Edinburgh’s Scottish Thistle Awards national winners toast tourism triumph

A life-saving conference, climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, and a trailblazing up-and-comer have been crowned Scotland’s best at the country’s top tourism and events industry awards.

Attractions, events and individuals from the city received awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Hilton Glasgow last night (20 November).

After triumphing at the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards last month, finalists competed against their peers for a coveted national trophy and earning recognition across the country for their excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry.

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.

National winners from across the Capital are:

The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 at EICC which won Best Business Event. 

The conference welcomed over 1,600 delegates from across the globe in November 2024. It brought world leaders in science and healthcare to Scotland, the event advanced research, innovation, and collaboration in tackling HPV and related cancers. 

By raising awareness and boosting vaccination rates in schools and communities, its impact extended far beyond the conference centre. Leaving a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses, save lives, and inspire future progress.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive, EICC, said: “Winning the Best Business Event Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards is a tremendous honour.

“IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh embodied the EICC’s vision of inspiring ideas that change the world, proving that business events can deliver impact well beyond the conference floor.

“By increasing HPV awareness and vaccination uptake, its legacy reaches into communities across the globe, a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses and save lives.

“This recognition underlines the transformative role of business events in shaping healthier, stronger futures.”

Edinburgh Zoo, who took home the Climate Action Award sponsored by Historic Scotland, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.

Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.

Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife. 

“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”

Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for 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.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.

Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.

As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools’ programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.

Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours – based in Edinburgh.

Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.

He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.

Hugh said: “As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.

“The strong showing from Edinburgh is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found throughout the city’s tourism sector.

“Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places these businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”

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.

National winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch 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. 

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include Central and East, the West of Scotland, 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) competed at the Scottish Thistle Award national final.

This year’s sponsors are AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Scottish Licenced Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.

For a full list of winners, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

Victims of the infected blood disaster to feature in new Scottish Parliament exhibit

The devastating impact on people in Scotland affected by the infected blood disaster will be featured in a new exhibit which has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.

Jryna Batters, Bruce Norval and Bill Wright OBE describe the personal and lifelong impact infected blood has had on them and their families. The exhibit was designed in consultation with the infected blood community including representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum.

It is thought around 3,000 people were infected in Scotland after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.

The digital exhibit explores the decades-long timeline of how the infected blood disaster unfolded and how individuals worked to keep the issue in public and political awareness. It also looks at how the creation of the Scottish Parliament provided a platform to those who were campaigning for their voices to be heard.

Jryna lives in Skye and tells of her shock at being told she had Hepatitis C after a routine blood donation. Unbeknown to them, Jryna’s husband Donald had contracted the infection after a blood transfusion of infected blood products.

She tells of the shame and stigma she felt along with the lack of support. Sadly, Jryna’s husband Donald died from liver cancer, which had a profound effect on her and her children.

Bruce from the Black Isle also tells of the enormity of the challenge in “fighting the whole system”. He feels he had to do a lot of work himself to find and challenge the evidence and narrative. Bruce and many of those infected were children at the time and he explains the lack of patient awareness and consent. He tells of the lifelong and devastating impact chronic illness has had on him and his family.

Bill, who lives in Dunkeld, explains how he was infected with Hepatitis C in 1986. Initially told that his infection was “unavoidable”, he is now living with liver cancer. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice, driven by his desire to see the truth uncovered for those who have died or those who lost family members as a result of being infected.

The Presiding Officer joined Jryna, and Bill to see the new exhibit going on display, alongside regional and constituency MSPs who represent them and representatives of the infected blood community who advised on the exhibit.

Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP said: “This new exhibit is a permanent reminder of the devastating impact the contaminated blood disaster has had on people in Scotland and their families. But not only that, it highlights their enduring campaign over several decades to get to the heart of the truth and seek justice.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament is using its national platform to remind people of what happened to Jryna, Bruce and Bill and the thousands of others who have lost precious family members or are continuing to live with the impact of infected blood today.

“Their stories must never be forgotten. And we must continue to let them be heard to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again.”

