Scotland’s first Festival of Movement will soon come to Linlithgow! We are delighted to now reveal the full programme for the day.
Join us across Linlithgow, from the West Lothian Cycle Route to The Cross, on Saturday 29 March for a free, fun-filled day of opportunities to get moving, from in-line skating to led cycles, as well as talks, discussions and creative workshops for all ages and abilities.
COVID-19 Day of Reflection today will be marked with local events in communities up and down the country
Members of the public invited to take part in the COVID-19 Day of Reflection in ways that are meaningful for them
Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection have been organised by communities to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic.
They will also be an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made, the impact on our daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers during what was an unprecedented time.
Events, gatherings and commemorations are taking place across the country, including:
A procession along the National Covid Memorial Wall, followed by a ceremony and a minute’s silence, and flowers being cast from London’s Lambeth Bridge
NHS Charities Together will be holding an event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which commemorates the thousands of people who tragically lost their lives since the pandemic began, and pay tribute to the critical role played by the NHS, its workforce and NHS charities in supporting patients and communities during the pandemic.
Manchester Cathedral will host a special prayer service, honouring and reflecting upon the experiences felt by the Black, Caribbean and African community who faced unique challenges during the pandemic.
Local authorities are recognising the day across the country. In Liverpool St George’s Hall will become the city’s focal point for the Day’s activities and in Sheffield the City Council is partnering with a community-led, NHS-funded programme, Compassionate Sheffield, for commemoration, speeches and a showing of the Stories from the Pandemic documentary.
In Scotland, Covid19 Families Scotland will be hosting an event outdoors at Glasgow Green which includes a piper, choir and minute’s silence.
In Treorchy, South Wales, the COVID-19 bereaved will gather and remember their loved ones and place named flags in a yellow heart made of local stones, which was created in 2021 on Bwlch Mountain. The yellow heart became a memorial to all those that died from COVID-19 in Wales and has been brought back to its former glory by the COVID-19 bereaved group this year.
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Memory Stones of Love, who are a group set up by bereaved families during the pandemic, will be marking the day by holding a remembrance concert with music, poems and readings, as well as displaying their stones with inscriptions of those we lost during the pandemic.
Members of the public can find more information to help them to mark the day if they wish, including an interactive map that displays all the events taking place up and down the country, at gov.uk/day-of-reflection.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “The pandemic impacted us all in different ways, with many sadly losing loved ones and others making great sacrifices in their lives.
“This COVID-19 Day of Reflection will allow people the space and time to reflect and I would encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels right for them.”
Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Baroness Morgan of Cotes said: “It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the COVID-19 pandemic, to reflect on what happened, remember those whose lives were impacted in so many ways and honour those who tragically lost their lives.
“Today is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect and commemorate their loved ones.”
The government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations made by the Commission and a full response will be published in due course.
COVID-19 DAY OF REFLECTION:
Message of thanks from NHSGGC Chair
TODAY, Sunday 9th March at 12 noon, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) will join organisations across Scotland in a minute’s silence to remember those we lost and honour the commitment and sacrifice of all our health and social care staff throughout the COVID pandemic.
The silence is part of a national Day of Reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic and, ahead of that event, NHSGGC’s Chair, Dr Lesley Thomson KC, reflects on what was an incredibly difficult time and shares a message of thanks and tribute to staff, patients and members of the public:
“On Sunday 9th March, the nation will come together to reflect on the pandemic – to pause and think back to a set of challenges few, if any, of us had ever experienced before.
“The fear and uncertainty, the pressure on our all services through increased demand and through the requirement for strict measures to keep us all safe.
“The loss of friends and loved ones. The sheer sadness that swept the entire country. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost someone close to them.
“Health and social care staff, ambulance crews, police, fire services, shop workers, other essential staff. Those who were furloughed and others who endured so much uncertainty about what the future would bring. Every one of us will remember just how tough those days were.
“But, across NHSGGC, we should also remember how everyone stepped up – how we rose to meet the tasks we faced.
“We supported each other, looked out for our colleagues and friends, and we cared for those who were struggling. Within weeks we had adopted new ways of working and we had embraced new technology – all in the pursuit of the best possible care for our patients.
“To those people, those thousands of staff who did so much for our patients, we would like to say thank you. Thank you for the long hours, for the time away from your families, for the courage it took to put on that PPE and head out for your shift.
“We would also like to pay tribute to our patients, and the public. For your forbearance and flexibility, your patience throughout difficult times. For the way you gathered every week in support of our staff. Your appreciation will never be forgotten.
“As time passed, the vaccine came and case numbers fell. Across the country, life began to adapt to a new semblance of normal.
“But the reality is we’re still dealing with the legacy of those difficult times. As is the case right across the country, NHSGGC’s services still face considerable challenges.
“Every day, every one of our staff is doing all they can to address those challenges and to make sure our patients get access to the best care we can provide.
“We would like to thank them all once more for that new commitment – whether they worked through the pandemic or have joined the NHSGGC family more recently.
“We would also like to thank our patients and members of the public for your ongoing support.
“But please be assured – we are turning a corner.
“The challenges of COVID forced us to adopt new ways of working. The use of digital technology and AI, the commitment to help more people more quickly through day surgeries and virtual care – all of these changes have brought with them a new set of opportunities to provide the care our patients need.
“However, while they bed in, we must ask something more from you – that you continue to work with us and to embrace new ways of accessing care.
“It may be a willingness to try a virtual appointment or a phone consultation, or maybe thinking twice before going to A&E and instead calling 111.
“COVID-19 has started us on a path from which there is no going back, and we need to embark on that journey side by side.
“Our commitment to your care will never waver – that is the constant you can always rely on. But just like you did back in 2020, as we all lived through those dark days, we ask you to trust us once more as we take this journey together – to a new NHS, shaped by the pandemic but designed for the next century of healthcare.
“So on Sunday 9th March we invite you to join the nation in a moment’s reflection, to mark the loss and the sacrifice, to remember with pride the commitment, professionalism and teamwork – and to move forward together to a new future.”
NHS LOTHIAN:
On this National Day of Reflection, we take a moment to remember & honor those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re offering another chance to see our staff’s reflections on working through one of the most extraordinary chapters in recent history:
Our new spring exhibition is ‘Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books’ and explores the links between wellbeing and nature introduced to us through books from an early age.
Accompanied by a creative programme of events for everyone.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine Until 27 Apr 2025 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Free
Injecting Hope is a new, free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
This exhibition brings together more than 80 objects that were acquired in real time during the peak of the pandemic by curators across the UK. Learn the science behind the creation of the vaccine and understand the logistics behind its global roll-out.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.
Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
Theravada Buddhism Until 9 Mar 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Morning 2 Feb & 2 Mar 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Sensory Sunday 2 Feb & 2 Mar 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00 Free, book required
Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 1 (5, 12, 19 Feb) Block 2 (5, 12, 19 Mar) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
This half term we will be home to an Agency for World Change climate action booth inspired by the Museum of Bern’s Planetopia project. Meet climate impact advocates, get creative, learn more about what the museum is doing for climate action and make your pledge of what small change you can make to live more ecologically.
Museum Socials 21 Feb 10:30-12:00 Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Free, booking required
Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Curiosity Club: Ice Age 22 Feb 10:30-12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.
Relaxed Curiosity Club: Ice Age 22 Feb 14:30-15:30 £10 (£9 Members and Concessions)
Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.
Relaxed Magic Carpet 24 Feb 10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45 £ 3 per child
Join us for a relaxed Magic Carpet session as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, and sensory play. This is a monthly, relaxed version of our Magic Carpet event, for babies, toddlers and children aged 0-6 with additional support needs or for anyone who would prefer a calmer session and a slightly more relaxed pace. This is not a set age range for participants and we welcome all families who feel they may enjoy these sessions.
Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope 25 Feb 09:15-10:00 £12 Adults, £10 Members & Concessions
Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Injecting Hope exhibition which details the rapid research, development and delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Discover the science behind the creation of the vaccine, the logistics behind its global roll-out and will also share some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic.
Magic Carpet Gaelic Week Special 26 Feb 10:30-11:15 Free, booking required
Come along to our Edinburgh Gaelic Week 2025 Magic Carpet special. This interactive session, suitable for under 5s and their accompanying adult, features songs, stories, rhymes, and play with no knowledge of Gaelic required.
Creative Workshop: Sustainable Statement Jewellery 1 Mar 10:30-16:00 £50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession
Join sustainable jewellery designer Syrah Jay to design and create your own statement necklace. Taking inspiration from National Museums Scotland’s nationally significant collection of modern and contemporary jewellery, discover how accessories don’t need to be made from precious metals.
Relaxed Access Evening: Injecting Hope 6 Mar 17:30-19:30 Free
Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine. During this session, visitor numbers will be reduced, and sounds will be lowered to create a more relaxed experience.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Banners, Ballads and Badges 8 Mar 13:00-15:30 £5, £3 (Members and Concessions)
Join an afternoon of talks and crafts as we discuss the vibrant anti-nuclear protests between the 1970s and 1990s and consider the unique role women played in Scotland’s peace movement.
There will be speakers from National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Gareloch Horticulturalists (Horties). Together they will discuss the significance of Scotland’s peace camps and vibrant anti-nuclear protests, which attracted women from all over the world.
Creative Workshop: Hand Embroided Stories 9 Mar 11:00-16:30 £50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession
Join textile artist Louise Goult to create your own unique hand embroidered artwork. Taking inspiration from the treasure trove of creativity in our Fashion and Style gallery, you will learn the skills, stitches and techniques to make a unique hand embroidered artwork.
Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour and a chance to look round the Injecting Hope exhibition after hours. This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors, and is most suitable for those aged 14+.
Friday Friends 14 March 14:00 – 16:00 Free, pre-booking required Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.
Morning Curator tour: Cold War Scotland 18 Mar 09:15-10:00 £12, £10 (Members & Concessions)
Join this tour of our current exhibition Cold War Scotland to better understand a time when the world stood on the brink of nuclear war.
ERKM4Y Polaris Demonstration at Holy Loch, 3rd Feb 1961
Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology will delve deeper into stories explored within the exhibition, from the emergence of nuclear energy in Scotland to the vibrant anti-nuclear protests and political activism of the period.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Tractor Tots Until Mar 2025 10:15 & 13:30 Various dates £20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3 Ticketed
Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play. Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Half Term: Code Breakers 14-16 Feb 11:00-15:00 Free with museum admission
At the National Museum of Flight this half term, learn how secret Second World War codes were made and broken. Learn how secrets were hidden and shared during the Second World War with our family activities. Make your own code and learn how codes were broken. Then try your hand at Morse Code, semaphore and secret writing.
Mercat Tours has launched its 40th-anniversary celebrations with a transformative programme designed to inspire the next generation of local storytellers and tourism professionals. “A Day in Edinburgh”, the inaugural event in a packed year-long calendar of birthday events, took place on Wednesday [29 January], with Mercat Tours and seven partners welcoming 90 second-year pupils from Holy Rood High School.
The event was attended by the Minister for Business Richard Lochhead MSP, who joined the pupils to explore Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the career opportunities within its thriving tourism sector.
The initiative highlighted the collaborative efforts of eight award-winning partners, including Mercat Tours, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, Rabbie’s Small Group Tours, Dovecot Studios, and Holyrood Distillery.
Launched in 2016 as the brainchild of Managing Director Kat Brogan, “A Day in Edinburgh” has grown into a powerful initiative, providing over 685 pupils and 120 staff with memorable, confidence-building experiences.
Working alongside leading tourism institutions, the programme connects young people to Edinburgh’s stories, while giving pupils the opportunity to meet passionate industry professionals, who share insights into their careers, demonstrating how tourism can offer a dynamic, fulfilling career path.
Survey results show 95% of students leave the programme with a stronger connection to their city and a greater appreciation for its vibrant history and cultural offerings.
Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours, said:“As we celebrate 40 years of giving Edinburgh’s history ‘a damn good telling,’ it’s fitting to kick-off our anniversary year by investing in the future.
“‘A Day in Edinburgh’ is more than an educational day out—it’s about igniting pride, ambition, and curiosity in young people while showcasing the vibrant, rewarding and diverse careers available in tourism. This initiative embodies what Mercat Tours stands for: connecting people to their past while inspiring their future.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “We know that careers in tourism are fulfilling and integral to communities across Scotland. Which is why I find this programme, which seeks to inspire future generations to consider a career in this vibrant sector, admirable and valuable.
“Of course, we want there to be even more jobs for tomorrow’s generation. That’s why the Scottish Government is committed to helping the tourism sector to grow, allocating an additional £2 million to VisitScotland in our draft Scottish Budget to continue attracting visitors which supports the economy.”
Joan Daly, Head Teacher at Holy Rood High School, said: “This initiative provides an opportunity for our pupils to enjoy the rich cultural experiences our city has to offer with no cost barriers to consider.
“This provides a real sense of equity for accessing school excursions, making them accessible for all.”
James Campbell, Acting Depute, Holy Rood High School,added: “Not only will it provide an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful cultural sites our city has, but we feel it will go some way in raising their aspirations and developing the skills and confidence to become engaged in society as the new young workforce of the future.”
One participating pupil from Holy Rood High School expressed a newfound aspiration to “be an architect who restructures old buildings like the Georgian House or write about animals for the zoo.”
