Tourism businesses in Ayrshire are being urged to follow in the footsteps of four 2023 winners from the area as entries open for the annual Thistle Awards.

Tourism and events businesses across Ayrshire and Arran can now officially submit their applications to be recognised across a range of different categories including Best Hotel Experience, Best Eating Experience, Best Bar or Pub and Best Visitor Attraction.   

The Scottish Thistle Awards shine a spotlight on individual businesses, people and partnership working. 

Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combine five regional awards and a national final.   

Last year more than 600 businesses entered from across the country, culminating in the crowning of 17 national winners at a ceremony in Glasgow in December.    

Four Ayrshire and Arran businesses were named regional winners at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final held in September. 

They included Auchrannie Resort on the Isle of Arran, Lamlash House in Newmilns, The Brae in Dreghorn, North Ayrshire, and Jack’s Alt-Stays in Millport, the Isle of Cumbrae.

Since the start of March, people across Ayrshire and Arran have been invited to nominate businesses, individuals and events they think are deserving of recognition in their field.   

While businesses and events must formally enter to be eligible for the Scottish Thistle Awards, the nomination process allows members of the public to show appreciation to those they think deserve some extra recognition.    

Entries to the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsors Johnstons of Elgin, close on April 28. The deadline for public nominations is March 31. 

For more information and to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk .