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.
For more information and to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk.
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