Another noted the valuable skills they learned: “You have to be friendly, good at socialising, patient, and energetic – a people person, know languages and be polite.”
“A Day in Edinburgh” sets the stage for Mercat Tours’ broader anniversary programme which will feature a packed series of initiatives, events, and a few surprises throughout 2025, with a warm invitation to all to join the celebrations.
The local family business has designed a programme to honour its legacy while thanking the local community, Edinburgh’s tourism industry and its visitors from around the globe for their support over the last four decades. Further details will be revealed soon.
As the UK’s first and only Certified B Corporation™ visitor attraction and a Living Hours Employer, Mercat Tours exemplifies the ethos that “good business does good.”
Passionate advocates that history should be accessible to everyone, visitors and locals alike, programmes like A Day in Edinburgh, demonstrate Mercat’s investment in its community, ensuring Edinburgh’s stories endure while inspiring young people to help shape the city’s future to benefit all, equally.
To find out more about Mercat Tours planned 40th celebrations and “A Day in Edinburgh” programme visit: www.mercattours.com
Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging paw-rents to show their pooches some love this Valentine’s Day at its brand-new dog event at its Edinburgh store that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
Renowned for its love of dogs, Dobbies is hosting this event from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February, giving customers a great opportunity to take a paw-fect digital picture against the Valentine’s backdrop to treasure for years to come. Dogs will snuffle around the store in a sniff-ari trail, with a gift bag reward at the end featuring a Valentine’s dog toy, dog treats and money off vouchers.
Customers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be able to share the love and add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming a variety of dog breeds to the event, supporting a wonderful cause. She said: “This is the first in our series of experiences for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this year and we’re excited to see every customer (paws included) enjoy all the fun that can be had at the My Paw-fect Valentine event.
“Share the love with your pooch, create a memorable moment and support Dogs Trust who are doing remarkable work for dogs in need.”
Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.
Customers can take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher.
Dobbies’ Paw-fect Valentine event at the Edinburgh store is priced at £12.50 per pooch.
For more information about the event and participating stores, visit www.dobbies.com/events.
It’s less than two weeks until we’re officially fully open so make sure that date’s in your diary – Friday, 6th December – and be one of the first down to Granton to check us out. And if you’ve been wondering who’s going to be quenching your thirst and filling your belly, our official Resident foodies will be:
Choola: Nepalese street food with a Scottish twist Fire Bowl: East Asian style street food Buffalo Truck: Delicious fried chicken with all the added delights Social Bite Does dessert: amazing sweet treats and lots of custard Lazeez: Authentic Lebanese delights (fully halal) and shish Pulp Friction: Seasonal fresh fruit infused drinks, from mulled sangrias to frozen margaritas Barney’s and Newbarns: supplying the best locally brewed beers Serving up Williams and Johnson coffee, savoury and sweets will be Long Shot Coffee.
Don’t forget, The Pitt also has two saunas from Soul Water Sauna (booking opening soon), a weekly local produce market from Granton Community Garden, community and family areas, a co-working space and one of the best views in Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth.
December opening hours: Friday 6th: 5pm-10pm Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th: 8am-10pm Then weekly until 29th: Thursday to Sunday: 8am-10pm Hogmanay, Tuesday 31st: 8am-2am – family friendly entertainment with free entry all day to The Pitt Market. Please note, the Hogmanay Extravaganza is a separate, ticketed event which is suitable for 16+ only.
Entry to The Pitt Market is from the Granton Promenade. The Market will always be free to enter and is family and dog friendly every single day.
Retail / Lifestyle Opportunity
Perfect for anyone who wants to trade and be part of a supporting community of entrepreneurs looking to kick start their business or any pop up ideas.
Kat Brogan, the visionary leader behind one of Scotland’s most progressive tourism businesses has been named as the winner of one of the country’s most prestigious tourism and events awards.
The Managing Director of Mercat Tours took home the Scottish Thistle Awards’ highest accolade, the Silver Thistle, at the national final held at the Hilton Glasgow on Thursday 21 November.
Delivered by VisitScotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.
The Silver Thistle is awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution to tourism, an honour bestowed by the industry to someone who delivers stand out work and inspires excellence in others.
Judges said Kat Brogan represented the ‘very spirit of the Silver Thistle Award; a leader whose passion, vision, and commitment to excellence has left a lasting impact on Scottish tourism.’
Business Minister Richard Lochhead who presented the award said: “It was a privilege to award Kat Brogan the coveted Silver Thistle award, celebrating her commitment to inclusivity and sustainability while showcasing the best of our capital city.
“Tourism is vital to Scotland, providing jobs and highlighting the diversity of Scotland’s offer to global audiences.
