Tag: Edinburgh Zoo

Thistle Awards: Pick of the Bunch

Central and East Thistle Awards winners revealed

Globally renowned events, world-famous attractions and a host of tourism businesses have been crowned winners at a top regional tourism and events award ceremony.

A total of nine local businesses and events took home awards at the Central and East Thistle Awards regional final, held on Thursday at the city’s Assembly Rooms.

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards 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. 

Winners from across the Capital include:  

28 York Place which took home two prizes, winning Employer of the Year and Best Accommodation or Unique Stay.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, 28 York Place is a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse offering boutique accommodation, stylish event spaces and exceptional hospitality. Judges were particularly impressed by the combination of arts and culture, partnership working, operational sustainability and investment in future talent.

Gordon Wilson, General Manager of 28 York Place said: “To win is a huge honour. From the character of the building to the thoughtful touches that shape each guest’s stay, we work hard to make every visit feel personal and memorable.

“Being recognised among Scotland’s best is wonderful validation of the care our whole team puts in.”

The Best Eating Experience title was awarded to Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience with judges noting both the restaurant’s impressive sustainability credentials and it’s dining experience centred on storytelling and showcasing Scotland’s regions through provenance-led dishes.

Julie Trevisan-Hunter, Marketing Director at The Scotch Whisky Experience, said: “Being recognised at the Thistle Awards during Amber’s 25th anniversary is an incredible milestone for our entire team.

“For a quarter-century, we have pioneered immersive food and whisky dining on the Royal Mile, proudly showcasing Scotland’s larder and creating lasting memories through exceptional food and drink, bringing the stories behind them to light.”

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Victoria Street was named Best Hotel, sponsored by Fishers. Judges were impressed by the hotel’s extremely high-quality visitor experience and a clear passion for local partnerships.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “Winning Best Hotel at the Scottish Thistle Awards is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

“This recognition belongs to our exceptional team, whose passion, warmth and commitment create unforgettable stays every day. We’re delighted to celebrate this achievement alongside our guests, partners and the Edinburgh community who inspire us to keep raising the bar.”

While A Wee Pedal, earned the title of Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, sponsored by GetYourGuide. The family-run business helps visitors discover a different side of Edinburgh through guided bike and e-bike experiences and judges commended the forward-thinking and progressive approach while firmly remaining centred around people.

Leanne Farmer, Owner of A Wee Pedal said: “Winning the Scottish Thistle Award is a tremendous honour, recognising the passion, dedication and innovation that underpins everything we do.

It celebrates our incredible team, strengthens our reputation, inspires confidence among visitors and partners, and showcases how tourism can successfully combine outstanding visitor experiences with meaningful community impact and sustainability.”

There was further success for Edinburgh Zoo following its Climate Action award win at last year’s national ceremony. The popular attraction took home the Inclusion Award, sponsored by AccessAble, for its work including the development of employment pathways with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, extensive youth employability and significant investment into community engagement programmes.

Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said: “Making nature more inclusive is at the very heart of our work at Edinburgh Zoo and across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. 

“We passionately believe that nature is for everyone which is why we are determined to make the zoo as accessible as possible.”

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV. 

Every year, the spectacular showcase at Edinburgh Castle brings together military bands, musicians and performers from around the world. This international appeal alongside the iconic venue and the event’s success in showcasing Scotland’s culture and heritage were key reasons the event took home the trophy.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “This award celebrates the passion and vision that drives The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and we are honoured to be recognised for the power of our performance to connect, inspire and uplift.

“We are proud to share in Scotland’s rich cultural story with the world, and this achievement reflects the exceptional efforts of our team, partners, and global cast.”

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction, earned the title of Best Visitor Attraction. Judges commended the attractions groundbreaking approach to the visitor experience with innovation evident in every area of the organisation.  

Andrew Johnson, General Manager said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award.

“It is a powerful recognition of the creativity, commitment and care shown by our entire team, and of our ongoing ambition to make Camera Obscura & World of Illusions an inspiring, welcoming and forward-thinking place to visit, work and enjoy.”

The Climate Action Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland, was won by Edinburgh International Festival.  The world-renowned event earned the judges’ favour through initiatives like their carbon foot printing process and strong staff engagement and training.  

Francesca Hegyi, Edinburgh International Festival’s Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to accept this Climate Action Award from the Scottish Thistle Awards.

“Climate action is built into how we plan, programme and deliver the Festival, and this award is a real encouragement to keep pushing further and lead by example within Scotland’s cultural sector”.

Finally, Helen McVey of Highland Experience Tours was named the winner of the Rising Star award, sponsored by HIT Scotland.

Since joining Highland Experience Tours in 2023 Helen has progressed into the leading role of developing the company’s sustainability, operational improvements and ethical strategy. She took the lead in the company’s application to become a certified B Corp business that has helped embed value-led practices across the whole business.

Helen said: “Winning the Rising Star Award is an incredible honour. I feel so incredibly lucky to have grown with Highland Experience, a team that believes tourism can be a force for good.

“Leading our B Corp journey has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, allowing me to help turn those values into action.”

