Aviemore business scoops prestigious national tourism award
Two Highland tourism businesses - from Aviemore and Beauly - are celebrating after scooping prestigious national awards.
Wilderness Scotland, based in Aviemore, and Aigas Field Centre, both won a Scottish Thistle Award at Scotland’s premier tourism awards ceremony on Friday evening (November 15), taking the marketing campaign of the year award and Year of Natural Scotland - Best Nature Based Experience Award, respectively.
Organised by VisitScotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards recognise the exceptional efforts made by companies and individuals across the country, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, tour operators, food and drink establishment and event organisers.
Wilderness Scotland is a specialist adventure travel company offering an inspiring range of holidays, journeys and wilderness experiences in the most remote and beautiful regions of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
They beat off stiff competition on the night from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Hilton Dunkeld House and McKinlay Kidd to scoop the award.
Paul Easto, Proprietor of Wilderness Scotland, said:“Wilderness Scotland Mr has always placed great value on the Thistle Awards.
"To be recognised as one of the best tourism business in Scotland is a great honour and very rewarding.
"It is also hugely motivating to our team of hard working staff who commit heart and soul to delivering outstanding customer experiences.
"We look forward to keep improving as a business and featuring in the Scottish Thistle Awards again next year."
For over 30 years, Aigas Field Centre has been offering fully inclusive, small-group learning holidays and study courses exploring the stunning wildlife, habitats and landscapes of the Highlands and Islands.
Over that time their guided wildlife holidays and educational programmes have earned a global reputation.
Aigas Field Centre emerged victorious against tough competition from the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Highland Safaris and Newton Stewart Walking Festival to take the title.
Warwick Lister-Kaye, General Manger at Aigas Field Centre, said: "I am delighted to accept the Thistle Award on behalf of the family and wonderful staff at Aigas Field Centre.
"Aigas has been innovating and leading the field of eco-tourism in Scotland since the 1970s.
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"Our mission is to educate and inspire people from all over the world about the stunning wild and unspoiled landscapes of the Highlands of Scotland and to teach the value of the creatures that we share this land with.
"Our staff are vital in the delivery of that goal and in collecting this award, I salute them!"
Mike Cantlay, VisitScotland Chairman, said: “Congratulations to all finalists and of course the winners. We’ve a lot to look forward to in 2014 and with the help of all those in the tourism industry, I’m positive we’re going to make a success of it.
“Tourism is riding on the crest of a wave at the moment with accolades coming in from around the world.
"One of the major contributing factors is those at the forefront of the tourism industry.
"The dedication and commitment of the finalists and winners is the driving force behind Scotland’s success and I’m extremely proud and privileged to be part of it.”
Now in their 21 year, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence and quality within the tourism industry.
They are widely recognised as the mark of excellence and professionalism across the industry, awarding businesses’ contributions to making Scotland a top visitor attraction.
The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at Stirling Castle, hosted by popular GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
Regional winners from the North East and Tayside, Central South West and Central South East came together with winners from the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards for the national final.
Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said:“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists and of course the winners, the Thistle Awards come at an exciting and historic time for tourism in Scotland.
“In the next year, Homecoming Scotland 2014 will position Scotland on the international stage as a dynamic and creative nation.
"It will extend the benefits and opportunities offered by the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup by presenting a year-long, co-ordinated programme of events designed to generate pride in the people of Scotland and welcome visitors around the world in a celebration of some of Scotland’s greatest assets.
“The year-long programme of events planned across the country will celebrate the very best of Scotland’s food and drink, our assets as a country of natural beauty as well as our rich creativity and cultural and ancestral heritage.
"Which is why Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 has named Scotland as the third best country to visit in 2014 citing Scotland’s jam-packed schedule of world-class events as reasons to visit in the coming year.”