Scottish Thistle Awards 2024: Science centre and SEC among three Glasgow winners

The Scottish Thistle Awards, held at the Hilton Glasgow on Thursday, 21 November and delivered by VisitScotland 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.

Finalists were invited to compete against their regional counterparts for the coveted national trophy, after being recognised at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards in September, earning recognition across the country for their excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry.

Among the winners was Glasgow Science Centre which took home the Climate Action Award, sponsored by LNER. The popular attraction earned praise for the extensive range of measures it has taken to reduce carbon emissions including working closely with staff, customers, and the wider community.

Dr Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive Officer at Glasgow Science Centre, said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised for the effort and commitment we are putting into our ongoing sustainability journey. Our team has worked exceptionally hard to not only use our unique position to help inform and educate our visitors about climate change and empower them to be advocates for action, but to look at how we adapt our own business practices and engage with partners to improve our local environment. “

There was also individual recognition for the SEC’s Hannah Cochrane who was named the inaugural winner of the Rising Star category. Sponsored by HIT Scotland, the new award aims to recognise the achievements of individuals that are at the start of their career within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Hannah impressed the judges with her drive and enthusiasm and a clear willingness to deliver initiatives and activities.

Speaking about her award, Hannah said: “I am ecstatic to be named the 2024 Rising Star at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards 2024. This means so much and is very personal. My journey in hospitality began with this very event as a waitress at 16, which then ignited my lifelong passion for the industry. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and worked for some outstanding businesses. I really hope this can inspire others as they have inspired me.”

Finally, the World Athletics Indoor Championships, which took place in the city for the first time ever earlier this year, was named as the national winner of the Outstanding Sporting Event category.

The event was commended for its outstanding commitment to responsible sustainable event management, as well as the positive impacts for Glasgow and Scotland which included good attendance and huge global broadcast audiences.

Glasgow Life Director of Culture, Tourism and Events, Billy Garrett, said: “It’s fantastic that the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships has been named Outstanding Sporting Event at the National Finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards – the most prestigious recognition of exceptional quality in tourism and events.

“Glasgow Life was honoured to be able to deliver the 19th edition of the championships with partners including UK Athletics, EventScotland, and the Scottish Government, along with Glasgow City Council. A real highlight of this year’s national events calendar, it once again shone a global spotlight on Scotland as the perfect stage for high-profile events. It also gave Glasgow another opportunity to showcase its expertise as a renowned, welcoming host city for world-class events that further enhance the city’s reputation and contribute significantly to the local economy.”

Steven Walker, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Award Industry Panel, said: “Congratulations to Glasgow Science Centre, Hannah Cochrane, and the World Athletics Indoor Championships 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.