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, in September. The Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final. 

Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Congratulations to all nine Edinburgh businesses and events recognised at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards regional final. Their success reflects the innovation, dedication and passion that continue to make Edinburgh one of the world’s most inspiring visitor destinations.

“From outstanding visitor experiences and exceptional hospitality to internationally renowned events and attractions, these winners showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry. They play a vital role in supporting jobs, communities and local economies while delivering memorable experiences for visitors from near and far.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across our sector, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work of the teams behind each business and event. I wish all of our winners the very best as they go on to represent Edinburgh at the national final later this year.”

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. 

Regional winners for Central and East were announced at a ceremony hosted by radio DJ Grant Stott 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 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 by 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. 

This year’s sponsors also include AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.    

For a full list of winners, please visit:

Central and East Thistle Awards Winners 2026 – News | VisitScotland.org

Edinburgh Zoo lantern trail returns

Back for another magical year! 🪐

Our spectacular outdoor lantern trail is back – this time with an out-of-this-world space safari twist! 🚀

From glowing galaxies to towering cosmic creatures, get ready to explore a luminous interstellar adventure like never before.

🔗 Book your ticket now – https://shorturl.at/4hUM8

2300 children take part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event

Children stand in a park with their arms raised in a yoga pose

Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.

Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.

The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires. 

The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. 

Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities. 

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners. 

“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.

“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.

“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar. 

“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”

Amazon staff summer celebration at Edinburgh Zoo

Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration

Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.

The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.

Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.

“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”

Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.

“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”

 The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.

Exclusive exhibition invites public to share their fondest Edinburgh Zoo memories

As Edinburgh Zoo celebrates 110 years, recently retired keeper Karen Stiven shares her favourite memories and encourages the public to add their own stories to the archive

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting members of the public to share their memories of Edinburgh Zoo as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, helping to preserve the stories that have made the zoo a cherished part of Scottish life since it first opened in 1913.

Among them is Karen Stiven, who has recently retired after 45 years at RZSS. Joining the zoo in 1981, Karen dedicated her career to caring for a number of animals from birds to hoofstock and became one of the zoo’s longest-serving keepers.

Now retired from her role as Experienced Keeper, Karen has witnessed decades of change at Edinburgh Zoo. One of her fondest memories is hand-rearing a young hippo, Cleo, a challenge that involved sleepless nights and round the clock care. Seeing the calf grow and thrive made all the hard work worthwhile and remains one of Karen’s most treasured memories.

Karen believes preserving the zoo’s history is just as important as creating new memories for future generations. She said: “Having these archives is a huge achievement.

“They allow people to look back and see where everything started, how much has changed and how far we’ve come.

“The stories are incredibly important and I hope people continue adding their own memories so future generations can do the same for many years to come.”

The appeal comes as RZSS continues to uncover and preserve stories from across its history. While archive collections contain official records and photographs, the charity says some of the most valuable insights come from the personal memories of people who have visited, worked at or supported Edinburgh Zoo over the years.

David Field, CEO of RZSS, said: “Karen’s story is a wonderful example of the memories that make Edinburgh Zoo so special. After 45 years of dedication, she has been part of countless moments that have shaped the zoo’s history.

“Karen’s story is just one of thousands and for 110 years, Edinburgh Zoo has played a part in the lives of people across Scotland and beyond.

“We know there are an abundance of family photographs, favourite animal encounters, school trip memories and personal stories waiting to be shared, and we would love to hear them. Every memory helps us build a clearer picture of our past and preserve it for future generations.”

Members of the public can share photographs, souvenirs and other memorabilia with the team as part of Memories Week running from 13 – 21 June, helping ensure the next chapter of Edinburgh Zoo’s story is recorded alongside the first 110 years.

Edinburgh Zoo archive celebrates 110 years of memories

A special Memories Week exhibition will take visitors through the Zoo’s remarkable past, revealing how generations of memories continue to shape its future

Families, visitors and supporters are invited to celebrate generations of memories as the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo opens the doors to its past this June. The rare archive material, much of it unseen for over 100 years, goes on public display during a special Memories Week from 13 – 21 June 2026. 

The week-long celebration will shine a spotlight on the wildlife conservation charity and the generations of people who have grown up visiting Edinburgh Zoo, from first family days out and school trips to encountering some of its most loved animals.

Highlights include children’s letters addressed to “Mr Zoo Man”, photographs and memorabilia from community events such as a 1927 carnival, and early records from the Zoo’s opening on 22 July 1913, when visitors reportedly left with mud on their finest shoes due to ongoing construction.

The exhibition also reveals how founder Thomas Haining Gillespie described creating Edinburgh Zoo as “an obsession”, despite many believing Scotland’s climate made it impossible to house animals from around the world. Determined to create something different from the time, Gillespie championed a revolutionary “open-air zoo” concept, giving animals more natural spaces and room to retreat from public view.

The early meetings did not always run smoothly. At RZSS’s first annual meeting in July 1909, attendance was reportedly so low that organisers had to call in a passerby from the street to make up the numbers needed to pass motions. Despite this, the focus of these early gatherings remained the creation of a new zoological garden in Scotland.

