At the national finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards - which recognise success, excellence and quality in Scotland's tourism industry - the Auchrannie Resort in Brodick beat off fierce competition to be named the winner of the 'Creative Ambition' Award.

The Creative Ambition Award is for people or businesses that can demonstrate creativity, innovation and ambition for Scotland's Hospitality industry and the judges were particularly impressed with Auchrannie's engagement with the community and their commitment to working with industry colleagues, local suppliers and businesses.

Auchrannie Executive Director, Linda Johnston said , “Our success in winning the Thistle Award is due to the flair, hard work and innovation shown by innumerable people who have worked with us here at Auchrannie over the last 27 years, whose contribution has enabled Auchrannie to grow to the resort it is today. We are extremely proud of the resort we have created and we are committed to continually improving to ensure we keep offering our guests a fantastic holiday experience”.

Glenisle Hotel & Bistro in Lamlash, Isle of Arran also received a special commendation in the Fishers Services 'Most Hospitable Hotel' Award category, the winner of which was the renowned Prestonfield in Edinburgh.

The VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards were held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 5 March 2015 at a glittering ceremony hosted by popular TV and radio presenter Edith Bowman.

The Thistle Awards are regarded as the Oscars of Scottish tourism and the Auchrannie team were over the moon at winning a third Thistle Award. Auchrannie first won a Thistle Award in 2004 in the “Tourism Year Round” category and in 2012 they were successful in winning the award for “Tourism Entrepreneurship”.

The Scottish Thistle Awards finals were part of the 2015 Scottish Tourism Week Signature Programme. Running from 3rd - 5 thMarch, this is bringing together the country's tourism industry for a series of events showcasing Scotland as an ultimate destination for food, drink tourism and hospitality.

The Scottish Thistle Awards are led by a panel of industry experts from several organisations including VisitScotland, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. This year, for the very first time, members of the public were invited to nominate their tourism champions, with judges determining the final winners.

Stephen Carter OBE, VisitScotland Board Member and Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “2014 was an exceptional year for Scottish tourism, it was the year we welcomed the world. I'd like to congratulate all our tourism champions for their dedication and commitment to Scotland's tourism industry. Tourism is at the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, and all those nominated, are leading the way when it comes to making our country a fantastic place to visit and do business.
The Scottish Thistle Awards is about celebrating excellence, sharing best practice and inspiring a stronger, more cohesive sector. It is important that we continue to recognise those going the extra mile to enhance the visitor experience.”

Auchrannie
Auchrannie Resort started as a 12 bedroom hotel in 1988 and has now grown to be one of Scotland's highest profile resorts with 65 bedrooms, 30 self-catering lodges, 3 restaurants, 2 leisure clubs, children's Playbarn, a Destination Spa and Adventure Company. In the next couple of months the latest phase of Auchrannie's development will open comprising 18 fabulous new bedrooms, two suites, guest lounges, family resource rooms and external terraces. All of the rooms will feature a childrens bunk room (with a TV for each bed) as well as all the features you would expect to find in a luxury hotel bedroom.

The Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran – located off the Ayrshire coast, it is Scotland's most accessible Island. Frequent ferry services link Arran with Ardrossan in Ayrshire and Cloanaig in Kintyre. The ferry port of Ardrossan is less than forty minutes' drive from both Glasgow International and Glasgow Prestwick airport, making Arran the perfect destination for a short break or longer holiday whether travelling from Scotland, the rest of the UK or indeed across Europe.

Attached photo shows (Pictured – Left to right):
Front - Ronnie Mann (Finance and Development Director), Edith Bowman (Awards Host & DJ), Jillian Plenderleith (Recreations Manager), Linda Johnston (Executive Director)
Peeking through in the middle – Lorna Jackson (HR & People Development Manager) & Colin Morrison (Company Accountant)
The photo bombers at the back – Sharon Bell (Conference and Events Manager) & David Johnston (Estate Manager)

For more information or to arrange a press trip please contact:
Gordon Hay, ghay@auchrannie.co.uk tel: 01770 302 234
Website: www.auchrannie.co.uk
Press Information: www.auchrannie.co.uk/press