A dozen Ayrshire businesses are celebrating today after making the West of Scotland regional shortlist for Scotland’s premier tourism and events industry awards. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsor Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the very best of the industry, which is worth £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy. 

Thirty tourism businesses, events and individuals are in the running to receive the prestigious award, as the shortlist for the regional finals is revealed. 

Ayrshire and Arran Destination Alliance is among the tourism businesses and organisations shortlisted in the West of Scotland Thistle Awards. The industry-led destination and marketing organisation is shortlisted in the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award alongside VisitArran. 

Heads of Ayr Farm Park is shortlisted in the Best Visitor Attraction Award, sponsored by The Scottish Sun. The Brae in Dreghorn is also shortlisted in the Best Bar or Pub category.  

Auchrannie Resort on Arran is shortlisted in the Best Hotel Experience category, sponsored by Fishers, as is Trump Turnberry. 

The Isle of Arran hotel is also shortlisted in the Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year Award. 

And Mid Wellwood Bothy in Cumnock and Jack’s Alt-Stays on Cumbrae are shortlisted in the Best Self Catering Experience category.  

Shortlisted in the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience category are Craufurdland Tree Top Trials and Bellevue Farm, Isle of Arran. 

In the running for the Inclusive Tourism category, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, is Biosphere Bikes in South Ayrshire.  

The five different regional award winners go through to battle it out for a national accolade at the National Final in December.  

Every entry to was required to provide clear evidence on how their business addresses responsible tourism, with new categories such as the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award, Inclusive Tourism Award and Climate Action Award introduced this year.  

The 2023 awards saw more than 600 entries submitted, including almost 1,200 nominations from members of the public.   

Steven Walker, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “Every one of the shortlisted regional finalists is supporting our ambition to make Scotland a better place for people to live and visit.

"On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all regional finalists and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals and beyond.”  

VisitScotland's Ayrshire and Arran regional director Lynsey Eckford said: “It is fantastic to see such a strong representation from Ayrshire and Arran in the regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.  

“These entries show the strength and depth of the tourism offer in Ayrshire & Arran, from quality visitor attractions and experiences to example of collaboration and innovation, and much more!

"I wish all those shortlisted the very best of luck at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards.”  

 The West of Scotland Thistle Awards ceremony will take place at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on September 28.