Scottish Thistle Awards 2004

Winners and Finalists

Created by VisitScotland, the Thistle Awards are widely recognised as a mark of excellence and professionalism across Scottish tourism, and award businesses for contributing to the country’s reputation as a first- class visitor destination.

Tourism minister Patricia Ferguson, said: "The winners and finalists are to be congratulated, as they are each examples of the level of world class quality evident across Scotland's tourism product; the kind of quality which is essential if the sector is to continue its growth, and  maintain its position as one of our country's most important industries."

Silver Thistle Award

James Thompson, Prestonfield / The Witchery by the Castle

Skills for Success: Large Company, Sponsored by Scottish Enterprise

Winner: St Andrews Bay Golf Resort and Spa, St Andrews

Finalist: Encore Creative Catering, Glasgow

Finalist: Stobo Castle Health Spa Ltd, Stobo, Borders

Skills for Success: Small Company, Sponsored by Highlands & Islands Enterprise

Winner: Elle Events, Edinburgh

Finalist: Dundee Science Centre (Sensation), Dundee

Finalist: Mercat Tours, Edinburgh

Tourism and the Environment, Sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage

Winner: Cream O' Galloway Castle, Douglas

Finalist: Forestry Commission Scotland, Selkirk

Finalist: Perthshire Tourist Board, Perth

Innovation, Sponsored by Macdonald Hotels

Winner: Scottish Borders Tourist Board, Selkirk

Finalist: Edinburgh Canal Centre, Ratho, nr Edinburgh

Finalist: Glasgow Hoteliers Personnel and Training Forum, Glasgow

Travel Journalism: Print and Online Media, Sponsored by Glenfiddich

Winner:Bon Appétit magazine

Finalist: Pocket Mountains Ltd

Finalist: Robb Penn, 'Blown Away' – Condé Nast Traveller

Travel Journalism: Broadcast, Sponsored by Superfast Ferries

Winner: BBC Holiday 2004

Finalist: Scottish Passport

Finalist: The Travel Channel

Flavour of Scotland, Sponsored by The Caterer Group

Winner: The Lochside Lodge and Roundhouse Restaurant, by Kirriemuir, Angus

Finalist: Number One Restaurant, The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

Finalist: The Cross at Kingussie, Kingussie

Customer Care: Hotel, Sponsored by VisitScotland

Winner: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

Finalist: Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Ayrshire

Finalist: Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh

Customer Care: Guest House/B&B, Sponsored by VisitScotland

Winner: Six Mary's Place, Edinburgh

Finalist: Dun Na Mara, Oban

Finalist: The School House Bed & Breakfast, Jedburgh

Customer Care: Self-Catering Operator, Sponsored by VisitScotland

Winner: Crathie Opportunity Holidays, Ballater

Finalist: Morton of Pitmilly, St Andrews

Finalist: The White House Apartments, Glasgow

Customer Care: Visitor Attraction, Sponsored by VisitScotland

Winner: Newhailes, The National Trust for Scotland, Edinburgh

Finalist: Baxters Highland Village, Moray

Finalist: The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh

Customer Care: Camping & Caravan Park, Sponsored by VisitScotland

Winner: Trossachs Holiday Park, Aberfoyle

Finalist:Scoutscroft Holiday Centre, Coldingham

Finalist:Tralee Bay Holidays, Oban

Events and Festivals, Sponsored by EventScotland

Winner: Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh

Finalist:Creetown Country Music Festival, Creetown

Finalist:MTVNE and Local Implementation Group, Edinburgh

Scotland Year-Round, Sponsored by BAA Scotland

Winner: The Auchrannie Spa Resort, Country House Hotel & Country Club, Brodick, Isle of Arran

Finalist: Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board, Edinburgh

Finalist: Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow

Small Business Marketing Initiative, Sponsored by bmi

Winner: Beechwood Country House Hotel, Moffat

Finalist:Pride O' The Clyde, Glasgow

Finalist:The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh

Marketing Initiative, Sponsored by VisitBritain

Winner: The Town House Company, Edinburgh

Finalist:Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, Gourock

Finalist:Scottish Borders Tourist Board, Selkirk