Events & Training
2000 - The Silver Thistle
2000 - The Silver Thistle
Scottish Thistle Awards 2000 - Winners - The Silver Thistle This prestigious Award seeks to recognise those who are truly committed to Scottish tourism, and who have worked tirelessly within the industry. This Award is presented at the discretion of the final judging panel to an individual or organisation recognised as having made an outstanding contribution to the development of tourism in Scotland. The following is a transcript of the citation read at the Awards Ceremony on 19th November 2000. The winner of our top award this year has proved by his deeds, rather than his words, the qualities necessary for success in tourism. And in an industry that has never been short of advice, his approach says it all. An all-rounder with a flair for the high-profile (or high risk) venture; our Silver Thistle winner has always set his sights high, and rarely had to adjust his aim. His approach challenges convention and suggests that just because a project hasn''t been undertaken in Scotland before, we shouldn''t set about doing it - and doing it well. His approach has been simple and effective. Thorough research, planning and creativity allied to perseverance and hard work have brought reward, and tonight, recognition. With a background in geography, he became involved in tourism after travelling far and wide both within his own country and throughout the world, enjoying good food, good company and the fascination with our culture, heritage and environment. After working in the music industry organising concerts throughout Scotland, a book followed, which has since become the definitive guide to touring Scotland, highlighting everything from hillwalking, hostels, entertaiment and unusual places to stay, eat and drink. ''Scotland the Best'' won a Thistle Award in 1995 and has been a best seller every year since. After the book, came the event. As the mastermind behind Edinburgh''s Hogmanay, our Silver Thistle Winner was instrumental in shaping the event that, more than any other, re-positioned Edinburgh and Scotland as an attractive option for a short break at any time of year. Moreover, he persuaded top artists and TV executives to support his event and in so doing generated worldwide publicity that Scotland was the place to be at Hogmanay. Through his company, Unique Events, he continues to promote and sell Scotland at every opportunity; reminding us each Sunday through his ''Scotland the Best'' column in Sunday Times Ecosse that a finely-tuned sense of humour and of the idiosyncrasies of the Scottish personality are as much as part of his make-up as the more glamorous aspects of his life and work. He has used his creativity to boost Scotland's economy and standing both at home and abroad. His events has given enormous enjoyment to hundreds of thousands of people, as well as being broadcast to a worldwide audience, and have helped to establish Scotland as the home of hospitality. He is, of course, Peter Irvine. |