Jryna Batters said: “The impact of the infected blood disaster for me and my sons is significant loss. Loss of time with my husband Donald, loss of love, family time, memories and adventures.

“For me the exhibit represents some recognition for those that have sadly died and whose lives have been filled with pain because of infected blood.”

Bruce Norval said: “I would really like people to learn from our experiences and for the Parliament at Holyrood to be committed to always continuing to listen to people who are in a minority.

“The Public Petitions Committee should always remain accessible to the smallest possible groups of people, and open to hearing their experiences and evidence.

“It’s particularly important that Parliament listens to people and evidence even when it might be uncomfortable, or at odds with wider narratives from people in positions of power, including the civil service.

“In Scotland right now, there is still a lack of joined up care across all victim groups, and I would like to see the Department of Health write to all GPs to ensure that the 500 or so infected people left in Scotland, receive the treatment and support they need at this time in life, which is usually people in their 50s and 60s.

“I would like to see care that is based on a clear treatment plan for infected people, including people infected as very young children, and acknowledgement that cancer isn’t the only risk to infected people, so that we all receive the best possible care and treatment now, and when it comes to end of life care.”

Bill Wright OBE said: “The permanent video display in the entrance to the Parliament reinforces the decades of campaigning which continues on the detail of the compensation scheme. I thank the Parliament for taking this initiative.

“With Scottish Government support we continue to work towards a permanent tribute/memorial to the grievous loss and suffering faced by those infected and affected by the infected blood disaster.

“My hope is that this will come to fruition soon”.

Light the nights with a free festive concert this weekend hosted by radio DJ and panto legend Grant Stott

Light Night at Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 23 November, 2pm – 6pm

Ross Bandstand, East Princes Street Gardens 

Free, unticketed 

Winter Festivals

Insta | FB | Tiktok @edinburghchristmas  

#edinburghchristmas 

The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.

The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott. 

Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens. 

From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing! 

The line-up features: 

Leith Phoenix Community Choir

Angela Watson School of Dance

Little Voices Big Stars Choir

BollyFeat Dancers

Singerie choir

Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra

Magician Kevin Quantum

SoundSational 

(subject to change on the day)

St Andrew’s Day Storytelling for children at LifeCare

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER at 11am – FREE EVENT

LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.

The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.

This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.

No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Roadmap to Scotland’s digital future

Updated strategy launched

A new blueprint sets out a series of actions to harness digital to boost the economy and improve public services.

The updated National Digital Strategy aims to attract investment, deliver sustainable public services and create better opportunities for the people of Scotland.

The strategy outlines a number of steps, including delivering a pilot of a new app by 2026 to let people access personalised public services. By 2028, another pilot will explore ways AI can deliver efficiencies in public services, such as streamlining administrative tasks.

The joint strategy with local government is designed to build on progress since it was first launched in 2021.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “The strategy sets out our ambition to create a digitally connected country to create economic growth and help people and businesses thrive.

“It will support work to deliver sustainable digital public services fit for the future and help widen opportunities that digital offers.

“The 2021 publication, one of the first joint national strategies between Scottish Government and local government, helped to build skills and talent to strengthen our digital capability. This is the next step as we aim to accelerate progress.

“The refreshed strategy’s contribution and relevance to the public service reform agenda cannot be overstated, with a focus on collaboration and embracing innovation to deliver improved public services and improve lives.” 

COSLA Resources spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “Local government are co-authors and co-owners of this vision. This refreshed strategy is our route map; the delivery plans explain how we will navigate change, remain transparent and measure progress.

“Through collaboration and shared action, we can build a future-ready, digital Scotland where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive, and no one is left behind.”

This is a joint strategy between the Scottish Government and local government, represented by COSLA and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government.

The Digital Strategy for Scotland Vision.

The Digital Public Services Delivery Plan.

Two arrests following Leith stolen goods raids

Following reports of stolen property being reset on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Leith Community Officers, supported by Edinburgh Retail Crime Team, executed warrants at two business premises.