David Field, CEO of RZSS said; “Edinburgh Zoo holds a special place in the hearts of so many people. Memories Week is a chance to celebrate those connections and the role the Zoo has played across generations.

“We want people to come along, reminisce, share their stories, bring in their keepsakes and be part of preserving this incredible history for the future.

“Some parts of the archive reflect a very different time and understanding of animal care and conservation than we have today.

“We would not attempt to defend everything from the past, but it is important to acknowledge how much has changed over more than a century and how those lessons have helped shape the conservation and welfare values we continue to build on today.”

Corstorphine incidents: Police appeal

DID YOU SEE WOMAN IN DISTRESS ON CORSTORPHINE ROAD?

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a report of a woman in distress in the Corstorphine area.

Between Monday, 25 and Wednesday, 27 May, 2026, it is believed a woman was seen to run into the roadway on Corstorphine Road, near the zoo.

Members of the public stopped to assist the woman and officers are looking to speak to these witnesses, particularly the taxi drivers who helped.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland quoting reference 2016 of 2 June.

Visitors invited to share much-loved memories as Edinburgh Zoo unlocks historical archives

Items from the University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections will be displayed as part of “Memories Week”, offering a rare insight into over a century of Edinburgh Zoo’s history

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting the public to step back in time this summer as it unveils a newly digitised and documented archive. 

Created in partnership with The University of Edinburgh’s Heritage Collections, the exciting findings reveal the rich history behind one of the world’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Zoo.

A curated selection of materials from the archive will go on display at Edinburgh Zoo from 13th –21st June 2026 as part of “Memories Week”, hosted at Lemur Lodge. The exhibition will offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore never-before-seen photos, video and documents that trace the Zoo’s journey across changing generations.

The collection dates back to the founding of RZSS in 1909 and explores the early vision of Thomas Haining Gillespie, whose ambition was to create a place where nature is protected, valued and loved. Through photographs, letters, maps and original papers, the archive captures the wildlife conservation charity origins, the opening of Edinburgh Zoo on 22 July 1913, and defining moments from more than 110 years ago.

As part of the exclusive week, Edinburgh Zoo is encouraging visitors and long-time supporters to visit the dedicated exhibition and share their memories. By bringing their treasured keepsakes with them there will be an opportunity to dive deeper into their personal stories and hear from staff about the history of the souvenirs.

David Field, CEO of RZSS said: “By sharing these archives wider, we are not only preserving the rich legacy of Edinburgh Zoo but inviting people to become part of it, learn more about how it all began and leave inspired about its exciting future. 

“Visitors have grown up with Edinburgh Zoo as part of their lives, and we want to capture their memories and personal connections. Memories Week is all about celebrating Edinburgh Zoo’s vast history while also helping to safeguard its future, saving wildlife and connecting people with nature.”

Daryl Green, Associate Director, Heritage Collections (Research & Curatorial) and Co-Director of the Centre for Research Collections at the University of Edinburgh added; “There has been a deep and enduring connection between the University and Edinburgh Zoo, spanning many decades.

“We are so happy to work closely with The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to provide long-term access to the Zoo’s history, preserving the memories of the visitors, the staff and – most importantly – the animals who have shaped the last century.”

Tesco shoppers select Corstorphine First Aid to receive a £1,500 donation

Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training is celebrating after being selected by  Tesco customers to receive a £1,500 donation.

Shoppers at Tesco Extra Corstorphine voted for local community causes using Tesco’s famous blue voting tokens, with three groups receiving cash grants as part of the supermarket’s Stronger Starts campaign.

Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training was one of three local charities that customers voted for, receiving £1,500 as part of the scheme after receiving the most votes.

The winning charity is comprised entirely of volunteers, who are trained in first aid techniques and provide medical cover for events in Edinburgh and beyond, as well as first aid training to businesses and community groups.

The funds will allow the group to purchase essential first aid equipment so they can continue first aid training and help to keep people safe. 



Dominic Burns, Chair at Corstorphine First Aid Support and Training, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this funding as part of the Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, and would like to thank our local community for their votes.

“Corstorphine First Aid is a community focused charity and this money will be used to support our activity in teaching and providing life saving first aid skills to people across Edinburgh.” 

The other groups to receive grant funding from the store’s Stronger Starts blue token votes include The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland [RZSS] and Corstorphine Primary School, as well as Fox Covert Primary School.

The funding will support RZSS and Corstorphine Primary school in their joint initiative, which sees representatives from Edinburgh Zoo get the pupils involved with nature and animals through educational demonstrations within the school.

The grant awarded to Fox Covert Primary School, will support the school’s breakfast club, ensuring that all pupils can have a healthy snack and a good start to their day.

Stronger Starts helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.

Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “Our Tesco team would like to thank all of our customers for their help in supporting these three fantastic causes through our Stronger Starts campaign. 

“Every vote helps us to provide funding to groups making a difference in our community.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “We are incredibly proud to award Stronger Starts grants to over one hundred schools and local projects, supporting the vital work they do for our children and communities.

“Since we launched our grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.”