“And it is a sector which is passionate about driving positive change on behalf of communities across the country. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the industry at every step.”
Among the other Edinburgh winners were The Scotch Whisky Experience which took home the award for Best Visitor Attraction, sponsored by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises. The popular attraction which is based on the Capital’s famous Royal Mile impressed judges with its clear culture for innovation including several examples such as tasting and story-telling experiences.
Susan Morrison, Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive the award for Best Visitor Attraction.
“A huge thanks to our amazing customer-facing and support teams. This award is truly the culmination of everyone working together to welcome the world and help them on their journey to fall in love with Scotch whisky.”
Meanwhile, nearbyCamera Obscura & World of Illusions, was namedTourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year.
Judges commended the attraction for its diverse workforce which fosters an atmosphere of dignity, honesty and response. It was also praised for having regular dialogue with staff with lots of opportunity for innovation, training, sharing of ideas and providing feedback.
Andrew Johnston, General Manager, said:“We are very grateful to the judges for this prestigious award and to our dedicated team for their tireless efforts.
Their commitment to enhancing our facilities and visitor experience has been invaluable. Thank you to our visitors for continuing to enjoying our unique offer of interactive fun.”
Finally,Business Events Shaping Tomorrow ‘BEST’ Business Event – ACNAP 2023 which took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) was named Best Business Event.
Held in June 2023, the event welcomed 450 delegates to the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions’ Annual Conference, bringing together cardiovascular nurses, allied professionals, pharmacists and health care scientists in cardiovascular care.
The conference was praised for contributing to Scotland’s Cardiovascular Nursing expertise, advancing the quality of life for the people of Scotland, and for showing excellent alignment to Scottish Government Policy aims, sustainability and legacy.
EICC Chief Executive, Marshall Dallas said:“At the EICC, we’re dedicated to hosting impactful business events. ACNAP’s 2023 conference is a brilliant example of how a business event can be a catalyst for positive societal impact, by raising public awareness and driving policy change.
“We’re really proud to see this legacy work recognised with a Thistle Award.”
Steven Walker, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Award Industry Panel, said: “My sincerest congratulations to Kat Brogan, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, the EICC and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professionals, on being crowned winners at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards national final.
“This is a remarkable achievement and shines a spotlight on the excellent tourism offerings available in the city.
“Earning recognition as one of the best in the country is a fantastic accomplishment. It not only shines a spotlight on the city but also underscores the positive impact our tourism and events industry has on Scotland as a whole.
“Winning a Scottish Thistle Award means joining a prestigious roll of honour, placing these winners among the country’s finest and opening doors to new opportunities.”
The Scottish Thistle Awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030.
2024 saw more than 700 entries submitted by individuals, businesses, events and community organisations in the bid to be recognised for the role they play in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered in partnership with Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, supported by a panel of industry representatives.
This year’s national sponsors of the Scottish Thistle Awards include headline sponsor, Johnstons of Elgin, as well as Abbey UK, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, The Macallan Estate, LNER, STV, SLTA, Historic Scotland and Fishers. The Scottish Thistle Awards also includes a media partnership with News Scotland including The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
Full list of winners:
Category
Winners
Best B&B or Guest House Experience – sponsored by Abbey UK
Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay
Best Bar or Pub – sponsored by Scottish Licensed Trade Association
The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
Best Business Event
Business Events Shaping Tomorrow ‘BEST’ Business Event – ACNAP 2023, Edinburgh
Best Eating Experience
The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Best Hotel Experience – sponsored by Fishers
Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee
Best Luxury Experience – sponsored by The Macallan Estate
Trump Turnberry, Girvan,
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
Nevis Range, Torlundy
Best Self Catering or Unique Stay
Kabn, Loch Fyne
Best Visitor Attraction – sponsored by Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises
The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh
Celebrating Thriving Communities – sponsored by The Scottish Sun
Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, Dundonald
Climate Action Award – sponsored by LNER
Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow
Inclusive Tourism Award – sponsored by Historic Scotland
Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Innovation in Tourism – sponsored by The Times Scotland
Loch Ness Hub and Travel, Drumnadrochit
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival – sponsored by STV
Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown
Outstanding Sporting Event
World Athletics Indoor Championships, Glasgow
Rising Star Award
Hannah Cochrane – Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow
Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh
Tourism Individual of the Year
Russell Fraser, Loch Ness Hub and Travel, Drumnadrochit
Scotland’s first Festival of Movement will soon come to Linlithgow! We are delighted to now reveal the full programme for the day.