Approximately £8k of suspected stolen property was recovered, and enquiries are ongoing to ensure the property is returned to its rightful owners.

Two males were arrested and will be reported for reset.

Shoplifting is #NotAVictimlessCrime and #NECPT will continue to work with the #RetailCrimeTaskforce to identify offenders, including those benefiting from the acquisition of stolen property

Milestone reached in vital mental health programme

Supporting people in distress

More than 100,000 people have been referred to a mental health initiative which provides immediate, non-clinical support to those in need.

The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, launched in 2016, offers personalised support to people who present to emergency or primary care services in distress.

Initially, trained front line staff provide a compassionate response and then, where appropriate, offer a referral to third sector staff who contact the person within 24-hours and provide community-based support.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “Each and every one of the 100,000 referrals has provided quick and compassionate support to someone in distress.

“There are many who make DBI such a success and I want to thank all those involved across health, social care, emergency services, third sector and academia.

“DBI plays an important role in our work to prevent suicide, sitting within our national Suicide Prevention Strategy, with investment doubled in the current parliamentary term to £2.8 million.

“We continue to work with partners to ensure those experiencing distress get the support they need, when and where they need it, to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Kirstie McCulloch, who received support from and now works for DBI, said: “I was experiencing severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, due to the Covid lockdowns. NHS 24 helped me when I had a severe panic attack and referred me for further support to the DBI service, which in my local area is run by SAMH.

“The support I received was invaluable. My practitioner had been so helpful that I asked them how they came into the role, as I knew this was something I would like to do for others.

“DBI aligns with SAMH’s ambition that anyone in Scotland can ask once and get help fast. In the years I have worked here, I have delivered compassionate support to hundreds of people and helped them to get back on their feet. It is very rewarding knowing that I can give back in this way.”

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Police Scotland has over 2,300 DBI trained officers who can identify when someone is in distress and signpost them to the right service to provide the compassionate support they need and deserve, before redirecting to core policing duties.

“We will continue to work closely with key partners to develop and embed a whole system, trauma-informed, approach to mental health and this landmark 100,000th referral is testament to our collaborative commitment.”

Head of Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service Catherine Totten said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service is committed to ensuring access to services that offer care and support to patients experiencing mental distress and the collaboration with DBI supports us to provide the right care at the right time for our patients.

“We take pride in our contribution to enhancing access to the emotional care and support that DBI offers to its service users and are committed to continuing our support to keep widening the reach of this valuable resource.

“We are proud to celebrate with partners this momentous achievement of 100,000 referrals meaning 100,000 people are receiving this valuable service which was previously unavailable.”

Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24 Patrick Rafferty said: “The partnership between NHS 24 and the Distress Brief Intervention Programme is valued by patients and our Mental Health Hub team. This national pathway ensures that person-centred and compassionate care is then delivered locally to the people of Scotland.

“The impact of this significant collaboration through early intervention reduces distress, empowers patients and supports the journey to recovery.  This is a truly commendable initiative that we are delighted to be a part of.”

Distress Brief Intervention – Connected Compassionate Support | DBI.scot 

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank: Winter Warmers campaign launch

❄️WINTER WARMERS CAMPAIGN LAUNCH❄️

Did you know that 1 in 5 children in Edinburgh are living in poverty?

And 12000 families in the city are experiencing destitution – which means they are going without without basic essentials such as clothing, food, shelter, heat, light, and toiletries.

We’re launching our Winter Warmers campaign to help keep local children warm, dry, and in school by providing good quality items for children who don’t have the right clothing for an Edinburgh winter.

You can help by donating funds or purchasing items from our wish list. Every donation makes a difference. Together we can keep children warm this winter.

Donate funds or choose an item from our wish list today!

#KeepKidsWarm

#CommunitySupport

#SchoolUniformBank

#WorldChildrensDay

#ForEveryChild

Children First urges families worried about bills in Edinburgh to call support line during cold snap

As Scotland faces a sharp drop in temperatures, national children’s charity, Children First, is encouraging families in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living and keeping warm this winter to reach out for help.

