The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open has been shortlisted in the race to win Best Sporting Event at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards.
Scotland’s tourism Oscars celebrate the importance of sporting events in providing a platform for Scotland to show off its greatest assets, with the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday March 14, 2019.
The 2018 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open once again took its place as part of the Rolex Series – the premium category of tournaments on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, each with a minimum prize fund of US$7million. The event at Gullane Golf Club is one of four of Scotland’s major sporting events which have been shortlisted.
The four finalists for Best Sporting Event are:
Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open attracted more than 60,000 visitors when it was held at Gullane in 2018, as well as global media coverage. Judges praised the event’s engagement programme and the diverse range of activities on offer to attract a broad range of audiences.
Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day, held in June, the event attracts a non-traditional audience to the race track and has a significant impact on the local economy, raising the profile of the town and surrounding area. Judges praised the event for its focus on sustainability and accessibility as well as their successful collaboration with Rogue Village to improve the spectator offer.
Salomon Skyline Scotland ™ is an annual set of four skyrunning races which take place on consecutive days in the mountains around Kinlochleven in Lochaber. The year-on-year development of the event culminated in the World Championship in 2018 which attracted more than 2,000 runners from 60 countries. Judges praised thesheer sporting excellence of all the athletes competing in this location as well as thegood community engagement and strong media profile.
Stirling Scottish Marathon invites participants toRun through History by taking in a number of historic locations in the local area. Judges noted that the event has been a game-changer for Stirling and its ambition to host major events. The event attracts more than 6,000 participants to take part in the half and full marathon.
The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate success, innovation and excellence in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry. The Best Sporting Event category is open to any recurring sporting event involving a sporting activity whether a participating or spectator event which inspires and involves all guests, whether local or visiting.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events said:“We are delighted with the strong calibre of sporting events shortlisted for this award, which is a reflection of the excellence and innovation that makes Scotland the perfect stage for Sporting Events.
“This category is a chance to celebrate the contribution that sporting events make to the national economy and recognise the important role they play in providing a platform for Scotland to show off its greatest features to audiences around the world.”
Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “On behalf of the panel, I’d like to congratulate all of those sporting events shortlisted for the national final. The Scottish Thistle Awards let us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry and we look forward to celebrating another fantastic year of excellence, innovation and best practice with all our wonderful national finalists in March.”
The Scottish Thistle Awards are led by a panel of industry experts from several organisations including VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association,sportscotland and Wild Scotland.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk/nationalfinal
