Loch Lomond Business Recognised as Tourism and Hospitality Hero in Scottish Thistle Awards

Posted in: Business Development

John Stevenson, owner of bespoke sightseeing and tourism business Scotland’s Wild, has been crowned Tourism and Hospitality Hero at the VisitScotland West of Scotland Regional Thistle Awards in October 2017.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards, which celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry.

A former forest ranger for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, John started his own business, tour company Scotland’s Wild, to offer small group tours of Scotland’s amazing natural assets, and to use local knowledge and experience to ensure visitors have a spectacular time in Scotland. Less than a year on from being awarded a VisitScotland 5 Star tour rating, the local business is now an award-winning operation.

Tour company Scotland’s Wild, whose tours hold a maximum of 8 passengers, prides itself in offering visitors the opportunity to “get out and explore, have fun and create amazing stories during your time in Scotland.”

I absolutely love being out in Loch Lomond, meeting people from across the world and showing them how special it is.

John Stevenson Owner, Scotland's Wild

Owner John, a keen traveller himself, said: 

“Experience Scotland’s Wild is not about sight-seeing, it’s about sight-doing. I like to take people off the beaten track so they can truly experience and immerse themselves in Scotland’s beautiful landscapes.”

Scotland’s Wild is just one of several Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Clyde Sea Lochs Businesses reaching the regional finals of this year’s VisitScotland Regional Thistle Awards. The West Regional Final was held on 26th October 2017 at Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow and the winners of the regional finals will now go on to fly the flag for the West region, at the glittering national final of the Scottish Thistle Awards at the EICC in Edinburgh in March 2018.

Winners will be announced at the Central, Fife & Tayside / Lothian & Borders Regional Final (joint awards) on 23rd November 2017 at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. 

Business finalists in this region include:

  • Forest Holidays Strathyre – Best Accommodation Provider (Central, Fife and Tayside)
  • Go Ape - Best Outdoor Adventure Experience (Central, Fife and Tayside)
  • Loch Earn Tourism Information - Innovation in Tourism (Central, Fife and Tayside)
  • Kim Proven, Loch Earn Tourism Information - Regional Ambassador (Central, Fife & Tayside)
  • Mhor Festival – Best Cultural Event or Festival (Central, Fife & Tayside)

Full list of the West Regional Winners here.

Full list of Thistle Awards Regional Finalists here.