The charity warns that they are hearing every day from parents and carers that are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children.

Children First’s support line offers practical, emotional and financial help to families across Scotland 365 days a year.

The team has seen the number of callers rise by close to 50 percent so far this year. They can help with benefit checks, budgeting advice, and accessing emergency support to ensure families stay warm and well this winter.

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We want every parent and carer in Scotland to know they are not alone if they are worried about paying bills or keeping their children warm.

“Our friendly support line team is here to listen and provide expert advice to ensure families get the support they need. We understand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet and the pressure families are under.”

In 2024, Children First’s support line helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and deal with half a million pounds in debts to make them more manageable.

Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, got help with his finances from Children First’s support line.

He said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”

Parents and carers can contact the support line via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline or call free on 08000 28 22 33.

The service is available seven days a week:

Monday to Friday: 9am–9pm
Weekends: 9am–12 noon.

For more information, visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk.

*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.

Iconic Edinburgh record shop Avalanche Records moves to bigger space following record year

Independent Edinburgh record shop, Avalanche Records, has invested over £100k in partnership with Waverley Market owners Moorgarth, in a move to a larger premise in the centre, following a record-breaking year.

The new space, located in Waverley Market tucked above Edinburgh Waverley station and just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, was previously a storage area meaning a new shop has been created from scratch.

The new shop, dedicated to vinyl, CDs, posters and t-shirts, is considerably bigger compared to Avalanche Records’ previous location.

The move to the new space this month comes as Avalanche Records reports a record-breaking year since first opening its doors to music lovers four decades ago. A number of high-profile gigs in Edinburgh in 2025, including Oasis, AC/DC and Chappell Roan, have helped attract music fans to the store. 

Avalanche Records recorded its best ever month in August surpassing the previous record in December 2024 and 60% up on August 2024.

Everything in the new space has been purpose built to deliver the best shopping experience for customers. The space dedicated to stocking vinyl, CDs and posters will each grow by 50%, with t-shirt space seeing a 25% increase, meaning there will be even more stock for music lovers to choose from.

From those looking to discover Scottish artists old and new, to those wanting the latest vinyl from their favourite global superstars, Avalanche Records has it covered. The new shop front will also showcase two large window displays featuring the very best of  what Avalanche Records has to offer.

41 years after first opening its doors, Avalanche Records sticks to its original principles of promoting the artists they like while also listening to what their customers want.

Avalanche Records stuck with vinyl when vinyl popularity took a big dip but is now reaping the rewards of its revival, while not dismissing CDs, as well as catering for the huge demand for music merchandise with a wide range of t-shirts, posters, prints, cards, patches and badges.

The latest move from Avalanche Records follows a number of recent investments in Waverley Market, including the launch of gift and gadget shop Menkind on the upper level, and the soon to be open bowling and games bar with food and drink, King Pins. Further tenants will be announced in the New Year, with limited units remaining.

Avalanche Records has also been an ongoing supporter of Waverley Market, most recently hosting an exhibition in the Market’s “secret staircase” in collaboration with international artist Butcher Billy, with a number of striking Taylor Swift graphics on display which attracted over ten thousand visitors.

Kevin Buckle, Avalanche Records owner, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and, moving forward, we intend to work even more closely with our fellow tenants such as Rainbow Bubble Tea and The Cheery Churro who are particularly popular with our younger customers.

“The extra floor space means we can now stock more merchandise, for example we can now carry a full selection of the much sought after punk teddy bears lovingly made by the Fife artist Marie Allan and a popular present for those Christmas shopping.”  

Neil G Mackie, Waverley Market Centre Manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see not only the relocation and upsizing of Avalanche Records within Waverley Market, but also the confidence and commitment of this key tenant in the centre.

“Avalanche Records is a phenomenal retail offer, founded on knowledge and experience, which is unique not only to Waverley Market but more importantly to the wider Edinburgh retail landscape”.

Avalanche Records can be found in Waverley Market and is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm (11am – 5pm on Sundays).

For more information, visit: https://avalancherecords.co.uk/